Conclusion

The New Jones Act for Injured Workers was written for the injured worker and for anyone who wants to help injured maritime workers.  By no means is it meant to be an exhaustive legal treatise covering Jones Act law.  It is our intention and hope that we have covered the basic issues that are relevant to the worker and we have attempted to make it easy to read and understand.  To some it may seem complicated and difficult to understand.  We ask you to consider how much more difficult it would be if we attempted to cover all of the Jones Act topics and leading court cases.  All this to say that the Jones Act is very complex and ever changing.  Court decisions are made daily which can change the law slightly or dramatically. 

No worker should attempt to represent him or herself in a Jones Act case.  You may have represented yourself in a traffic ticket or even a divorce but we hope that this book will persuade you that the Jones Act is no place for a lay person or even a place for an non-maritime attorney.

It is wise to learn as much as you can about the Jones Act even if you have a reputable law firm representing you with your Jones Act claim.  However, knowing the law is not the same as years of practicing law.  Beyond the law are other skills necessary to proper representation of the Jones Act worker.  Persuasive skills and negotiation skills are key in obtaining benefits, avoiding delays and maximizing settlements which only come with years of experience, education and training.

For many workers, a serious injury can end their careers and cause permanent disability.  Jones Act benefits may determine whether maritime workers will live the rest of their lives comfortably or in poverty and disability.  The decision whether or not to obtain legal representation in a Jones Act matter may be the most important decision that a worker will make in their lifetime.

If you are an injured worker or if you are trying to help an injured worker we want you to know that the authors of this book and their law firm are available to answer questions and to help in any way that we can.  We want the best for the injured worker and their family. 

The Ogletree Abbott Law Firm invites you to call 1-800-JonesAct for more information from one of our maritime lawyers who will be happy to answer your questions, on the first telephone call and keep all communications strictly confidential.  You may also want to visit our website at www.1800JonesAct.com. Use our On Line Instant Chat, email us or arrange a personal visit from one of our lawyers or we can help you arrange a visit to our offices.