Louisiana Jones Act Lawyers
Over $1 Billion Recovered for Maritime Accident Victims. We are proud to have a reputation for aggressively fighting for the rights of injured workers.
Experienced New Orleans Jones Act Lawyers for Injured Seamen – Lambert Zainey
If you work on a boat or vessel and got hurt on the job, you have special rights under a federal law called the Jones Act. This isn’t like regular workers’ comp. If you qualify as a “seaman,” the Jones Act lets you sue your employer if they were careless or unsafe (negligent) and caused your injury. This means you could get money for medical bills, lost pay, pain and suffering, and more.
Handling a Jones Act claim right takes lawyers who really know maritime law and have experience with these cases in New Orleans and Louisiana. Lambert Zainey is a trusted maritime injury law firm. For decades, we’ve been fighting hard for injured seamen. We know the dangers you face out there, we understand the complicated laws, and we work to get you the full amount of money you deserve.
Injured Seaman? Find Out if You Have a Jones Act Claim.
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What is the Jones Act? Your Rights as a Seaman
The Jones Act (its official name is the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, but everyone calls it the Jones Act) is a key federal law that gives special help to workers called “seamen” who get injured on the job. Here’s what it means for you:
Are You a “Seaman” Under the Jones Act?
Figuring out if you legally count as a “seaman” is the first big step. It depends on your specific job. Usually, you need to meet two main tests:
The “Connection Test”
Basically: Does your job help the vessel do its job? And do you spend a good chunk of your work time (often 30% or more, but it’s flexible) working on a specific vessel or a group of vessels that are “in navigation” (meaning operating)?
What Counts as a “Vessel”?
The place you work must legally be a “vessel.” This includes most things that float and move: ships, boats, barges, tugboats, crew boats, supply boats, dredges, jack-up rigs (when moving or floating), semi-submersibles, etc. It usually does not include fixed platforms stuck permanently to the seabed. The vessel also needs to be:
Examples of Jones Act seamen often include: Captains, Mates, Pilots, Deckhands, Engineers, Oilers, Tankermen, Cooks, Drillers/Roustabouts (on floating/movable rigs), Commercial Fishermen, and crew on many workboats. Determining seaman status can get tricky.
Proving Your Employer Was Negligent (Careless or Unsafe)
To win your Jones Act case, you need to show your employer (or a coworker) was negligent – meaning careless or unsafe – even just a little bit, and that carelessness helped cause your injury. It’s often easier to prove fault under the Jones Act than in regular injury cases. Examples of employer negligence include:
What Money Can You Recover in a Jones Act Lawsuit?
If you prove your employer was negligent, the Jones Act lets you get paid back (“recover damages”) for many different kinds of losses caused by your injury. The goal is to cover your costs and try to make up for what you’ve gone through. This can include money for:
Over $1 Billion Recovered for Maritime Accident Victims
Oil storage tank rupture at the Murphy Oil USA refinery in Chalmette, LA. The fastest class certification and resolution of a case of its type and magnitude to date.
Arco cryogenic platform explosion caused by improper cold cut of Southern Natural Gas pipeline. Settlement for the injured and deceased in approximately twelve months.
Other Important Rights You Have (M&C, Unseaworthiness)
The Jones Act isn’t the only protection for seamen. You also have these rights:
Maintenance and Cure (M&C)
This is a basic right you get even if nobody was negligent (even if the injury was your fault, unless you intentionally hurt yourself). Your employer must pay for:
Maintenance: Basic living expenses (like rent/mortgage, utilities, food) while you’re recovering ashore.
Cure: Reasonable and necessary medical treatment until you reach “Maximum Medical Improvement” (MMI) – meaning doctors don’t expect more treatment will make your condition better.
Learn more about your right to Maintenance and Cure ->
Unseaworthiness
Vessel owners have an absolute duty to provide a “seaworthy” vessel. This means the vessel, its equipment, and its crew must be reasonably fit for their intended purpose. If an unseaworthy condition (like defective gear, an improperly trained crew member, or an unsafe layout) causes your injury, you can bring a separate claim against the vessel owner, even without proving negligence.
Understand Unseaworthiness Claims ->
Often, an injured seaman can have claims for M&C, Jones Act negligence, and Unseaworthiness all at the same time. Our lawyers look at all possibilities to get you the most help.
Your Basic Rights as a Seaman
Remember, as a seaman, the law gives you basic rights:
Knowing these rights is the first step to protecting yourself.
Why Pick Lambert Zainey as Your New Orleans Jones Act Lawyer?
Handling Jones Act cases right takes special skills. Lambert Zainey offers:
Frequently Asked Questions about Maritime Injuries
If you work at sea and get hurt, the Jones Act may help you get the care and support you need. This section answers common questions so you can better understand your rights and what steps to take next.
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