Are you a vessel crewmember? You must have heard the terms “The Jones Act” or “Jones Act seaman.”  But what is the Jones Act and why is it important to you as a vessel crewmember? Learn more about the legal rights and remedies you have in the event of an injury.

What Is the Jones Act?

The Jones Act is a federal law that protects seamen as a certain class of employees. The law recognizes the fact that they are exposed to more risks by the nature of their job as compared to land-based workers, for example. However, not all maritime workers qualify as seamen.

Only a seaman can bring a claim under the Jones Act. This law offers special protection to seamen and allows them to seek compensation for sustaining an injury while on duty.  As a Jones Act seaman, know that your vessel employer owes you specific duties related to your health and safety. If your employer fails to provide you a safe place to work and their negligence leads to an accident, you have the right to file a personal injury claim against them. 

The Jones Act Negligence Claims and Other Remedies

The Jones Act is a unique benefit under maritime law designed to protect seamen. They can also take advantage of the so-called ‘trinity of remedies’. Seamen can exclusively sue their employer for negligent conduct, unlike land-based workers. If you have a land-based job, you cannot sue your employer for negligence even if your employer is 100% at fault for the accident. 

Land-based workers are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits only. These include the Longshore and Habor Workers' Compensation Act and state workers’ compensation laws. As a comparison, the potential recovery a seaman would get can far exceed workers’ compensation benefits.

Do you qualify as a Jones Act seaman? Get to know more details about the vessel employer’s duties they owe you.