Understanding Federal Maritime Law
Maritime work has never been easy. It has never been without risk, and that is as true now as it has ever been. While the concept of maintenance and cure has been in place for hundreds of years, the federal government eventually decided that it was necessary to formalize and standardize employee protections. The result was the Jones Act.
If you have suffered an offshore injury in the normal scope and course of your work, then you can recover compensation for your injuries under the Jones Act. At the law office of Gordon, Elias & Seely, L.L.P., we help seamen, longshoremen and maritime workers throughout the nation exercise their federally protected rights.
Protection for Maritime Workers
Before there were interstates, airlines and even railroads, maritime workers formed the foundation of commerce, trade and industry throughout the world. Today's seamen are part of an ancient tradition and a profession that has been in place as long as civilization.
The Jones Act, originally referred to as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, formally codified in federal maritime law protections for injured workers that had been established for centuries. It allows workers who have been injured in the course of work on American flagged vessels through the negligence of a ship-owner, captain or fellow employee a federally recognized protection to recover compensation for damages.
For families and individuals who may be facing expensive medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, diminished earning potential and, in the most serious cases, final expenses, the protections of the Jones Act are crucial. Our office and highly experienced lawyers can help you make sure that the compensation you receive following a serious injury or the loss of a loved one is full, fair and adequate to meet your needs.
Schedule a Consultation to Evaluate Your Case
The Jones Act provides equal protection for all workers on water-going vessels from the tug boats of the Mississippi to the fishing boats of Alaska. Put your rights to work for you and call our office today at 800-773-6770 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with our attorneys.
