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The Jones Act

The Jones Act is a federal statute that the legislature passed in the 1930s, which gives seamen injured during their employment the right to sue for personal injury. The law entitles almost every land-based worker to worker’s compensation benefits under federal and state law. In the maritime industry, these rules don’t apply. Since the law doesn’t permit seamen to file worker’s compensation claims, the Jones Act is an important piece of legislation that gives maritime workers financial recourse for their injuries.

To collect compensation under the Jones Act, injured maritime workers must prove their employer was negligent. In accordance with the terms of the Jones Act:

• A maritime employer must provide a reasonably safe place to work.
• An employer must use reasonable care to keep and maintain the vessel on which a seaman is working.

If maritime employers fail in their duty to provide and maintain a safe workplace, they may be liable for negligence to both the captain and coworkers. The courts consider the Jones Act employee-centric, as it puts the burden on the employer to ensure a safe workplace. The following are examples of unsafe conditions or negligence under the Jones Act: