Jones Act

We Fight for Injured Dock Workers, Sailors and Oil Rig Workers

Jones Act or Maritime Injury Attorneys

Louisiana boasts some of the greatest shoreline in the United States. For many, the water is a way of life. From working on oil rigs to boating in the bayou, a majority of Louisianans rely on the water and the business it brings.


Does Your Lawyer Have Experience with Maritime Injury Law?

 

There are some aspects of the Gulf that do have a broad impact on everyone in Louisiana. Hurricanes can cause immense damage, and oil spills have affected everyone. Luckily, these don’t happen every day. Other than those rare events, most people aren’t affected by the inherent risks posed by living and working on the water. People who make their living off the Gulf and our waterways are a different matter. For them, the sea does pose a daily risk.


The men and women who go to work every day on oil rigs, fishing boats, ferries, cargo ships, cruise ships, and barges understand these risks. Their employers also understand the dangers of the job, and should take measures to ensure that:


  • The company’s boats are seaworthy and in good condition
  • Safety railings are in place
  • Loads are properly secured
  • Vessels are operated in accordance with safety laws and best practices


Many of the accidents that occur in the maritime industry are preventable. Sometimes, employers do not take the proper steps to ensure their employees receive protection or adequate safety training.


Were you injured at sea or on a docked ship? The Jones Act may protect you even if your employer didn’t. Contact Mike Brandner Law in New Orleans for a free legal consultation.

 

The Jones Act

The Jones Act doesn’t protect just anyone on the water, but it has widespread coverage for maritime workers. If you have a significant connection with a particular vessel or fleet of vessels in navigation, and your job contributes to the operation of said vessel(s), you are likely considered a seaman by legal terms. A seaman’s injuries may be covered by the Jones Act if the employer’s negligence can be proven.


The maritime industry is one that is tight-knit, and oftentimes workers who are injured feel pressured to keep the incident quiet for fear of being black-balled from the industry. Occasionally, some people feel their jobs may be threatened if they pursue a claim. The right Metairie or New Orleans maritime lawyer can protect you from these bad-faith practices and ensure that you are safe to pursue compensation.


From falling overboard to oil rig explosions, cruise ships to recreational boating, if you or a loved one has been injured on a vessel, contact a Louisiana Jones Act attorney or New Orleans maritime lawyer today.


Mike Brandner Law offers Jones Act representation to maritime workers throughout the New Orleans and Gulf area and will fight for the compensation you deserve.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Louisiana Jones Act Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why Are Maritime Injuries Different from Other Workplace Injuries?

    Injuries that occur on the water are governed by different laws than those for injuries that occur on land. Maritime laws are complex, so you need a New Orleans maritime attorney experienced in maritime law to represent you.


    A skilled attorney will fully understand how maritime law and the Jones Act factor into building your injury case and justifying your claim. 

  • What’s the Difference Between Maritime Law and the Jones Act?

    Maritime law focuses more on where and what type of work took place. The Jones Act focuses more on the worksite and type of employment.

  • What is the Jones Act?

    The Jones Act is part of the Federal Employers Liability Act and covers a vessel’s crew. However, if the captain and crew embark on a joint venture in which they share rewards, the Jones Act no longer applies. Other crew members not covered under this act include volunteer or unpaid crew members.


    Prior to this Act, seamen had limited recourse for compensation for injuries sustained aboard ship. Under The Jones Act, employers remain liable for crew members’ injuries, whether they are work-related or occurred while living aboard the vessel. 


    Employers usually remain liable for any injuries caused by negligence.


    Examples of Jones Act injuries may include failure to:

    • Maintain safe equipment
    • Select a competent master and/or fellow crewmen
    • Avoid heavy weather
    • Provide medical treatment
    • Rescue
    • Supervise

    Employers may also be liability for injuries sustained by assaults from fellow crewmen, or due to requiring overtime or giving negligent orders, among other causes. Legal action must happen no more than three years from the date of the accident and injury.

SERVING THE STATE OF LOUISIANA

Hire a Skilled New Orleans Maritime Attorney

Maritime law is a separate branch of injury law. If you’re a maritime worker who has suffered an injury, it may be in your best interest to consult with a New Orleans maritime attorney at Mike Brandner Law familiar with this type of litigation. Call us at (504) 345-1111 anytime, day or night. 

AVAILABLE BY PHONE 24/7

Get Your FREE Case Evaluation Today

The team at Mike Brandner Law has decades of combined experience advocating for people injured in all types of injury accidents. Contact us today at (504) 345-1111 for a free consultation.

CALL (504) 345-1111 CONTACT US
AVAILABLE BY PHONE 24/7

Get Your FREE Case Evaluation Today

The team at Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys has decades of combined experience advocating for people injured in all types of injury accidents. Contact us today for a free consultation.

CALL (504) 345-1111 CONTACT US