F.E.L.A./Jones Act
The Jones Act permits injured seamen to seek compensation for injuries resulting from the negligence of their employers or co-workers during the course of their employment on a vessel. As any seaman knows, a ship can be a very dangerous place to work. The Jones Act reflects that reality of maritime work, and a seaman's employer may be liable for even a small breach of duty which contributes to a seaman's injury. This is true, even where a seaman performs dangerous work while aware of the high risks involved in the work.
In addition to compensation for injuries cause by negligence, an injured seaman may also make a claim against the vessel's owner on the basis that the vessel was not seaworthy. An employer may also be liable for failing to provide a seaman with adequate medical care.
Jones Act litigation seeks to recover damages for both past and future economic and non-economic losses.
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