Can I file a Jones Act claim if I was hurt by a co-worker?

Under a federal law, known as the Jones Act, if you are a seaman and have been injured by negligence or an unseaworthy vessel, you may be able to file a claim against your employer. Negligence can involve a co-worker.

When you are working on the high seas or other navigable waters, you generally rely on your co-workers. The tasks you complete as a Jones Act seaman can be incredibly physical and when you combine that with the heavy equipment and machinery you may be using, the risk of injury is high. The odds are even greater of sustaining a maritime injury when your co-worker is negligent. If you have been injured because of a negligent crewmember, you may be eligible to file a Jones Act claim to seek compensation.

Jones Act cases can be complex, which is why you should always consult with an experienced maritime attorney immediately following a maritime accident. There are deadlines that have to be met and if you miss the statute of limitations, you will have difficulty collecting monetary damages for your Jones Act injuries.