If you have been injured working on a boat or other vessel, recovering compensation for your injury may involve filing a claim under the Jones Act. The Jones Act is a federal law that applies specifically to individuals who work onboard “vessels in navigation,” which includes vessels docked at port, operating on inland waterways, and out at sea.
The amount you can recover under the Jones Act depends on several different factors. Here, offshore accident attorney David Willis answers some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about compensation claims under the Jones Act:
How Much Can I Recover Under the Jones Act?
In order to determine how much you can recover for your injury, you first need to know which type of Jones Act claim you can file. There are two types of Jones Act claims: (i) claims for maintenance and cure, and (ii) claims for Jones Act negligence.
If you have a claim for maintenance and cure, your injury-related medical expenses should be covered, and you should receive a “maintenance” payment as well. Typically, maintenance payments are in the range of $15 to $40 per day.
Why are Maintenance and Cure Benefits So Low?
Maintenance and cure benefits are so low for two main reasons. First, these are “no-fault” benefits, which means your employer is required to pay even if it is not responsible for your injury. Second, “maintenance” benefits are only intended to cover your basic expenses while living onboard a vessel—they are not intended as a full replacement for your weekly wage.
How Do I Know if I Have a Claim for Jones Act Negligence?
Since maintenance and cure benefits are so low, it will be important for you to find out if you have a claim for Jones Act negligence. Several types of issues can give rise to negligence claims against vessel operators and other maritime employers. In order to find out if you have a claim, you will need to discuss your situation with a maritime accident attorney promptly.
What Losses Can I Recover if I Have a Claim for Jones Act Negligence?
If you have a claim for Jones Act negligence, then you can recover full compensation for all of your injury-related losses. In addition to medical expenses and full wage replacement, this includes compensation for pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and all of the other financial and non-financial costs of your injury.
What Do I Need to Do In Order to File a Jones Act Claim?
In order to file a Jones Act claim, you will need to report your accident to your employer, and you will need to seek help from an experienced maritime accident attorney. To schedule a free consultation at Willis Law Firm, contact us today.
Get Free Legal Advice from Offshore Accident Attorney David Willis
Are you entitled to financial compensation under the Jones Act? To find out, schedule a free consultation at Willis Law Firm. Call 800-468-4878 or get in touch with us online to speak with offshore accident attorney David Willis as soon as possible.
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