Miami Lawyer Representing Seamen in Jones Act and General Maritime Law Claims

MIAMI MARITIME LAW ATTORNEY REPRESENTING SEAMEN IN JONES ACT CLAIMS

Regardless of whether you work on a thirty-year-old petroleum tanker, a state of the art luxury liner, or even a tugboat on a navigable non-ocean waterway like the Miami River, maritime workplaces carry with them a unique set of risks. That is why there are also unique laws protecting seamen and vessel workers in the event of work related injuries.

Section 30104 of Title 46—better known as the Jones Act—states:

"Any seaman who shall suffer personal injury in the course of his employment may, at his election, maintain an action for damages at law, with the right of trial by jury, and in such action all statutes of the United States modifying or extending the common-law right or remedy in cases of personal injury to railway employees shall apply; and in case of the death of any seaman as a result of any such personal injury the personal representative of such seaman may maintain an action for damages at law with the right of trial by jury . . ."

The Jones Act is a US law that provides protection for seamen, sailors, crew members, and anyone else who works on primarily on a vessel against injuries due to employer negligence and un-seaworthiness of watercraft.

Attorney Robert Gross, P.A. represents seamen and crew members who are injured as a result of their employment on a vessel that primarily travels through navigable waters for U.S. commerce.

Who is covered under the Jones Act?

Generally, any seaman or crew member who spends more than 30% of his or her time on a vessel or line of vessels that operate in navigable waters is covered by the Jones Act.

What if the vessel is docked?

If the sailor, seaman or crew member usually works on the boat (see above guideline) then the Jones Act still applies to injuries on or around the vessel—even if it's in port. Dockworkers and longshoremen who don't usually travel with the ships may still have valid cases, but not under the Jones Act.

What should I do if I sustain an injury while working on a seagoing vessel?

As with any injury, you should seek immediate medical attention. That's why it's so important to contact a maritime lawyer who is experienced with Jones Act claims. Miami attorney Robert Gross has built his practice around maritime law and personal injury claims by seamen and crews. He will meet with you to examine your claim, determine whether or not it meets the Jones Act criteria, and determine your best course of action.

To schedule an appointment with Miami's experienced maritime attorney today, please call 305-793-5526 or fill out our quick contact form to the right.