Injured On An Oil Rig Or Cruise Ship? Contact A Jones Act Lawyer

Complex Maritime Laws Govern Accidents And Injuries At Sea

Maritime and admiralty law have changed significantly since they were first introduced centuries ago, making a qualified Jones Act lawyer indispensable when contemplating bringing a lawsuit against the owner, operator, or employer of a sea going vessel. While many of these laws cover the legal issues pertaining to international travel, trade, and more, others apply to liability and other aspects of employment, passage, accidents, and personal injury that may occur while at sea. If you or a loved one have any questions about an accident or injury that occurred while on a boat, platform, or cruise ship, there are a few things you should know.

Many people still ask “What is the Jones Act? ” even though the bill and attorneys experienced with it are significant legal resources for ensuring that they receive proper compensation from the operator of a boat or moored platform. Originally passed as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the bill was designed to protect U.S. sea merchants and other workers from pain and competition in cabotage shipping by extending the rights of railroad workers to seamen. Cabotage is defined as shipping goods or people from one U.S. port to another and, in America, all cabotage is to be performed by American ships crewed by American workers.

In modern times, under international regulations, individual countries reserve the right to determine their own legal policies for compensation, law suits, and rewards for personal injuries that happen at sea. And, for the most part, countries have their own laws. In America, an attorney can pursue the following compensation, both for employees and for passengers of boats and cruise ships:

Maintenance – This includes any and all living expenses incurred while injured. Boat owners are obligated to pay for rent, utilities, travel, and more, for as long as the injury persists.
Cure – Operators are also often responsible for paying the medical bills of people injured on their boats. This includes all medical expenses, as long as the goods and services improve their ability to function.
Liens – If for any reason the owner is unable to pay the damages listed above, victims can have the vessel placed under a lien, as long as the suit is brought in federal court and law enforcement officials enact the seizure of property.

If you or someone you know is contemplating legal action due to an injury that occurred while at sea, contact a qualified legal professional as soon as possible. Federal legislation sets a very strict 3-year statute of limitations on sea-related injuries. If you were involved in an accident on a cruise ship, even if you are not currently experiencing any obvious signs of injury, be sure to maintain all of your tickets and other paper work. Many companies require passengers to sign contracts that reduce the statute of limitations to only one year.

When making your selection, be sure to work with a firm that has proven experience in admiralty, marine, or maritime law, as there are many regulations that a generalized workers' compensation lawyer may not be well-versed in.