When an injury occurs on a barge, oil rig, tugboat, towboat or other vessel, it is sometimes difficult to know what needs to be done to not only treat the injury, but gather the appropriate evidence regarding the incident. If you are a seaman you are protected under federal law by the Jones Act. However, the actions you take after an injury can make the difference of whether you win or lose your Jones Act lawsuit. The statute of limitations for a Jones Act claim is generally three years from the date of the accident, but keep in mind that the process of filing a claim is often time consuming. Consider taking action as soon as possible following an injury.

Below is a list of things to do after a Jones Act injury:

• Seek medical attention. Before you do anything else, you need to get medical treatment for your maritime injury. If your vessel has a medical doctor onboard, then you may want to see that professional. As an injured seaman, you do have the right to reasonable medical care and you can get medical treatment from someone not associated with your employer.
• Report the injury to your supervisor. You can request that an accident report be completed in writing, so that there is a record of the event. Most likely you will be asked to sign the report, but review it carefully before you sign to make sure everything is correct.
• Write the contact information of the witnesses. If there were people who witnessed your maritime accident, you are going to want their testimonies. Try to get their phone numbers, home addresses and email addresses.
• Take photographs. You should take pictures of your injuries and also the equipment or defective condition that caused the accident.
• Do not sign a waiver or release of liability document. If your employer asks you to sign something, read it carefully to make sure it does not release the employer from any liability or waive your rights. Some legal documents are hard to understand – if you don’t know what it says, don’t sign it.
• Do not give a recorded statement. An insurance adjuster may ask you questions and to avoid misrepresenting yourself, decline giving a recorded statement.
• Talk to an experienced Jones Act attorney. As an injured seaman, you have legal rights, but maritime law can be complex. That is why you need to talk with a maritime attorney who can review your case and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.

The Willis Law Firm has been representing injured seaman for over 25 years.

Working on an offshore rig, platform, tugboat, towboat, barge or ship can put immense strain on your back. By nature, a seaman’s job is very physical and can ultimately lead to severe back injuries. If you have hurt your back on a drilling rig or other vessel, you need to know what symptoms to look out for that could indicate a more serious problem, and it is important to know your legal rights under the Jones Act.

There are many causes of back injuries. According to Mayo Clinic, there are four work-related factors that are associated with the risk of back pain and injury, which include force, repetition, posture and stress. Maritime workers can seriously injure their backs by:

• Lifting heavy objects
• Repetitious tasks
• Moving machinery or equipment
• Falling on a slippery surface
• An auto accident while on duty
• An unsafe transfer in rough seas
• Assault by a crewmember
• A direct blow to the spine
• Stab wounds or gunshot wounds

Back Injury Symptoms that Require Emergency Attention

Some back injuries require emergency medical treatment. It is important to know what signs to watch for following an injury to the back. Below are some symptoms that require immediate medical care:

• Pain in the upper back with chest pain that is squeezing, crushing or feels like a weight is on the chest
• Back pain that follows a major accident
• Weakness in the legs
• Numbness in the buttocks, genital area or legs
• Loss of bladder or bowel control

These symptoms indicate that a more serious medical condition exists. Prompt medical attention is vital in treating these types of injuries.

Types of Back Injuries

Back injuries are classified into two different categories – acute and overuse. The pain resulting from an acute back injury is usually sudden and severe. Overuse back injuries have symptoms that gradually surface over time. A >back injury may include:

• Back sprain or strain caused by injured ligaments or muscles
• Spine fracture or dislocation
• Torn or ruptured disk
• Nerve compression in the lower back, known as cauda equine syndrome

Jones Act Lawsuits

A seaman is protected under the Jones Act and is legally entitled to compensation for injuries that occurred on the job. This compensation is known as maintenance and cure. If the injury was caused by negligence of others or if it was the result of an unseaworthy vessel, additional compensation may be pursued. A significant settlement can be awarded for a successful Jones Act case. Contact a maritime lawyer to discuss your legal options if you have injured your back while working on a vessel.

Defective equipment on offshore rigs, tankers, barges and other vessels can cause serious injuries to the maritime worker. Equipment that is unsafe poses a significant risk of electrocution and burns. If you or someone you know has been injured by unsafe equipment or defective equipment onboard a vessel, a Jones Act lawsuit may be pursued.

Electric shock occurs when someone comes into contact with an electrical energy source. A person is injured when the electrical energy flows through the body, which ultimately causes shock. An injury caused by electric shock can be catastrophic, even deadly.

It has been estimated that nearly 1,000 people die each year in the United States as a direct result of electric shock. Many of the deaths were caused by exposure at work. As a seaman, you most likely work with heavy equipment and machinery. When equipment malfunctions aboard a vessel, the result can be devastating.

Symptoms of Electric Shock

Symptoms of electric shock can range, depending on the extent of injuries. When someone experiences electric shock, there may be little initial evidence of the injury or there may be immediate burns. A high voltage shock can cause cardiac arrest. Some of the electric shock symptoms include the following:

• Burns at the point of contact with the electrical source such as the hands, heels or head
• Spinal pain or injury, if the person was thrown clear of the electrical source
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Abdominal pain
• Pain in a hand or foot
• Deformity of part of the body
• Unconsciousness
• Numbness or paralysis

Treatment and Recovery of Electric Shock

Emergency medical care should be given to the victim immediately following the electric shock. Even if there are no external signs of damage, there could be internal injuries. A doctor will conduct various tests and exams to determine if any significant unseen injuries exist. It is possible for the heart, muscle or brain to be damaged from the electrical force. Some of the tests may include:

• Blood count
• ECG of the heart
• Urine test
• X-ray
• CT scan

The medical personnel will treat any burns according to the severity. Broken bones will require casting or splinting and in some cases may require surgery. If there are internal injuries, surgery may be needed. The medical staff will also closely monitor the victim to prevent infection, which is one of the most common causes of death among those hospitalized after an electrical injury.

Recovery from electric shock can be achieved, especially if the injuries were relatively minor. If the victim did not experience cardiac arrest or severe burns, the chances of survival increase dramatically.

If you have been injured by electric shock while working aboard a vessel, you may be eligible to file a Jones Act claim.

You have legal rights as a seaman and could be entitled to a monetary settlement if you were injured on the job. The Jones Act, which came to pass in 1970, was created by the federal government to protect injured seaman. This law regulates the maritime industry and ensures that seaman injured while on duty, receive adequate compensation. Under the Jones Act, an injured worker may be able to recover:

• Lost wages, both past and present
• Medical expenses
• Damages for pain, suffering, disfigurement and mental anguish

Some of the injuries associated with Jones Act lawsuits include those caused by falls due to poor lighting or lack of appropriate equipment, weather related accidents, exposure to toxic chemicals, burns, electrocutions, falling objects and even assaults. There are many reasons for maritime injuries and it is important to be able to determine whether negligence or unseaworthiness of a vessel played a role.

If you win your Jones Act lawsuit, you may be awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars for damages. That is a lot more than your employer will offer you.

As a seaman, you are legally entitled to “maintenance and cure” if you are injured in the course of your employment, regardless of who was at fault. Maintenance refers to the small daily compensation you receive, which usually equates to as little as $10 to $35 per day. Basically, the amount of maintenance should equal the costs of your living expenses on land, assuming you have comparable accommodations as you had on the vessel. Cure is defined as your employer’s obligation to provide medical care until your condition cannot improve any further. Unfortunately, many seamen are unaware that they have a claim under the Jones Act and settle for maintenance and cure – missing out on a large potential settlement.

Seaman – The Legal Definition

One of the first steps in a Jones Act case is the determination of whether or not you are legally a seaman. By definition, a seaman is a crew member of a vessel or person who was assigned to a vessel or fleet of vessels. Individuals who work on the following are considered to be seamen:

• Fishing vessels
• Supply boats
• Tankers
• Freighters
• Jack-up rigs
• Towboats
• Tugboats
• Semi-submersibles
• Barges
• Crew boats
• Movable or jack-up drilling rigs

There are requirements to proving seaman status that should be discussed with a maritime attorney – seek legal help to protect your rights.

Negligence and Unseaworthiness

In order to have a successful case under the Jones Act, you must be able to prove negligence or fault by the vessel’s owner, operators, officers or co-workers. Defects in the vessel, equipment, tackle or gear also allow for certain remedies. You may have a Jones Act claim if your employer did something unreasonable that directly or indirectly caused the accident or if your employer failed to perform an act that could have prevented the injury. The admiralty lawyers at our law firm will help you determine if your employer was negligent.

If the vessel is found to be unseaworthy, you may also have a valid case. A ship’s owner has a duty to ensure that the vessel is seaworthy and that it provides a safe environment for you to work. A vessel owner can be held liable if there were conditions that could have been corrected, which ultimately resulted in your injury. An experienced Jones Act attorney will be able to review your case and find out if the vessel was unseaworthy.

Statute of Limitations

There are deadlines as to when you can file a claim. The Statute of Limitations for a Jones Act case is generally three years from the date of the incident. Some exceptions include situations where the injury occurred on a vessel that is in some way connected to the U.S. government. Do not wait to speak with a Jones Act lawyer. If your case does not fall under the Jones Act, your statute of limitations can be as little as one year. You could miss out on a large cash settlement if you are past the deadline.

Contact an Attorney

The Willis Law Firm will go over your rights as a seaman and assist you with your Jones Act injury case. Contact our law office 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your consultation is free and confidential.

In 1920, the Merchant Marine Act became law, which is one of the three federal laws often referred to as the Jones Act. It is a cabotage law that also has provisions protecting the rights of seamen.

The Jones Act places restrictions on the carriage of goods or passengers between United States ports to U.S. built and flagged ships. Under this law, at least two-thirds of the crew must be U.S. citizens. In addition, any foreign repair work of U.S. flagged ships’ hull and superstructure is limited to 10 percent foreign-built steel weight. Basically, this restriction prohibits U.S. vessel owners from renovating their vessels at overseas shipyards.

There are also provisions in the Jones Act that protect seamen’s rights. The Jones Act allows injured seamen to pursue damages from their employers for negligence on the part of the vessel owner, captain or other crewmembers. This protection is similar to that of railroad workers. The law states that any seaman who suffers personal injury in the course of employment may take action to collect damages and has the right to a trial by jury. The action can be brought in a U.S. federal court or a state court.

A case heard by the United States Supreme Court, known as Chandris, Inc. v. Latsis, 515 U.S. 347, 115 S.Ct. 2171 (1995), established a benchmark for determining the status of an employee as a “Jones Act seaman.” Based on the Supreme Court ruling, a worker who spends less than 30 percent of his time in the service of a vessel on navigable waters is presumed not to be a Jones Act seaman.

The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 has been revised numerous times, with the most recent revision in 2006.

Working on a vessel can be treacherous, as the ocean and weather conditions can be unpredictable. The use of heavy machinery and equipment can also be dangerous. Accidents may happen on oil rigs, barges, tugs, towboats, tankers and freighters. A maritime accident can lead to serious injuries. In some unfortunate cases, an amputation can result from a catastrophic injury.

An amputation occurs when part or all of a body part that is enclosed by the skin is removed. It can be complete, where the entire body part is removed, or it can be partial, where only a portion is taken off. Amputations are often done during surgery, but can also happen during an accident. An accidental amputation is serious and it is crucial to know what to do if such an event happens.

If you witness a fellow maritime worker experiencing an amputation, you need to seek emergency medical care immediately. You can help stop the bleeding by applying steady pressure to the injury site. The injured worker should lie down and elevate the site that is bleeding. Sterile dressing or a clean cloth should be wrapped around the injured area until medical treatment is received.

Shock frequently follows an amputation injury. The injured seaman may pass out, feel dizzy, lightheaded or weak and become less responsive.

The amputated body part should be taken to the hospital for possible re-attachment. It should be gently rinsed, wrapped in sterile gauze, placed in a waterproof container and put on ice. Re-attachment is possible depending on what body part was amputated, the condition of the body part that was removed, the time passed since the injury occurred and the health of the injured worker.

Depending on what caused the accident and amputation, the injured seaman may be eligible for compensation under the Jones Act or General Maritime Law. Under the Jones Act, employers are required to pay for maintenance and cure. Maintenance is designed to cover living expenses, while cure is meant to pay for medical care. The Jones Act also allows seamen to pursue monetary damages for pain and suffering, lost wages, both past and present, medical expenses, disfigurement and mental anguish, if the vessel owner was negligent in any way or if the vessel was unseaworthy. Contact an experienced Jones Act lawyer today to review your case. Our law firm will provide you with a free and confidential consultation.

As a Jones Act seaman, you are exposed to hazards on a daily basis. You work with heavy machinery, tackle, fishing gear and other equipment, all while battling the weather and sea conditions. The work environment on a vessel can lead to maritime injury, but so can the actions of a co-worker. If you have been injured in a maritime accident that was caused by a co-worker or fellow crewmember, you may have a Jones Act claim.

The Jones Act provides protection for seamen who have been injured during maritime employment. To have a Jones Act claim, you must prove that there was some negligence or fault on the part of the vessel’s owners, operators or officers. If the negligent actions of a co-worker caused your maritime injuries, you may also have a Jones Act case.

When a co-workers’ negligence causes injuries to a Jones Act seaman, the employer can be held responsible. The co-worker may have done something unreasonable or failed to perform a reasonable act that would have prevented your injuries. Depending on the details of the Jones Act case, there could even be a claim for unseaworthiness.

You may have the right to sue your employer for your injuries in a Jones Act lawsuit. A successful Jones Act suit could entitle you to compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, both past and present, medical expenses, disfigurement and mental anguish. The settlement can be substantial.

There is a statute of limitations as to when a Jones Act claim can be filed. If you have been injured in an offshore accident caused by a fellow crewmember, contact a maritime injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.

The types of accidents and injuries that can occur offshore are endless. Seamen have been known to suffer severe injuries and death from working aboard a vessel, such as a fishing boat or tug. These workers put their lives at risk on a daily basis and sometimes sustain permanent, life-altering injuries as a result. Even though most of the maritime accidents will include broken bones, bruises and back injuries, some will lead to blindness or hearing loss. This type of injury can change the life of the maritime worker forever. If you have been injured in a maritime accident, you need to be aware of your legal rights under the Jones Act.

The Jones Act is a federal law that provides compensation for injured seamen. A seaman is basically anyone whose work contributes to the function of a vessel or is done aboard a vessel. If you are considered a seaman, you should contact a Jones Act lawyer immediately, as the law is complex and there are deadlines as to when you can file a lawsuit.

Hearing Loss

The noise levels on a vessel can be high, especially in the engine room. Seamen who are subjected to this noise on a daily basis have been known to experience hearing loss, which can be permanent or may lead to other hearing problems such as buzzing in the ear.

There are measures that can be taken to protect workers from hearing loss, such as hearing protection and personal protective equipment. Workers should also be monitored for their hearing abilities regularly.

Eye Injuries

Seamen are also at risk of eye injuries that can lead to blindness. An eye injury can occur when an object, such as broken metal or glass, enters the eye or when the eyes are exposed to toxic chemicals, either directly or through fumes. Eye injuries can be avoided by using eye protection.

Employers are responsible for the safety of their employees under the Jones Act. If you have suffered hearing loss or blindness while working aboard a vessel, you may be able to file a Jones Act claim to recover compensation for your injuries.

Many head injuries result in nothing more than a minor bump on the head, but what happens when it turns into something more serious? Intracranial hematoma is a potentially life threatening head injury that can takes several weeks or longer for symptoms to surface. If you are a seaman, fisherman, crewmember or other maritime worker and have sustained a head injury in a maritime accident, you need to be aware of the signs of intracranial hematoma and your rights under the Jones Act.

What is intracranial hematoma?

According to the Mayo Clinic, intracranial hematoma is the result of ruptured blood vessels within your brain or between your skull and brain. Hematoma, which is defined as a collection of blood, compresses against the brain tissue. This type of head injury can occur from a maritime accident, such as a fall or blow from an object, when the fluid around the brain is unable to absorb the impact. The brain can become bruised from hitting the inside wall of the skull.

Intracranial Hematoma Symptoms

Even if you feel fine after sustaining a blow to the head or knocking your head on a hard surface after a fall, it does not mean that you are in the clear. It can take a while for the symptoms of an intracranial hematoma to begin. Pressure can build as the brain swells, which can create any of the following symptoms:

• Headache
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Loss of consciousness
• Different size pupils
• Limb weakness
• Raised blood pressure
• Confusion
• Extreme tiredness
• Convulsions

Treatment and Diagnosis of Intracranial Hematoma

Most doctors will assume that you are suffering from intracranial hematoma if you lose consciousness after an accident. An imaging test, such as a CT scan or MRI scan, will most likely be ordered to confirm your diagnosis. These scans will show any damage or swelling of the brain.

Surgery is usually required to treat hematoma. There are two basic types of procedures used, which are surgical drainage or craniotomy. Surgical drainage is utilized when the blood is localized and there is no excessive clotting. When the hematoma is significant, a craniotomy may be needed that will open the skull to remove the blood.

Compensation for a Maritime Injury

The recovery time for intracranial hematoma can be lengthy and will most likely require you to take a substantial amount of time away from work, if you are even able to return to work at all. If your maritime injury was the result of negligence or an unseaworthy vessel, you may be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act. Contact an experienced maritime attorney to discuss your legal options. Our law firm offers a free, confidential consultation regarding your Jones Act case.

Injuries come in all different forms, from bone breaks to head trauma. These serious injuries can take a toll on you physically, as well as mentally. In the past, doctors did not place a lot of emphasis on the emotional aspect of coping with a traumatic injury, but things have changed. Physicians and juries now take into account the mental anguish caused by a maritime injury. The good news for injured maritime workers is that they can now recover monetary damages for mental anguish.

The Jones Act is a federal law that protects injured seamen. If you are considered a seaman, this law allows you to collect compensation during your recovery and provides damages for mental anguish, among other things. However, the law is complex when it comes to obtaining these damages. To be eligible for mental anguish damages, you must have been injured by negligence and one of the following took place:

• You became extremely distressed after being exposed to a hazard that has the potential to cause a life threatening illness
• You experienced mental pain from an injury
• An accident put you into a dangerous situation where you were at risk of serious injury

It can be very difficult to collect damages for mental anguish. The law does not allow family members of a seaman who was killed in a maritime accident to obtain this compensation. Also, if you witnessed an accident or death of a co-worker, you are not eligible for mental anguish damages. There are some other exceptions that should be discussed with a Jones Act lawyer.

If you have been injured in a maritime accident, you need to contact an experienced Jones Act attorney. When it comes to filing a Jones Act claim, there are deadlines, so you do not want to delay in seeking legal advice.