Jones Act Law Firm

Formally known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the Jones Act is a United States Federal statute which regulates the construction, ownership and crew staffing of US-flagged marine vessels. Additionally, the Jones Act provides for monetary compensation to sailors who’ve been injured due to the negligence of the ship’s owner or captain.

The provision 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 to 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...

The Jones Act clearly permits injured sailors to receive both past and future wages, along with damages for pain and suffering. Under the Jones Act, any employee who spends at least 30% of their time on board a vessel at sea is covered by the provisions set forth. While some victims believe only internationally-traveling ships are covered, the list is actually much larger, including: fishing boats, barges, container ships, cruise ships, and even casino boats.

Since its inception, thousands of deck hands, fisherman, and other seamen have brought legal action against employers whose negligence has resulted in devastating personal injuries. At Heygood, Orr & Pearson, we’re experts in Maritime Law and the Jones Act. Enlisting us to handle a Jones Act personal injury claim is beneficial because:

• We know the law, what victims legally deserve, and what employers and insurance companies are required to provide.
• We can help victims complete and file all appropriate paperwork, avoiding costly mistakes and explaining everything in plain English.
• We will work with you throughout a trial, or until a settlement is reached.

To find out more about other maritime personal injury cases, such as deck and dock hand injuries, oil refinery injuries, or oil drilling injuries, select another case type on your left.

Jury Returns $24 Million Verdict Against TXI in Wrongful Death Suit
3/23/07 - Press Release
The widow of a man killed in an explosion at a TXI facility in Midlothian, Texas was awarded $24 million by a Dallas jury today, culminating a 3-week-long trial. (read more...)

Jury Finds TXI Guilty in Blast Death
3/23/07 - The Dallas Morning News
The widow of a Waxahachie man killed in an explosion at a Texas Industries Inc. plant in Midlothian was awarded $24 million by a Dallas jury Friday. (read more...)

Hospitals and the Landlord Defense
4/14/03 - Texas Lawyer
In these times of doctors maintaining little or no medical-malpractice insurance, lawyers representing injured plaintiffs are seeking additional grounds on which to hold hospitals responsible for medical negligence occurring at their facilities. (read more...)

Family sues American Airlines over crash that killed woman, son
10/8/02 - AP
A man whose wife and adopted son died in the crash of American Airlines Flight 587 sued the airline Thursday, alleging it was negligent in inspections. (read more...)