Southern California Jones Act Attorneys
The Jones Act - 46 U.S.C.
The Jones Act, adopted by the U.S. Congress in 1920, was created to protect the rights of injured sailors. Today, the act includes almost any employee who is defined as a Seaman and even those who have off-shore professions. The Jones Act allows injured Seaman to collect damages from their employers for the negligence of the ship-owner, ship captain or even fellow crew members.
The Jones Act defines a Seaman as any person that furthers the mission of a vessel while assigned to that vessel or to a fleet of vessels. Under the Jones Act, being a Seaman is not limited to American ships. Anyone whose duties are maritime in nature, and performs those duties on a vessel, or in commerce, and in navigable waters, is classified as a Seaman under the Jones Act. This rule is also applicable even if the employee is not aboard the vessel at the time of injury.
To be classified as a Seaman, you must be employed on a:
- Restaurant boat
- Tanker
- Freighter
- Jack-up rig
- Semi-submersibles
- Towboat
- Tugboat
- Supply boat
- Lay barges
- Barges
- Fishing vessel
- Casino boat
- Charter boat
- Container Ship
- Cruise Ship
- Among many others
Regardless if the boat is moored at port, as long as it is in navigation at the time of injury, you can be considered a Seaman under the Jones Act.
The laws of the Jones Act in California are very complex, which is why it is so important for you to have an experienced and knowledgeable maritime attorney on your side. The Jones Act is your right to hold the negligent party/parties responsible for your injuries.
Do not take a settlement or offer from anyone until you speak with a trusted Southern California maritime law attorney. Call the Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV for your free and confidential consultation. We will answer your questions and tell you whether you have a case or not. Even if you are not covered under the Jones Act, we can still help you.
