What Is The Jones Act?

The Jones Act is a federal law that protects injured maritime workers. It allows seamen to seek compensation from their employer when negligence causes an injury.

Under the Jones Act, qualified workers can recover damages for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term disability

How Does the Jones Act Protect Injured Maritime Workers?

In simple terms, the Jones Act gives maritime workers the right to hold employers accountable for unsafe conditions on vessels.

Specifically, the Jones Act, also called the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a federal law that protects seamen and maritime workers. It allows injured workers to seek compensation when employer negligence or unsafe conditions cause harm.

Before the Jones Act, seamen had limited legal rights. Today, the law gives them the right to sue employers, vessel owners, or crew members for injuries caused by carelessness.

In addition, families can file claims if a seaman dies due to negligence while performing job duties. This law ensures injured maritime workers – and their loved ones – can pursue accountability and financial recovery.

Understand Your Rights

If you suffered a serious injury while performing maritime duties, you may have the right to seek compensation under the Jones Act. An experienced Alaska personal injury lawyer reviews your case, identifies who is responsible, gathers key evidence, and fights to recover the compensation you deserve.

If a loved one died while working in a maritime job, the firm can also help your family pursue a wrongful death claim. They work closely with families to prove liability and secure financial recovery.

Johnson Law, P.C.

Our attorneys bring more than 30 years of combined experience in personal injury law. We represent sailors, maritime workers, and injury victims across Alaska with a strong, results-driven approach. At Johnson Law, we understand the Jones Act and Maritime Law.

We fight aggressively for our clients and do not back down against insurers or large companies. As a result, we have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for injured individuals and their families.

Our work has earned recognition from multiple entities for legal excellence in case management and trial advocacy. Contact our firm today to learn how we can help you pursue full compensation.

Call Johnson Law to discuss your maritime injury case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form and schedule a free consultation.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Image generated using ChatGPT – Prompt: What is The Jones Act?