Maritime Law - The Jones Act

Maryland enjoys some of the most beautiful coastal waterways - the Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic Ocean and numerous rivers. Many Marylanders work on these waters and earn a good living. However, if you work on the water and were injured on the job, you may be eligible for compensation far in excess of that available under Workers Compensation Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act, provided that you qualify under the Jones Act. The Jones Act was passed by Congress in 1920. The Act provides remedies and special rights for injured workers who are exposed to the dangers of the sea. If you qualify as a seaman under the Jones Act, you are entitled to a daily stipend while you are off work, payment of medical care, and, unlike workers compensation, you can sue the ship owners or other crew members for damages caused by their negligence. You can also sue for damages for injuries or death caused by a ship’s unseaworthiness. Damages available under the Jones Act are far more substantial than those available through workers compensation. Mr. Bereston has worked to help clients recover damages under the Jones Act. Call today if you feel this may be you.