Why You Should Contact a Jones Act Lawyer?

Posted by Aaeesha on September 22nd, 2015

The Maritime Jones Act was originally passed in the year 1920 in order to provide a safety net for the maritime employees who were injured in their line of work. The law clearly states that, "Any sailor who shall suffer personal injury in the course of his employment may, at his election, maintain an action for damages at law, with the right to trial by jury, and in such action all statutes of the United States modifying or extending the common-law right or remedy in cases of personal injury to railway employees shall apply..."

 Over the years, many a Jones Act attorney has found this law to be very useful in helping the crewmen and their families in case of emergency or accident. Life on the sea is very difficult, both on the mind and body. Moreover, as the sailors are far away from family and loved ones, it is very difficult to provide the necessary support during the difficult times. This law provides a ray of hope to the seamen who have faced very difficult situations and have met with accidents when they were asea. In such cases, you can consult a reliable Jones act lawyer to file the case in the court.

 There are various reasons for which you can consult a Jones act attorney. If the negligence of the owner has resulted in the accident, you can file a case against the owner. This law covers all maritime employees, from the bus boy to the captain. Even if the vehicle is not asea, but docked in the port when the accident happens, then it can be covered under this law. A Jones Act lawyer can also help you out if the accident happens in any of these situations.

 In case an accident happens, then your Jones act attorney will ask you for some reports and certifications. First, as soon as the accident happens, you should fill out a report describing the factors that caused the accident. The causes of the accident may be negligence, slipperiness, unsafe workplace, darkness, insufficient man power and unsafe practices. You should make sure that you have a dependable Jones Act lawyer with you when you sign the claims statement. It is because the lawyer will be able to check and verify all the details in the claim to ensure you get the best out of the deal. It will be beneficial for you if you discuss the legalities with the lawyer before you sign any claim.