What Is the Jones Act—and How Does It Protect Injured Maritime Workers?

What Is the Jones Act?

The Jones Act, officially known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a federal law that provides legal protection to seamen who are injured while working aboard vessels in U.S. navigable waters or offshore.

Unlike typical workers’ compensation, the Jones Act allows injured maritime workers to sue their employer for negligence—something not available under most land-based injury laws.

Who Qualifies as a “Seaman”?

To be covered by the Jones Act, you must:

Work on a vessel in navigation
Contribute to the function or mission of the vessel
Spend at least 30% of your time aboard that vessel or fleet of vessels

This includes crew members on tugboats, offshore service vessels, dredges, barges, and even floating oil rigs in some cases.

What Can You Recover?

If you’re covered under the Jones Act, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical bills
Lost wages and future earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Disability or disfigurement
Maintenance (daily living expenses) and cure (medical care)

Common Jones Act Injury Cases We Handle

Slip and falls on wet decks
Injuries from poorly maintained equipment
Accidents due to understaffing or lack of training
Burns, back injuries, and crush injuries
Exposure to hazardous chemicals or unsafe working conditions

Why You Need a Maritime Attorney

Jones Act claims are highly specialized. Employers and their insurance companies often try to downplay the severity of injuries or deny that the Jones Act applies to your role. That’s why having a skilled maritime injury attorney is essential. We know how to gather evidence, prove negligence, and fight for the full compensation you’re entitled to.

Injured Offshore? Contact Us Today.

You don’t have to face this alone. We’ve helped countless maritime workers secure justice under the Jones Act—and we’re ready to help you too. Contact our office today for a free consultation. No fees unless we win your case.