Jones Act Attorneys represent seamen who have suffered injuries at sea. Think you might have a case? A qualified Jones Act lawyer at Grossman Law may be able to help you recover damages under the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (46 U.S.C. § 30104), also known as the Jones Act.
Have you or a loved one sustained an injury on the high seas? If so, you may be entitled to relief under the Jones Act.
But what is the Jones Act? And how do you know whether you have a case to pursue?
The Jones Act attorneys at Grossman Law Offices can help you answer these questions and more. Our experienced Texas injury lawyers have decades of combined legal experience helping accident victims in need. Give our team a call today to discuss your case and see how we can help you recover.
The Jones Act: An Overview
The Jones Act is a federal statute that provides seamen who have been injured at sea with important legal rights.
As a general matter, seamen are not entitled to state or federal workers’ compensation benefits, as other land-based workers may be. Under the Jones Act, however, a seaman who is injured in the scope of their employment while at sea may instead bring a personal injury action against their employer. This provides seamen with an avenue to recover valuable compensation in the aftermath of a work-related injury arising out of the negligence of their employer.
Who Qualifies as a “Seaman” Under the Jones Act?
The Jones Act provides rights for “seamen.” But what constitutes a seaman under the language of the statute?
A seaman, for purposes of the Jones Act, is someone who performs a significant amount of their job on a vessel. This person can be a captain, crew member, or any other person who spends at least 30% of their job working on a vessel.
What Constitutes a “Vessel”?
A vessel can be almost any kind of boat or ship. However, it is important to note that the vessel must be “in navigation” to qualify a seaman to bring a claim under the Jones Act.
To be “in navigation,” a vessel must be:
- Afloat,
- In operation,
- Capable of moving, and
- On navigable waters.
Thus, if one or more of the above elements is not present, the object will not be considered a vessel in navigation. Common examples of what is not considered a vessel in navigation include oil drilling platforms or floating casino barges.
When Is an Employer Liable Under the Jones Act?
Under the Jones Act, a seaman’s employer has a duty to provide its employees with a reasonably safe place to work. This includes a duty of care to regularly maintain the vessel and keep it in a safe condition. The fact that the place of work is not on land does not alleviate the employer of these legal obligations.
When an employer breaches its duty of care, resulting in injury to one or more seamen, it has committed negligence under the Jones Act. Examples of circumstances for which an employer might be liable under the Jones Act include:
- Failure to properly maintain the vessel and equipment;
- Grease, oil, or other unsafe conditions on the vessel deck;
- Improper or insufficient training for workers;
- Failure to provide workers with proper equipment and safety gear necessary to perform their jobs; and
- Use of unsafe work methods on the vessel.
Of course, these are by no means the only examples of employer negligence under the Jones Act. Contact our Jones Act attorneys to see if you might have an actionable claim.
How Do I Know If I Have a Case Under the Jones Act?
Jones Act cases can be very complicated. And again, each case is different. But a knowledgeable Jones Act attorney will know what to look for in determining whether you have a case.
The first step toward determining whether you may have a claim under the Jones Act is to speak with an attorney. An experienced Jones Act lawyer can discuss the facts and circumstances of your particular case with you and help you determine whether you have a case and how best to move forward.
Why Choose Grossman Jones Act Attorneys?
Handling a potential personal injury claim can be overwhelming. And a Jones Act claim is no exception.
When you sustain injuries in the scope of your employment as a seaman, the impact can be severe. Victims frequently suffer physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial loss.
Jones Act cases can be complex. For this reason, it is imperative that you have an experienced Jones Act attorney in your corner who has the tools and knowledge necessary to fight for your recovery.
Finding the right Jones Act lawyer to take on your case is no easy task. Here are some reasons we think Grossman Law Offices is the team for you.
We Treat Our Clients Like Family
When you hire Grossman Law Offices, you’re hiring more than just another law firm. We strive not only to provide our clients with competent legal representation but also to be a support system in what can be a complicated and emotionally draining time.
Our Jones Act attorneys will do more than just guide you through the legal process. We will listen to you, support you, and be there for you at every step along the way as we work toward a resolution of your legal dilemma.
Grossman Has a Strong Record of Success
Personal injury cases are complex, and no two cases are precisely the same. And while success is never guaranteed in any case, Grossman Law Offices has an excellent track record.
In our nearly 30 years in practice, our attorneys have won thousands of cases, recovering millions of dollars for deserving injury victims in need.
Don’t Take Our Word for It—We Are Honored to Have Thousands of Happy Clients
We can try to tell you all day why we think we’re the right firm for you. But at the end of the day, it comes down to what feels right for you.
We have helped thousands of injury victims navigate their legal claims, and it is truly an honor when we receive a testimonial from a former client. We encourage you to read the testimonials from our many past clients as you decide whether Grossman Law Offices might be a good fit for you.
Selecting an attorney is a big decision, so if you’re not quite ready to move forward, we understand. When you are ready, we’ll be here to help.
Contact the Jones Act Lawyers at Grossman Law Today
Navigating a Jones Act claim can be difficult, but you don’t have to handle it on your own.
If you are in need of a Jones Act lawyer or have questions about the Jones Act in general, contact Grossman Law Offices today. Our team of attorneys is here to help you get the answers you need and the recovery you deserve.
Our attorneys have been helping injury victims in need for nearly 30 years, and we will fight to do the same for you. Contact us today for a free case evaluation to discuss your case and get started on the process toward recovery.