Kentucky

Kentucky, Jones Act

Kentucky Maritime or Barge Accident? – Talk to a Jones Act Lawyer

With nearly 3,000 miles of rivers with transportation capabilities, the maritime industry plays a significant in role in the state of Kentucky. Some of the most important rivers flowing through the state include the Mississippi River, Ohio River, Cumberland River, Licking River and Green River. Kentucky also has a number of man-made and natural lakes, including the Barren River Lake, Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, Lake Cumberland and Nolin River Lake. Lexington-Fayette is the largest city in Kentucky followed by Meads, Ironville, Louisville, Lexington and Bowling Green.

Bordered on three sides by rivers – The Mississippi to the west, the Ohio River to the north and the Tug Fork and Big Sandy Rivers to the east – river transportation is a significant contributor to Kentucky’s economy. Thousands of barges travel the state’s river systems each year, transporting grain, coal, chemicals and other products. Paducah has emerged as a major hub for barge operations with many of the nation’s most prominent barge lines headquartered in the state of Kentucky.

Several ports and harbors are located in Kentucky, including:

  • Eddyville Riverport
  • Henderson County Riverport
  • Hickman Riverport
  • Jefferson Riverport
  • Owensboro Riverport
  • Paducah-McCracken Riverport
  • Wurltland Riverport

Maritime Accidents in Kentucky

With so much activity taking place on the multiple river systems flowing through the state, maritime accidents are common in Kentucky. When a tug or barge incident or other maritime related accident occurs on a river or lake in Kentucky, crewmembers, deckhands and other individuals working on the water can be seriously injured. Recovery can be a long and expensive process often leaving the injured worker to wonder whether he will ever be well enough to return to work.

If you have been seriously injured working on a river or other body of water in Kentucky, you should speak with an experienced maritime injury lawyer as quickly as possible. Federal and state laws provide injured crewmembers and other maritime workers with important legal rights and remedies against employers, vessel owners and other responsible parties.

Legal Relief for Injured Maritime Workers in Kentucky

The Jones Act is a federal law that requires maritime employers to provide specific benefits to seaman who are injured on the job. When a seaman is injured working on a tug, barge or boat, the employer must provide the seaman with “maintenance and cure” payments. These payments are meant to cover the injured worker’s daily costs of living (maintenance) and the medical expenses associated with his injury (cure). Maintenance and cure benefits must be paid regardless of who is at fault for the worker’s injuries. The Jones Act also permits a seaman to sue an employer for monetary damages if the employer’s negligence played a role in causing the seaman’s injuries.

The Willis Law Firm, a Texas and New York maritime injury law firm, is an experienced maritime injury firm that represents individuals nationwide who have been seriously hurt in all types of inland river and maritime accidents. We are a skilled and compassionate team of professionals who understand what you are going through. Contact us today at 1-800-468-4878 to find out how we can help. Initial consultations are always free and completely confidential.

Free & Confidential ReviewSame Day Response

All Information
Kept Confidential

Talk To A Lawyer Now

Companies We've Had Cases Against:

See more companies
Willis Law Firm, Offshore & Maritime Lawyer
Nationwide Help - Licensed in Texas and New York
Principal Office
5005 Riverway Drive
Suite #160

Houston, Texas 77056

713-654-4040
1-800-468-4878
By Appointment Only
Willis Law Firm Portway Plaza
1717 Turning Basin Dr.
Suite #232

Houston, Texas 77029

713-930-1717
1-800-447-8400
Back to Top

Injured?

Protect Your Rights.

"Willis battled the chemical companies
and won our case." - MELISSA C.