One of the most important laws governing the rights of maritime workers is the Jones Act. Enacted in the 1920s, it provides protections for seamen who are injured on the job by expanding the rights of seamen under General Maritime Law and adding new rights and causes of action by which an injured maritime worker can recover compensation for damages.
The New Orleans Jones Act attorneys at Lambert Zainey are often approached by injured workers who aren’t sure whether they qualify as seamen, don’t know whether they have a legal claim, and aren’t fully aware of the damages the Jones Act provides for.
What Can I Recover As An Injured Maritime Worker?
General Maritime Law has always provided basic rights to seamen, including the right to recover for personal injury caused by the unseaworthiness of a vessel and the right to maintenance and cure payments for crew members injured or becoming ill while in service to the vessel. The Jones Act added additional causes of action and recoverable damages to General Maritime law, for maritime workers qualifying as “seamen.”
Maintenance & Cure provides the injured or ill seaman with the following benefits, regardless of any fault:
- Medical treatment by a doctor of the seaman’s choosing, until the seaman reaches maximum medical improvement “MMI” or returns to work.
- The right to shelter & sustenance of the same kind that would have been provided to the seaman if still aboard the vessel – this usually amounts to somewhere between $35 and $45 per day until the seaman reaches maximum medical improvement “MMI” or returns to work.
Learn more about Maintenance & Cure.
The Jones Act and General Maritime Law also provide the potential for the injured seaman to recover for the following types of damages:
- Lost Wages
- Lost Future Earning Capacity
- Current and Future Medical Care
- Pain and suffering
Additionally, if the seaman was killed, his family may be able to recover compensation for loss of support, services, nurturing, training and education in a wrongful death claim.
Over $1 Billion Recovered For Our Injured Clients
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How An Experienced Jones Act Lawyer Can Help
The New Orleans maritime injury attorneys at Lambert Zainey believe maritime employees deserve a safe working environment and reasonable compensation when injuries occur. When your employer fails to hold to this standard, our personal injury attorneys will work hard to get the damages you are entitled to. Contact us today to discuss your case in a free, confidential consultation.
