How Does a Jones Act Lawyer Help You?

A Jones Act lawyer helps injured seamen to get compensation for medical expenses, income loss, pain and suffering and emotional distress for injuries arising out of or in connection with employment on an ocean or sea vessel.

The Jones Act is a federal act that applies to provide broad coverage for maritime employees as well as for others engaged in employment on vessels in navigable waters of the United States. The coverage provided is, in some ways, comprehensive. In other ways, however, there are significant limitations on who may successfully recover under the Jones act. A qualified Jones Act lawyer helps you to overcome challenges associated with making a Jones Act claim.

The Challenges of a Jones Act Claim

Several issues can present challenges in a Jones Act claim, depending on your situation. For example, you may have a difficult time proving:

• That you are qualified seamen. While the Act is broad, you do have to prove you were employed in some capacity on a sea or ocean vessel or doing work in some capacity on a sea or ocean vessel. You may also need to prove that the vessel operates on navigable waters and that you do not fall into any exceptions from coverage
• That you were injured as a direct result of performing work aboard the vessel or work related to the vessel
• That your employer was negligent. This is usually the most challenging aspect of proving the claim.

You may also have questions about whether the Jones Act is the right federal Act under which to bring your injury claim.

How A Jones Act Lawyer Overcomes Challenges

A Jones Act lawyer can assist clients in overcoming these and other challenges inherent in bringing a Jones Act claim. For instance, a few of the various things a Jones Act attorney can help clients with include:

• Helping clients to determine whether to make a case under the Jones Act or under the Longshore Act.

In most cases, making claims under the Jones Act can afford an individual with a right to a larger award of damages or a larger settlement. This means that Jones Act claims are often the preferred option for those who are covered. Unfortunately, if you have already begun making claims under the Longshore Act, you may sometimes lose your right to make a Jones Act claim. Your lawyer can help you to avoid this by assessing if you are covered by the Jones Act. If you have already begun a Longshore Act claim, your lawyer may also be able to help you get that claim switched to a Jones Act claim.

• Helping clients to comply with all procedural rules.

This includes making sure clients file their claim within the three-year statute of limitations for Jones Act cases.

• Helping clients to gather evidence.

To make a successful Jones Act claim, it is necessary to prove that an employer was negligent. Your lawyer will help you gather the evidence you need in order to prove this.

Your Jones Act lawyer will be your advocate and lend his expert knowledge to your case every step of the way.

Let Us Help You

No matter where you live, the lawyers and attorneys at the Ogletree Abbott Law Firm can help you get the help you need. If you would like, a lawyer or an attorney can contact you to answer your questions. There is no obligation and the initial phone call is always free of charge. Call toll free 1 800 Jones Act (1-800-566-3722). You may send us an email. Call today and let us help you answer any questions you have about reporting injuries to your employer