Our New Orleans, LA Jones Act lawyer has worked with many clients who find themselves in need of legal support after facing challenges at sea. One of the most common laws that come into play in these cases is the Jones Act. It’s a law that has had a profound impact on the maritime industry in the United States, and understanding its history is essential if you’re looking for legal help related to maritime injuries or claims.
The Origins Of The Jones Act
The Jones Act, formally known as Section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, was passed during a time when the United States wanted to strengthen its national defense capabilities. The law was designed to promote the U.S. shipping industry by requiring that goods transported between U.S. ports be carried by ships that are built in the United States, owned by U.S. citizens, and crewed by American workers. This served two purposes: protecting American jobs and maintaining a strong maritime fleet in case of military need.
The idea was to create a shipping system that supported both the country’s economic interests and its security. Over the years, the law has been a point of debate, but it has remained a defining feature of U.S. maritime law.
How The Jones Act Helps Your Claim
If you’ve been injured while working on a vessel, the Jones Act could be one of the most important pieces of legislation in your claim. Unlike other areas of law where workers’ compensation may be your primary source of compensation, the Jones Act gives injured seamen the right to file a lawsuit against their employers if their injuries were caused by negligence or unsafe conditions on board a vessel. This is significant because it opens the door for more compensation than workers’ comp alone might provide.
The Jones Act and maritime laws allow maritime workers to seek damages not only for medical expenses and lost wages, but also for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses directly related to the injury. If you can show that the conditions aboard the vessel were unsafe or that your employer’s negligence played a role in your accident, the Jones Act can provide you with the opportunity to recover compensation for those injuries.
In addition, the law covers more than just ship owners. It also applies to employers, captains, and other parties responsible for the vessel’s safety. This broad application gives injured workers a wider range of options for pursuing their claims.
Why The Jones Act Matters For Your Case
If you are seeking a lawyer because of an injury that occurred while working at sea, understanding how the Jones Act can support your case is essential. The law was designed to protect maritime workers like you, and it provides you with the legal tools to hold employers accountable for negligence. Whether you were injured due to faulty equipment, inadequate training, or unsafe working conditions, the Jones Act gives you the right to take legal action.
The key to a successful Jones Act claim often lies in proving that the injury resulted from negligence or unsafe practices. This is where we, as your legal team, come in. We can help you gather evidence, build your case, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Empowering Maritime Workers Through Legal Action
The Jones Act has played a central role in shaping the U.S. maritime industry for over a century. For injured maritime workers, it provides an important avenue for seeking justice and compensation. If you’ve been injured while working at sea, the Jones Act could be your pathway to recovering what you’ve lost. Kiefer & Kiefer is here to help you understand how the Jones Act can work in your favor and guide you through the process of filing a claim. Serious cases need serious lawyers. We have been helping victims in New Orleans and Louisiana for over 60 years. Contact us today to discuss your situation—we are ready to fight for your rights under this critical law. Consultations are free, so don’t wait to seek the legal guidance you need after an injury at sea.
