What Kind of Cases Does a Jones Act Lawyer Handle?

If you work on a ship that transits on navigable waters, you have the right to sue your employer for negligence. It is referred to as a Jones Act claim.

A “seaman” spends at least 30% of their time working on a ship in navigation and is therefore qualified to bring a Jones Act action.

Seamen’s Accidents

Injuries on offshore vessels happen despite employers’ efforts to keep crew members safe. They must follow safety protocols, carry out regular checks, and take reasonable precautions to prevent accidents.

When these steps are not followed, seamen can sue their employer for negligence. They may recover damages, including compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Damages available in these cases are much more extensive than workers’ comp benefits. Seamen can also seek punitive damages if their employer has willful or reckless misconduct.

You can get assistance from a marine law attorney at the Law Offices of Charles D. Naylor in figuring out whether you are covered by the federal law known as the Jones Act, which protects sailors. If so, you may file a Jones Act claim for negligent injury.

Offshore Injuries

Offshore workers face a high risk of injuries and fatalities every day, especially in conditions that can be hazardous or difficult to access. These include rigs with dangerous equipment, volatile chemicals, and unpredictable weather conditions.

Injuries on offshore rigs can lead to burns, spinal cord, and brain injuries, back and orthopedic injuries, eye injuries, crush injuries, and limb loss. These can be devastating and even life-threatening, leaving an injured worker unable to continue working.

An offshore injury lawyer can help victims obtain compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. These claims can be complicated and time-consuming, so hiring a lawyer specializing in maritime law is vital.

Workers’ Compensation Injuries

Maritime workers and their families often face serious injuries, illnesses, and even death due to unsafe work conditions. Unlike most workers, maritime employees are not entitled to state worker’s compensation benefits. They must make Jones Act claims against their employers to receive fair compensation for their severe injuries and losses.

Whether a worker’s injury is minor or catastrophic, they can receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages or loss of future earning capacity, pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, and funeral costs. Get the total compensation you are entitled to with the aid of an experienced attorney.

Unfortunately, a workers’ comp claim is sometimes denied or delayed for various reasons. In these cases, it’s essential to consult an experienced workers’ comp attorney as soon as possible. They can fight to protect your benefits and connect you with their resource network that specializes in workers’ comp injuries. During your recovery, they can also ensure that your employer and insurance company follow the law.

Wrongful Death

Survivors or dependents may file a wrongful death claim when someone dies due to another’s carelessness or wrongdoing. These lawsuits seek compensation for the deceased’s survivors’ losses, such as lost companionship, wages, and funeral expenses.

Most states have a wrongful death statute. These laws vary in detail, but they generally allow surviving family members to bring a claim against an at-fault person who caused the death.

Some statutes also state that damages will be awarded for pecuniary or financial injury, including loss of support and services, lost prospect of inheritance, and medical and funeral expenses.

A wrongful death lawsuit is essential when another’s negligence has harmed a loved one. A criminal death attorney can help you navigate the legal process and obtain compensation for the harm done to you and your family. Wrongful death claims can be complicated and require experience and strategy to maximize your settlement or verdict.