Miami, FL – Maritime workers face some of the most hazardous working conditions, often encountering serious injuries while performing their duties at sea. The Jones Act, a critical piece of U.S. maritime law, provides essential legal protections for seamen injured due to employer negligence. Aquatic Attorneys, a division of The Haggard Law Firm dedicated to maritime injury cases, is raising awareness about the rights of injured maritime workers and how they can seek compensation under the Jones Act.
The Jones Act, officially known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, serves as a federal law that grants seamen the right to seek damages from their employers if negligence played a role in their injuries. Unlike standard workers’ compensation laws, which provide fixed benefits, the Jones Act allows maritime employees to pursue claims for lost wages, medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering. This makes it a vital lifeline for workers whose livelihoods depend on their physical well-being.
Michael Haggard, Esq., a seasoned maritime injury attorney and managing partner of Aquatic Attorneys, underscores the importance of understanding and utilizing the Jones Act for those injured on the job. “Maritime workers dedicate their lives to an industry that fuels global commerce, and they deserve protection when injuries occur due to negligence,” said Haggard. “The Jones Act ensures that injured seamen have the legal means to hold their employers accountable and obtain the compensation they deserve.”
To be eligible for protections under the Jones Act, an individual must qualify as a seaman—a legal term referring to maritime workers who spend at least 30% of their working time aboard a vessel in navigable waters. This includes:
– Deckhands, engineers, and crew members on cargo ships, fishing vessels, and tankers.
– Workers on tugboats, barges, and offshore drilling rigs.
– Pilots and crew operating ferries and passenger vessels.
– Other employees whose primary job contributes to a vessel’s operation or mission.
If an employer fails to maintain a safe work environment—whether through lack of proper training, defective equipment, or unsafe working conditions—injured seamen have the right to file a maritime injury lawsuit against their employer under the Jones Act.
Maritime injuries can be severe, often leading to long-term health complications. Some of the most common injuries that qualify under the Jones Act include:
– Slip and fall accidents due to wet or improperly maintained decks.
– Injuries from defective or malfunctioning equipment onboard.
– Head and spinal cord injuries caused by falls, falling objects, or structural collapses.
– Repetitive stress injuries from long-term exposure to physical labor and improper ergonomics.
– Drowning or near-drowning incidents resulting from inadequate safety measures.
At Aquatic Attorneys, the legal team is committed to advocating for the rights of maritime workers and ensuring they receive fair compensation for their injuries. Their experienced attorneys assist in:
– Determining eligibility under the Jones Act.
– Investigating employer negligence and collecting evidence to support claims.
– Negotiating fair settlements with employers and insurance companies.
– Litigating cases in court if necessary to secure just compensation.
Maritime law is complex, and employers and insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. Seeking legal representation from Aquatic Attorneys ensures that injured seamen have knowledgeable advocates fighting for their rights.
To further educate maritime workers on their legal rights, Aquatic Attorneys will be hosting an informational webinar on the Jones Act. This webinar will cover essential topics such as eligibility, employer responsibilities, and how injured workers can take legal action to secure compensation. The date of the webinar is to be determined, and interested participants are encouraged to visit AquaticAttorney.com for updates and registration details.
For maritime workers who have been injured on the job, time is of the essence in filing a Jones Act claim. The legal process can be complex, requiring detailed investigations and timely action to secure compensation. If you or a loved one has suffered a maritime injury due to employer negligence, contact Michael Haggard, Esq. and Aquatic Attorneys at AquaticAttorney.com for a free consultation. Protecting the rights of injured seamen and advocating for safer working conditions remains a top priority in the pursuit of justice under the Jones Act.
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