If you work offshore and you have suffered an injury or illness on the job, you may be entitled to financial compensation under the Jones Act. You may also be wondering, “Do I need a lawyer for my Jones Act claim?” If you have a Jones Act claim, there are lots of reasons to hire a lawyer to represent you. Asserting your legal rights under the Jones Act is complicated—and making mistakes can be costly. Here are 10 important reasons why you should hire a lawyer to help you: Why Should You Hire a Lawyer for Your Jones Act Claim? 1. You Need to Report Your Injury or Illness Quickly (and Correctly) When you have a Jones Act claim, you must report your injury or illness to your employer. You must do so quickly, and you must also do so correctly. If you wait too long, if you leave out any important information, or if you say anything that isn’t true (even accidentally), you could lose your right to benefits. A lawyer who has experience handling maritime injury and illness claims under the Jones Act can help make sure you protect your legal rights. Along with helping you report your injury or illness, your lawyer can also help you understand what to expect during the next steps of the process. 2. You Need to Make Sure You Have Adequate Documentation for Your Claim As a Jones Act claimant, it is up to you to prove your right to benefits. This […]
The Jones Act is a federal law that governs the liability of vessel operators and marine employers for work-related injuries or the death of an employee.