Working at sea is one of the most dangerous jobs in Florida. Seamen and offshore workers face daily risks that go far beyond what land-based employees encounter. If you’ve been injured while working on a vessel, you may have rights under federal maritime law, including through the Jones Act.
Garvin Injury Law has over 50 years of experience helping accident victims in the area. Our maritime injury lawyers in Fort Myers know how these claims work and how to recover the compensation you need to move forward.
Read on to learn more, and contact us today if you’re ready to get started with a free consultation.
What Is the Jones Act?
The Jones Act (also referred to as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920) provides special legal protections for seamen who are injured while working at sea or on navigable waters. Unlike traditional workers’ compensation, the Jones Act allows qualifying workers to bring a lawsuit against their employer if negligence played a role in the accident.
To qualify as a “seaman” under the Act, you generally must:
- Spend at least 30% of your working time on a vessel in navigation
- Contribute to the function or mission of that vessel
- Be employed in service of the vessel at the time of injury
These protections cover a wide range of maritime jobs, from deckhands and engineers to commercial fishermen, offshore oil workers, and crew members on barges or cargo ships.
What Compensation Is Available Under the Jones Act?
If you’ve been injured in a maritime or boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation that goes beyond basic medical coverage. Jones Act damages may include:
- Medical bills, including hospitalization, surgery, and long-term care
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering caused by the accident
- Disability or reduced quality of life
- Costs of rehabilitation and vocational retraining
In addition, seamen are also entitled to “maintenance and cure,” meaning payment for living expenses and medical treatment until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement, regardless of who was at fault.
Common Causes of Jones Act Claims in Fort Myers
Maritime injuries often result from unsafe working conditions or employer negligence. Some of the most common situations leading to Jones Act claims include:
- Slip and fall accidents on wet or poorly maintained decks
- Unsafe equipment or lack of proper safety gear
- Failure to provide adequate crew training
- Overworked or fatigued crew members
- Collisions and other vessel accidents
- Fires, explosions, and exposure to toxic substances
A mere minor lapse in safety can still have devastating consequences at sea. That’s one reason why the law gives injured maritime workers the ability to hold employers liable in these circumstances.
How Long Do I Have To File a Jones Act Claim?
Under federal law, most Jones Act claims must be filed within three years of the date of the injury. However, waiting too long can make it harder to gather evidence and file as strong a claim as possible. Speaking with a Fort Myers Jones Act lawyer as soon as possible ensures your claim is filed correctly and on time.
Contact a Fort Myers Jones Act Claims Attorney Today
If you were hurt while working on the water in Fort Myers, Florida, you may be entitled to take legal action by filing a Jones Act claim. The lawyers at Garvin Injury Law have decades of experience representing injured seamen and maritime workers, so you’ll be in trusted hands if you choose us to represent you.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal rights and options.