For maritime workers in Texas, the Jones Act provides critical protections in the event of an injury at sea. As a maritime worker, it’s essential to understand how the Jones Act protects you if you need to file a claim. In this post, we share important aspects of the law and outline preparations for maritime workers who need to pursue a Jones Act lawsuit.
What Is the Jones Act?
Formally known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the Jones Act allows seamen to sue their employers for personal injury damages if they get hurt on the job due to negligence or unseaworthy conditions. This act applies specifically to sea-based employees who spend significant work time on a vessel in navigable waters.
Eligibility for a Jones Act Case
A maritime worker must be considered a “seaman,” meaning they must spend at least 30% of their employment time on a vessel or fleet of vessels under common ownership. Furthermore, the vessel must be in operation, contributing to its work or mission, and capable of moving on navigable waters.
Requirements for Filing a Jones Act Claim
A Jones Act claim requires the seaman to prove that the employer’s negligence or the vessel’s unseaworthiness contributed to their injury. This requirement differs from common workers’ compensation claims, where employees don’t need to establish fault or negligence.
Unlike typical work injury claims, Jones Act claims do not go through state workers’ compensation boards but are instead filed as civil lawsuits in federal or state courts. The Jones Act allows workers to seek a broader range of damages, including pain and suffering, lost wages, medical expenses, and future earning capacity. This legal route provides more comprehensive compensation for injured seamen than state workers’ compensation might offer.
Key Steps in Preparing for a Jones Act Lawsuit
If you’re preparing to file a lawsuit, you need strong evidence and a strategic legal plan. Make sure you have thorough documentation to support liability. Examples of evidence include:
- Accident report. Fill out and secure a copy of the accident report your employer or the vessel’s captain provided. This document is a primary piece of evidence that outlines the details of the incident.
- Witness statements. Gather statements from any crew members or other witnesses present during the incident. Their accounts can corroborate your version of events and provide additional insights into the conditions leading to the injury.
- Photographs. Take pictures of the accident scene and your injuries. Photos can help show the severity of the conditions during the accident and the impact of your injuries.
- Medical records. Get copies of all your medical records related to the injury, including emergency room visits, treatments received, prescriptions, and ongoing medical care.
- Maintenance records. Request records that might show a need for proper maintenance on the vessel, which can be a factor in proving unseaworthiness.
- Safety training records. Evidence of inadequate safety training or non-compliance with maritime safety regulations can bolster your case against the employer.
The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be. Because this type of claim differs from workers’ compensation, you will not receive compensation for your injuries without successfully proving liability.
Why Hire a Houston Maritime Attorney
Claims involving injuries at sea are complex. You need an experienced Houston maritime attorney who understands how to advocate for clients pursuing a Jones Act lawsuit. Your lawyer will guide you through the litigation process and explain all legal provisions that pertain to your case.
When you hire a lawyer, they will handle all aspects of your lawsuit, including filing the complaint and meeting all deadlines. They will represent your interests and appear in court on your behalf.
Be sure to hire a lawyer who has experience with Jones Act cases. Avoid general personal injury lawyers who do not specifically handle these types of cases. Otherwise, you may not be successful in recovering compensation for your injuries.
For a free legal consultation, call (713) 532-4474
Factors that Impact Jones Act Settlements
Jones Act settlement can vary widely based on the specifics of each case:
- Injury severity—the more severe and long-lasting your injuries are, the higher the potential settlement;
- Evidence of negligence—evidence supporting negligence claims or unseaworthiness can lead to a larger settlement as it increases the employer’s liability;
- Impact on life—settlements often consider how the injury has affected your ability to enjoy life and perform daily activities; and
- Impact on employment—how the injury affects your ability to work also impacts the settlement amount.
Your attorney will help calculate your potential case value. They will negotiate on your behalf to fight for a settlement offer that adequately compensates for your losses.
What Is the Jones Act Statute of Limitations?
Injured seamen typically have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. Failing to file your lawsuit within the Jones Act statute of limitations commonly results in losing the opportunity to recover compensation for your injuries. This legal deadline is strictly enforced, with few exceptions, emphasizing the need for injured seamen to seek legal advice promptly.
Common Challenges in Jones Act Cases
Pursuing a Jones Act lawsuit involves overcoming several common challenges that can impact your ability to receive compensation. Awareness of these obstacles and how to address them is crucial for preparing an effective legal strategy.
Challenges in Proving Negligence
Proving employer negligence or vessel unseaworthiness forms the cornerstone of a Jones Act case, but it’s not without its challenges. For example, negligence claims often require significant evidence, such as expert testimony on maritime safety standards and detailed accident reconstruction. You must overcome any employer defenses that claim your own negligence caused your injuries.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies play a significant role in Jones Act cases, and dealing with them can be daunting. Insurers often initially offer settlements that undervalue the claim to minimize payout amounts. Adjusters may also use delays to pressure the injured party into accepting a lower settlement.
Contact a Houston Maritime Attorney at Kolodny Law Firm
Preparing for a Jones Act lawsuit requires a thorough understanding of your obligations under the law. If you need assistance pursuing a claim in Texas, speak with a Houston maritime attorney at Kolodny Law Firm.
We have years of experience successfully representing seamen in Jones Act cases. We are well-versed in employer defenses and insurance companies’ tactics to minimize your claim value. Please reach out to schedule a 100% free consultation and learn more about how we can help.
Call (713) 532-4474 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Where to find our Houston office
Alan Kolodny is committed to representing injured clients in Texas and throughout the United States. Alan earned his B.A. from Rice University and his J.D. from Southern Methodist University.
He focuses his practice on representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases involving the following matters: maritime and offshore accidents, including those under the Jones Act; automobile and 18-wheeler truck accidents; and industrial site accidents, work-related accidents, and claims for injured railroad workers under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act.
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