Jones Act lawyer Kenner, LA

Maritime careers are common in our part of Louisiana, from working on an offshore drilling rig to laboring on commercial vessels. Unlike many other jobs in Louisiana, offshore and maritime workers may not be covered by Workers’ Compensation benefits if they get hurt. Instead, injured seamen, longshoremen, oil rig hands, and others in similar maritime positions may be able to secure compensation for medical costs and other losses under The Jones Act.

Are you eligible for compensation under the Jones Act? This complicated piece of legislation requires careful consideration. To ensure that you’re getting everything you’re entitled to,consult with a skilled attorney from Kiefer & Kiefer. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Kenner, LA, Jones Act lawyer.

What Does A Kenner Jones Act Lawyer Do?

The Jones Act, also known as the U.S. Merchant Marine Act of 1920, provides provisions for injured seamen and other workers employed on U.S. navigable waters to file a lawsuit for damages against their employer. Unlike many other types of jobs, offshore workers and seamen are not covered by worker’s compensation benefits. So, if they get hurt on the job, they must file a suit against their employer for negligence.

Your attorney’s role is to help you understand your rights under The Jones Act and the legal process of filing a claim for damages. At our firm, we gather evidence demonstrating that your employer was negligent or that the oversight or negligence of a third party caused the accident and your injuries. Our depth of knowledge and extensive resources means that we’re able to build a strong case for you, including unbiased evidence, testimony from expert witnesses, and photos or videos of the incident. We also sponsor and analyze maintenance and safety records of the rig or vessel, seeking evidence that the owner and operator did not properly maintain the working facility.

Compensation Available With Jones Act Claims

Unlike workers’ comp benefits, those available under The Jones Act also include compensation for pain and suffering and emotional trauma. Many injured seamen, especially those who suffered burn injuries or near-drowning, may face a long and painful recovery. Although no amount of money can ease your pain, the non-economic compensation available to you can help make your life easier and more comfortable.

We properly value your claim, including your tangible and intangible losses, and demand fair and full compensation for all your losses.

Do You Need Help Filing A Jones Act Suit?

Suppose you’ve been hurt in the course of your offshore job or job on a vessel in U.S. navigable water. In that case, you may be able to claim compensation to cover your medical care, living expenses, and non-economic losses through a Jones Act claim. The attorneys at Kiefer & Kiefer are licensed to practice in both Louisiana and federal courts, and we have a deep knowledge of how to apply the Jones Act in many cases. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Kenner Jones Act lawyer.

Understanding The Jones Act In Louisiana

The Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a federal law that provides significant protections to seamen who are injured while working on vessels in navigable waters. In Louisiana, where the maritime industry plays a crucial role in the economy, the Jones Act is particularly relevant. This law allows injured seamen to seek compensation from their employers if their injuries were caused by negligence or the unseaworthiness of the vessel. A Kenner Jones Act lawyer can be instrumental in helping injured workers understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.

Justice For Seamen

Under the Jones Act, a seaman is defined as someone who spends a significant amount of their working time on a vessel that is in navigation. This includes crew members, deckhands, engineers, and other maritime workers who contribute to the function or mission of the vessel. The law applies to a wide range of vessels, including fishing boats, cargo ships, offshore oil rigs, and tugboats. If an individual qualifies as a seaman under the Jones Act, they are entitled to specific legal protections that are not available to other types of workers.

One of the key provisions of the Jones Act is the ability for injured seamen to file a lawsuit directly against their employer for negligence. Unlike workers’ compensation, which is typically the only recourse for land-based employees, the Jones Act allows seamen to seek damages in court. To succeed in a Jones Act claim, the injured party must demonstrate that their employer’s negligence played a role in causing their injury. This could include evidence of unsafe working conditions, inadequate training, or failure to maintain the vessel properly.

Unseaworthy Vessels

Another important aspect of the Jones Act is the concept of unseaworthiness. In addition to negligence, an injured seaman can also seek compensation if the vessel on which they were working was deemed unseaworthy. A vessel is considered unseaworthy if it is not fit for its intended use or if it lacks the necessary equipment and safety measures to protect its crew. If an unseaworthy condition contributed to the seaman’s injury, they might be entitled to additional compensation beyond what is available under negligence claims.

In Louisiana, and specifically in cities like Kenner, the maritime industry is a vital part of the local economy. As such, the protections offered by the Jones Act are critical for ensuring that seamen who work in this industry have the ability to seek justice and compensation when they are injured on the job. These protections help to promote safer working conditions and hold employers accountable for the safety of their vessels and crew.

Legal Help

If you or a loved one has been injured while working on a vessel, it’s important to understand your rights under the Jones Act. Navigating the legal process can be challenging, especially when dealing with the complexities of maritime law. At Kiefer & Kiefer, we are dedicated to helping injured seamen in Kenner and the surrounding areas pursue the compensation they deserve. Contact us today to speak with a Kenner Jones Act lawyer who can guide you through the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.