Changing from Longshore to Jones Act
Longshore-Harborworker claims are not the same as Jones Act claims. While they both involve on-the-job injuries, Jones Act settlements are usually much greater and often life changing. You must be careful about making a claim under longshore laws. If you file for Longshore or other benefits, it’s possible to lose your right to ever pursue a Jones Act claim. However, we are very successful in changing Longshore Act claims into Jones Act claims when the law is on our side, but you should act quickly. Do not assume that it’s too late to change from Longshore to Jones Act. Call us at 1-800-JonesAct and find out for sure. A free call to us and a few minutes will give you peace of mind about whether or not you are on the right track.
Jobs Covered Under The Jones Act
The Jones Act is a federal law that provides for claims by workers who are injured while in service to a vessel on navigable waters. This includes offshore oil drilling rigs, crew boats, ships and most barges, even those engaged in dredging. You may also be covered even if your injury occurred while in transport to the vessel, or while the vessel was docked. The term vessel includes boats, ships, barges, tugs, cruise ships, dredges, mobile offshore drilling units, helicopters and many others. You could be covered while staying in a hotel, eating in a restaurant, or if you are traveling under orders if you remain under the direction of your employer.
Maritime occupations include: Ordinary Seaman, Able Bodied Seaman, Utility man, Deck Engineer Machinist, Unlicensed Junior Engineer, Second Electrician, Refrigeration Engineer, Electronics Technician and Wiper.
Offshore Oil Drilling and Production occupations include: Rig Manager or Toolpusher, Driller, Derrickhand, Motorhand, Cooks, Utility men, Roughneck and Roustabout.
Jones Act Claims and Settlements
Jones Act settlements should cover your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability, impairment, loss of earning capacity, loss of household services and even your loss of enjoyment of life. Jones Act benefits provide small weekly checks while your claim is pending. To help you make it during the time between your injury and your settlement, the
Ogletree Abbott Law Firm is usually able to advance money on future settlements for Jones Act claims depending on the laws of your state.
Don’t Believe Everything Your Employer and it’s Doctors Tell You
Be careful, some employers and their doctors will try to keep their injured workers from knowing their legal rights about the Jones Act because it is beneficial to the employer that they avoid Jones Act claims. Maritime employers may tell their injured workers to file a Longshore Act or workers compensation claim . You should always contact a lawyer before you file any claim. If an employer is unwilling to fairly compensate workers, a lawsuit can be filed in federal district court seeking damages, however most Jones Act cases are settled prior to trial.
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), or send us an email. Call today and let us help you with your Longshore Act claim.
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