Jacksonville Florida Jones Act Attorneys
Jones Act
Having a job aboard a vessel at sea is a dangerous occupation. Whether a deck hand, an officer, an engineer, sailor, cook, waiter, drill rig worker, or a concessionaire, those employed by the cruise or shipping industry face numerous hazards.
It is not uncommon for someone working at sea to experience a slip and fall injury or an injury from lifting heavy equipment. Head, neck, and knee injuries are common among the workforce at sea and these injuries can prevent the worker from returning to the job.
Even though employers are required by law to provide a reasonably safe work environment, boat owners sometimes cut corners to keep profits high, resulting in a hazardous workplace at sea. To make matters worse, oversight of these regulations are weakly enforced at best.
Fortunately, injured maritime workers are protected by the Jones Act, a specialized federal law. The Jones Act (formerly the Merchant Marine Act) allows injured maritime workers to obtain financial recovery from an employer if the employer acted negligently or the vessel was unseaworthy.
It is very similar to workers' compensation for those who work on land-based jobs.
The Jones Act requires the employer to cover the expenses and medical bills along with pain and suffering, lost wages and damages for those who are injured at the employment site, in this case the vessel or near the vessel while on the job. Survivors of those killed at sea may also file a wrongful death lawsuit under the Jones Act. A death at sea more than three miles offshore, may file a wrongful death action under the Death on the High Seas Act.
With the help of an experienced Florida maritime law firm, the plaintiff must prove the employer caused the accident through his negligence or because the vessel was unseaworthy.
At Farah & Farah, we understand the unique circumstances and dangers Florida maritime workers may encounter. A Jacksonville maritime accident attorney at our firm can aggressively advocate for the rights of a seriously injured worker against the interests of ship owners and big businesses.
Just because you are injured at sea does not mean you do not have rights. Our Jacksonville Florida Jones Act lawyers have more than 25 years of experience in representing seamen and maritime workers who have experienced a personal injury. It is important to launch an investigation immediately following your injury to preserve crucial evidence. Give us a call for a non-obligation consultation on your case.
Please visit our Florida Maritime Injury Website for more info.
Our personal promise: Accident victims have specific rights, but by law you have a limited time to take action. When you use our team at Farah & Farah, there are NO up-front charges.
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Our fee is a percentage of the money awarded payable only when your case is successfully concluded. No matter how many times you call and how long we talk, there is NO CHARGE or cost until your case settles. Do not sign any releases, agreements or give any statements until you have spoken with us about your legal rights. When it comes to getting you more, we won't settle for less!
We personally promise that you will be treated with the respect and dignity you deserve. We promise to keep you up to date and informed as to developments in your case. Your case is important to us, regardless of size.
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