Info Center: Jones Act And Maritime Law

At Blizzard, McCarthy & Nabers, LLP, we are experienced trial attorneys with an impressive track record of verdicts and settlements for our clients. We understand the importance of thoroughly preparing all cases. We approach each case with the desire to achieve the best result for our client either through settlement or trial. For more than 25 years, we have served the people in Houston, Texas and Nationwide in personal injury cases. We have built a reputation amongst law firms as one of the top personal injury firms in the country. As we move forward with your Jones Act case, we will keep you involved and updated in the process.

Jones Act: An Overview

The Jones Act was enacted by Congress in 1920 to address liability issues concerning injuries suffered by workers, crewmembers and seamen. It was created to establish a uniform body of law governing maritime personal injuries. The Jones Act is applicable to workers, officers, crewmembers and seamen on virtually every type of vessel on navigable waters. Generally, a seaman must have a connection to a single vessel or fleet of vessels to qualify under the Jones Act. The Jones Act was created to protect the rights of injured seamen, crewmembers and officers and to provide them with a basis for recovery for maritime personal injuries.

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Are You a Seaman?

The United States Supreme Court defined a "Jones Act" seaman in Chandris v. Latsis, 515 U.S. 347 (1995) as an officer, crewmember or worker who spends 30 percent or more of his or her time aboard a vessel in navigable waters. This means that the Jones Act covers the regular crewmembers but also any person aboard the vessel which is regularly employed to perform duties that contribute to the single vessel or fleet of vessels' function.

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What is a Vessel under the Jones Act?

Under the Jones Act, a vessel refers to both tradition vessels and modern vessels. Essentially, a vessel is anything that is used to transport goods or people across navigable waters. In fact, platforms or drilling units that are easily transportable can also be considered "vessels" under the Jones Act. Some cases have also held that floating docks or platforms which are subjected to the perils of the sea can also be construed as "vessels" under the Jones Act. This case law has broadened what constitutes as a "vessel" under the Jones Act thereby enabling seaman to recover from injuries incurred upon navigable waters.

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Glossary of Maritime Terms

The Jones Act and Maritime law can be complex and difficult to understand. Maritime cases often involve a certain terminology specific to the maritime industry. It is important to have an attorney who understands and specializes in maritime law. To look through a glossary of maritime terms read more.