Maritime Laws provide a variety of protections for seamen in the service of a vessel. One such protection is covered under the Jones Act, which is sometimes referred to as the Merchant Marine Act. In addition to providing specific protections for seamen injured due to the negligence of the employer, the Act also has provisions on the shipment of goods into United States ports, as well as the regulation of commerce and transport of goods while in U.S. controlled waters.

The Jones Act is a separate form of compensation claim an injured seaman can file with assistance from a Jones Act law firm. It allows the seaman to seek compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term medical treatment and care, beyond compensation paid through maintenance and cure claims.

However, a seaman must prove the employer was negligent in order to have grounds to file a claim under the Jones Act. In cases where the employer is not negligent, the extent of compensation a seaman is entitled to receive is limited to that provided through a maintenance and cure claim.

The Definition of a Seaman

The Jones Act’s definition of a seaman is rather vague. Federal courts and even the Supreme Court have interpreted the definition in the past to help distinguish which types of workers are covered under the Act. In addition, an employee must spend a certain amount of time onboard the vessel and perform specific tasks, which are directly related to helping further the operations of the vessel.

The minimum amount of time spent onboard a vessel can and does vary on a case-by-case basis. If you are injured while working in the service of a vessel but are not sure whether you would be defined as a seaman, it is in your best interests to consult with a maritime and Jones Act lawyer from Maintenance and Cure. Do not hesitate to contact us at 1-800-836-5830 to find out your legal rights and speak with one of our lawyers now!