Maritime Worker Injuries & the Jones Act
When maritime industry workers are injured on the job, they don't simply file a workers' compensation claim. Instead, there are specific federal laws that apply to crew members, deckhands, longshoremen, stevedores, and others who are injured while fulfilling their workplace duties on or around "navigable waters." In this section, we'll explain how The Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act work, and what to expect if you're making a claim under these federal laws.
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When a vessel crewmember, a dock worker, or any other maritime industry employee is hurt on the job, a number of injury claim options might be available.
An injured crew member might be able to get compensation through the Jones Act or under the maritime law concept of "unseaworthiness."
Many (but not all) maritime industry workers qualify for on-the-job injury protection under the Jones Act.
Injured crew members and other "seafaring" workers can receive day-to-day compensation from their employer until they've reached maximum recovery.
When maritime industry workers are hurt on the job, the LHWCA often provides injury-related benefits.
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