Maritime Blog 
Diver Accident Lawyer
Jones Act Cases
- Jones Act injury case against Waterman Steamship
- Injured worker sues D&S Marine Services under the Jones Act
- We are pleased to announce the coming publication of The Complete Guide to Jones Act & Maritime Injury Claims
- Offshore back and neck injuries at sea, on vessels, or on offshore oil rigs
- Jones Act Lawsuit Against Kirby Inland Marine and Capital Inland Marine
- Preventing offshore slip and fall injuries by using non-slip coatings on walking and working surfaces
- Can I negotiate an offshore injury case myself without hiring an attorney?
- Resolve Marine Hit With Jones Act Lawsuit After Boat Crashes Into Jetty
- SEAMEN'S ALERT - Important Warning for Injured Offshore Workers and Seamen
- Injured Worker Sues Horizon Offshore Following Back Injury
Maritime Injury & Death Cases
- Widow of deceased barge worker sues barge company under Jones Act
- Man Injured on Norweigian Cruise Line cruise ship near Miami
General
- Exxon Valdez case - Punitive damages allowed under maritime law
- New Longshore and Harbor Worker's case against Noble Drilling protects injured worker's rights
- Injured employee sues Matteson Marine Service under the Jones Act
- Houston Police Officer Dies in Crash with Truck
- Global Industries Offshore Settles Jones Act Case Brought by Injured Rigger
V&B Maritime Law News
- Navigazione Montanari S.p.A. and Pelican Offshore Services settle Jones Act case with mooring master
- 5th Circuit Upholds 1.2 million dollar Jones Act verdict
- Settlement for offshore welder who injured back
- Jones Act & Maritime Injury Claims Book
- Lawsuit Filed Against Blessey Marine Under the Jones Act
- Houston Maritime Death - Man Killed While Loading Ship
- Hoosier Marine Hit With Lawsuit By Injured Worker
- Injured Galleyhand Sues Universal Sodexho and Rowan Under Jones Act
- Worker Sues Diamond Offshore for exposure to hazardous chemicals
- Worker Sues Pride Offshore For Forcing Him to Work In An Unsafe Position
V&B Frequent Questions
General
- Am I required to give a written statement after I am injured?
- If I am injured offshore, am I required to sign paperwork in exchange for receiving medical benefits or maintenance payments?
- If I suffer an offshore injury, am I required to see only company doctors?
- If no one is at fault for my injury offshore, do I still get an medical benefits or wage replacement/lost wages?
- If I am injured offshore, can I bring claims for negligence against the parties who are at fault?
- I was injured on a U.S. government vessel - Do I have a Jones Act case?
- How do I know if I am a Jones Act "seaman?"
- What is General Maritime Law?
- What does "unseaworthiness" mean??
- What is "maintenance and cure?"
What Damages are Available Under the Jones Act?
The Jones Act covers both members and masters of a crew. Anyone who has a substantial connection with a vessel or fleet of vessels and whose duties contribute to the function or mission of the vessel is covered under the Jones Act.
To be covered by the Jones Act, you must have a substantial relationship in terms of duration and nature with the ship or fleet of ships. If you do not have the substantial relationship, but are a contract employee who works on multiple vessels (not under common ownership), you will probably be covered by Longshore or Maritime law, and not the Jones Act.
There are several types of damages available under the Jones Act. Legal damages are intended to compensate the injured party for his loss, and not to put him in a better position than he was before the injury. If you are injured and covered by the Jones Act, you may be able to recover:
Lost Wages – The Act provides that a worker can recover lost wages for the time that he has been unable to work if he can show that the injury was at least partly the fault of his employer.
Lost Earning Capacity – Even after you have recovered from your injury and return to work, you may not be able to earn wages at the same rate that you could pre-injury. For this reason, the Jones Act holds negligent employers liable to their employees for any dip in earning capacity that the injury causes. An estimate of your lost earning capacity can be made by taking your post-injury pay rate and subtracting that from your pre-injury rate. For instance, if you are currently making $30,000 and used to earn $45,000, then your lost wages would be $15,000 per year.
Pain and Suffering – The Jones Act also provides for “pain and suffering” damages to injured employees. While it is impossible to put a dollar value on the amount of pain you have suffered, we can reach a ballpark figure either in settlement negotiations or in front of a jury that will compensate you for the pain you have suffered.
Medical Expenses – Health Care costs a lot of money today. The Jones Act provides that an injured seaman can recover medical expenses from his employer. This figure covers hospital care, surgeries, and medication.
Disfigurement – Injured seamen may also be entitled to compensation for disfigurement damages. These are intended to compensate the seaman for any embarrassment that he feels due to the way they look after the injury. This figure may compensate for scarring, loss of limb, changes in the ability to hear, or changes in the way you walk.
Mental Anguish – The final category of damages is for mental anguish. If you are no longer able to enjoy some of the things you used to enjoy, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for mental anguish. For instance, if your favorite sport was golf and an injury to your shoulder prevents you from swinging a club, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of this ability.
Quick Contact Form
Vujasinovic & Beckcom P.L.L.C
1001 Texas Avenue, Suite 1020
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 713.224.7800
Fax: 713.224.7801
Library
Jones Act Cases
- Cruise ship injury cases - What are my legal rights if I am hurt on a cruise ship?
- The number one mistake to wreck your maritime injury case
- I was exposed to benzene, asbestos, or another toxic substance as part of my maritime employment - What are my legal rights?
- Injured in the Gulf of Mexico - What Law Applies?
- You have legal remedies if you are hurt on a cruise ship
Maritime Injury & Death Cases
- Tricks Offshore Employers Use on Injured Workers
- I was involved in an accident offshore and the insurance company wants me to give a recorded statement - What should I do?
- Five Things You Must Know If You Suffered An Offshore Injury
- Injured Offshore? Here are five helpful tips for navigating your legal voyage
- 5 Secrets Your Offshore Employer May Not Want You To Know If You Are Injured Offshore
Diver Accident Lawyer
- Diving Injuries - Are Diving Injuries Covered Under the Jones Act?
- What Law Covers Diving Accidents & Injuries?
General
- Financial Insecurity & Wrongful Termination - Two Big Fears When You Suffer An On-The-Job Injury
- Oil Platform Injury Cases
- How to hire the best lawyer for your injury or accident case
- I was injured on an offshore jack-up rig or oil platform - What are my legal rights to compensation?
- Reporting your offshore injury