The Jones Act, originally known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is important because it gives repose to those who sustain injuries at sea and do not qualify for workers' compensation. The Jones Act specifically allows injured marines to sue their employers over...
Admiralty & Maritime Law
Main maritime injuries and where they are likely to happen
Maritime workers are vulnerable to a wide variety of injuries on many types of vessels. These workers are not protected under the laws that apply to land-based employees. Instead, they can recover damages for injuries under the Jones Act. Commercial and cruise ship...
Death of toddler on cruise ship receives much publicity
Deaths from a person falling overboard on a cruise ship are quite rare, and they often involve adults. Just over 10 people (out of the 20 million people that go on cruises each year) fall overboard on an average each year. When the victim is a child, the tragedy often...
Injured seamen and maintenance and cure under the Jones Act
If you are a seaman injured because of the negligence of your employer, you receive protection for maintenance and cure under the Jones Act. These are basic rights owed to you when you work in navigable waters on a vessel or offshore drilling rig. Explaining...
Are punitive damages available for unseaworthiness?
The U.S. Supreme Court is consistent in hearing maritime cases in an attempt to help further define maritime laws, which are rather general in nature and leave much up to interpretation by the courts. In a recent attempt to solidify laws regarding the ability to...
How common are overboard falls on cruise ships?
Taking a cruise can be a wonderful vacation that allows you to explore various locations in one trip. Cruise ships, though, often get a bad reputation when it comes to safety. One of the biggest fears is falling overboard. While this is a risk you take on any ship,...
What is the Jones Act and how does it apply to mariners?
In 1920 the creation of the Merchant Marine Act set the standard for mariners injured while at sea. Also known as the Jones Act, it protects mariners since they are not able to file for wokers' compensation under maritime law. The Jones Act applies to mariners working...
Arrests made in boating accident that injured 4
Police in Louisiana recently arrested four people involved in a boat accident that injured several people. Of the four, one man is facing six different charges, including at least one felony. The other three men are all charged with accessory after the fact of a...
Boat accident claims life, severely injures passenger
Accidents can happen anywhere. Most people who operate boats for a living or recreationally know that a serious accident could take place on the water at any time. Unfortunately, a boat accident can lead to serious or fatal injuries for those involved, and...
Maritime accidents can have harrowing outcomes
Though most people have jobs that keep their feet firmly on land, numerous individuals have jobs that take place on the water. Crew boats can serve various purposes, and some Louisiana residents may spend much of their time on the water carrying out work-related...
