The Jones Act provides that a U.S. Merchant Marine, sailor, or crew member injured or fallen ill while at sea is entitled to the benefits of medical care and assistance as well as to recovery and restoration of health. This basically means that if you’re a ship’s crew member injured or fallen ill at sea, your employer must pay you a stipend or other financial compensation for your medical costs until you have been cured.
You also have the right to sue if you’re injured on the job at sea the accident results from the ship owner’s negligence, the negligence of another crewmember, or the unseaworthy nature of the vessel. For a vessel to be seaworthy, it must contain adequate equipment and safety gear for its crewmen, supply a safe environment for the crewmember’s work, and abide by all applicable safety requirements for such operating vessels.
If inadequate or unsafe vessel equipment, missing safety gear, or crewmember negligence provides the cause of your injury or illness on the high seas, you might have a valid claim for financial compensation under the Jones Act. Your claim could entitle you to compensation for the duration of your illness or injury.
So if you’ve been injured at sea or you’ve become ill while working at sea and you have questions, contact the Houston Jones Act attorneys at Denena & Points for a free and confidential consultation. We have the maritime law knowledge, skill, and experience you need to pursue your valid claim. Our understanding, compassion, and injury law expertise could provide the solution you need for a secure financial future. Contact us today.