Jones Act
Personal Injury

What is the Jones Act?

The Jones Act is the cornerstone of your rights as a mariner.

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While land-based employees have the ability to collect under a state’s workers’ compensation program, U.S. seamen cannot because mariners work on the navigable waters of the United States. Whether blue or brown water, all American seamen who are injured may only recover for injuries through the Jones Act. 

 

Since 1920 the Jones Act has allowed seamen the right to pursue claims against their employers for injuries at sea resulting from the negligence of other crew members, the captain or the owner of the ship.

 

The Jones Act allows injured mariners the ability to pursue compensation for:

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• Current pain and suffering

• Future pain and suffering

• Past, present and future medical expenses

• Lost earnings and lost earning capacity