The Louisiana Jones Act Law

Using the Louisiana Jones Act to Your Benefit

Author: Tim Young


It used to be the Merchant Marine Act which the United States Congress had enacted in the year 1920, which was then revised in the year 1970. Today, this same act is more commonly referred to as the Louisiana Jones act.

Offshore sea men and sea men who work within inland waters are covered by this act. Usually, there is some confusion between the Louisiana Jones act and worker’s compensation laws because they seem to be similar, but if you look at both laws thoroughly, you will find that they are actually two totally different laws.

The Jones act centers on providing remedies for injured sea men and those who work in inland waters. In the case whereby an injury leads to death, the sea man’s beneficiaries are automatically provided with compensation, awards, and other benefits.

Types of Vessels Covered by the Act
According to the Louisiana Jones act, ships or vessels include all forms of water going vessels, ships, and other floating and moving rigs. This may include, but is not limited to different research vessels, barges, fishing vessels, diving vessels, tankers, cargo ships, drill ships, amongst others.

With the help of a competent Louisiana Jones act lawyer, it is possible to find out whether the vessel in which the client works within is included in the Jones Act. The law also states that it is imperative that the owner of any vessel keeps their sea vessel well maintained at all times, to ensure that it is always ready for the sea.

In the event that the Louisiana Jones act lawyer finds out that their client was injured due to the negligence of the vessel owner, captain or other maritime workers in a legal trial; the client can claim compensation for medical expenses, pain, loss in wages, disfigurement, and any other emotional or physical issues which may have occurred due to their injury.

Contact a Lawyer as Soon as Possible
Though the Louisiana Jones act is basically a federal law, it is possible to have it heard at both the state level and federal level. This means that it is possible for a Jones Act claim to be heard in the Louisiana state court, wherein the trial proceeds along the lines of the Louisiana state court guidelines and procedures. It is up to the Louisiana Jones act lawyer to decide between following state or federal court procedures.

If you are a resident of the state of Louisiana who has become injured due to working at your maritime job, it is important that you contact a Jones Act lawyer as soon as possible. The reason for this urgency is that there are statutes of limitation for the Jones Act, which is usually for three years.

It’s extremely important that you choose the right Louisiana Jones act lawyer to represent you for your case. Usually, the initial consultation with the lawyer will be free of charge in Louisiana, but during this consultation, it’s best that you find out if you deserve Jones Act compensation, benefits or monetary awards, before you proceed with your case.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/personal-injury-articles/using-the-louisiana-jones-act-to-your-benefit-1552370.html

About the Author

Louisiana Jones Act attorney representing Jones Act cases in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Young Firm can provide you with a Louisiana Maritime attorney in cases of maritime and Jones Act injuries. Contact The Young Firm for injuries sustained while working aboard a sea vessel or offshore oil rig.