Maritime law is one of the world’s oldest types of law, going back to the Roman Empire. In 1908 in the US, the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) was enacted to help protect railroad workers injured on the job. And, in 1920, FELA was extended to workers in the shipping industry, and this was called “the Jones Act.”
To be covered under the Jones Act, a worker must be considered a “seaman” and meet certain criteria having to do with their job: These include:
- The type of work and location of work they were doing, and
- The type of vessel they were working on.
An injured Jones Act Seaman has legal rights that a regular worker does not. Such as the right to sue their employer for pain and suffering and future lost wages. Determining the rights of a person who is injured while working on the water can be complicated.
Were You Injured While Working In The Maritime Industry and Are Wondering If Your Case Qualifies Under the Jones Act?
If you have been injured while working in the maritime industry and are wondering if your case qualifies nder the Jones Act, contact us online or call our Covington office directly at 985.590.6182 to schedule your free consultation today. Flattmann Law serves clients on the Northshore, including Covington, Mandeville, Abita Springs, Bogalusa, Franklinton, Folsom, Madisonville, Goodbee, Hammond, Lacombe, Pearl River, and Slidell.