Long Island Jones Act Lawyer

The Jones Act protects seamen in case they sustain injuries on the job. It allows them to file a personal injury claim against the employer and recover different types of damages.

However, the process of damage recovery is rarely simple. It involves multiple legal issues that require special knowledge. If you need assistance getting the money you deserve, you must work with a skilled Long Island Jones Act lawyer.

Contact our dedicated maritime injury attorneys today for a free consultation.

The Jones Act

The Jones Act, also called the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, regulates maritime shipping in the USA. It states that vessels that are moving goods between U.S. ports must be built and owned in the USA, while the crew should have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.

While the main purpose of the Jones Act is to limit how cargo is transported in navigable waters, it also protects injured seamen. The Act demands that seamen should receive reasonable food, shelter, and medical care while on the job.

Medical care involves full assistance to the injured seaman until their condition reaches Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). This can include emergency care, surgery costs, hospitalization, and more.  If the employer fails to provide this care or their negligent actions lead to injuries, the seaman has the right to file a claim according to the Jones Act.

What Is Maximum Medical Improvement?

Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) is the point at which a doctor determines that a seaman’s condition is unlikely to improve further with additional treatment. It does not mean the person is fully healed. It demonstrates that their recovery has plateaued. At this stage, the employer’s obligation to cover medical expenses may end.

Some companies may attempt to stop providing care to the seaman by claiming that they reached MMI. Such a conclusion may be offered by a company doctor who claims to be an independent medical examiner.

This can be a serious issue for seamen who have sustained catastrophic injuries that require long-term care. An experienced Jones Act attorney in Long Island can fight on the seaman’s behalf to receive the necessary support from the employer and file a Jones Act lawsuit.

Filing a Jones Act Lawsuit

The Jones Act allows seamen to file a personal injury lawsuit against the employer whose negligent actions led to injuries. In addition to maintenance and cure, the negligent employer may owe other damages to the seamen. Some examples are lost wages and non-economic damages.

Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, permanent disfigurement, and anything else that decreases the seaman’s quality of life. The compensation may vary depending on the quality of evidence and the extent of the injuries.

A Long Island lawyer with experience in Jones Act lawsuits can help build a strong case and improve the seaman’s chances of recovering maximum compensation.

Consult a Skilled Jones Act Lawyer in Long Island Today

If you were injured while performing your duties as a seaman, you have the right to receive assistance from the employer regardless of their fault. If the employer fails to provide this assistance, you can file a claim. Meanwhile, if the employer’s negligent actions led to the injuries, you can file a personal injury claim.

An experienced Long Island Jones Act lawyer from Goldstein and Bashner can evaluate your situation and help you recover damages. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.