If you’re a maritime worker who has been injured on the job, one of the most confusing — and most important — questions is: which law protects me? The rules for a crew member on a boat are completely different from the rules for a worker on a dock or a fixed platform. Getting it wrong can seriously impact your ability to get fair compensation.
The two main laws you’ll hear about are the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). They are not the same, and knowing the difference is critical.
To make it simple, our experienced maritime lawyers put together this clear guide and a short video to break it all down.
Watch: Our 60-Second Video Explainer
Watch our quick video below for a straightforward explanation of the key differences between the Jones Act and the LHWCA.
Key Takeaways from the Video
For a quick summary, here are the most important points from the video:
- It all depends on WHERE you work: The main difference between the two laws comes down to your connection to a vessel.
- The Jones Act is for SEAMEN: If you are a crew member on a moving vessel (like a tugboat, supply boat, or movable rig), you are likely a “seaman” protected by the Jones Act.
- LHWCA is for HARBOR WORKERS: If you work at a fixed location like a dock, shipyard, or fixed platform, you are likely a “harbor worker” covered by the LHWCA.
- Jones Act allows lawsuits for PAIN & SUFFERING: This is a critical difference. The Jones Act allows you to sue your employer for negligence and recover money for your pain and suffering.
- LHWCA is a “no-fault” system: It provides benefits for medical bills and lost wages, similar to workers’ comp, but generally does not include compensation for pain and suffering.
Video Transcript
(Voiceover): “If you’re injured in a maritime accident, the law that protects you all comes down to one big question: Where did you work?
If you are a seaman — part of the crew on a vessel in navigation like a tugboat, supply boat or movable rig — you are likely protected by the Jones Act. This powerful law allows you to sue your employer for negligence — or carelessness — and recover money for your medical bills, lost wages, and your pain and suffering.
But if you’re a harbor worker, like a longshoreman or a shipbuilder, you are likely covered by the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, or LHWCA. This is a federal workers’ compensation system. It provides benefits for medical treatment and lost wages, usually without needing to prove it was your employer’s fault.
The key difference is your connection to a vessel. Getting this right is critical for your case, and figuring it out is our job.
If you’ve been injured on the water or at a port, contact the experienced maritime lawyers at Lambert Zainey for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights.”
Get Our FREE Guide to Protect Your Claim
No matter which law applies to you, what you do after an accident is critical. Our free guide helps you avoid common mistakes that could hurt your ability to get fair compensation.
Download our complimentary guide: “5 Costly Mistakes to Avoid After Any Maritime Accident” to learn how to protect yourself and your family.
Still Have Questions? Talk to a New Orleans Maritime Lawyer for Free.
Figuring out your legal status and your rights after a maritime injury can be confusing and stressful. You don’t have to do it alone.
The attorneys at Lambert Zainey have decades of experience with both Jones Act and LHWCA claims. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case.
Call Us 24/7: 800-521-1750 📞
Or Fill Out Our Secure Online Contact Form
If you’re a maritime worker who has been injured on the job, one of the most confusing — and most important — questions is: which law protects me? The rules for a crew member on a boat are completely different from the rules for a worker on a dock or a fixed platform. Getting it wrong can seriously impact your ability to get fair compensation.
The two main laws you’ll hear about are the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). They are not the same, and knowing the difference is critical.
To make it simple, our experienced maritime lawyers put together this clear guide and a short video to break it all down.
Watch: Our 60-Second Video Explainer
Watch our quick video below for a straightforward explanation of the key differences between the Jones Act and the LHWCA.
Key Takeaways from the Video
For a quick summary, here are the most important points from the video:
- It all depends on WHERE you work: The main difference between the two laws comes down to your connection to a vessel.
- The Jones Act is for SEAMEN: If you are a crew member on a moving vessel (like a tugboat, supply boat, or movable rig), you are likely a “seaman” protected by the Jones Act.
- LHWCA is for HARBOR WORKERS: If you work at a fixed location like a dock, shipyard, or fixed platform, you are likely a “harbor worker” covered by the LHWCA.
- Jones Act allows lawsuits for PAIN & SUFFERING: This is a critical difference. The Jones Act allows you to sue your employer for negligence and recover money for your pain and suffering.
- LHWCA is a “no-fault” system: It provides benefits for medical bills and lost wages, similar to workers’ comp, but generally does not include compensation for pain and suffering.
Video Transcript
(Voiceover): “If you’re injured in a maritime accident, the law that protects you all comes down to one big question: Where did you work?
If you are a seaman — part of the crew on a vessel in navigation like a tugboat, supply boat or movable rig — you are likely protected by the Jones Act. This powerful law allows you to sue your employer for negligence — or carelessness — and recover money for your medical bills, lost wages, and your pain and suffering.
But if you’re a harbor worker, like a longshoreman or a shipbuilder, you are likely covered by the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, or LHWCA. This is a federal workers’ compensation system. It provides benefits for medical treatment and lost wages, usually without needing to prove it was your employer’s fault.
The key difference is your connection to a vessel. Getting this right is critical for your case, and figuring it out is our job.
If you’ve been injured on the water or at a port, contact the experienced maritime lawyers at Lambert Zainey for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights.”
Get Our FREE Guide to Protect Your Claim
No matter which law applies to you, what you do after an accident is critical. Our free guide helps you avoid common mistakes that could hurt your ability to get fair compensation.
Download our complimentary guide: “5 Costly Mistakes to Avoid After Any Maritime Accident” to learn how to protect yourself and your family.
Still Have Questions? Talk to a New Orleans Maritime Lawyer for Free.
Figuring out your legal status and your rights after a maritime injury can be confusing and stressful. You don’t have to do it alone.
The attorneys at Lambert Zainey have decades of experience with both Jones Act and LHWCA claims. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case.
Call Us 24/7: 800-521-1750 📞
Or Fill Out Our Secure Online Contact Form
