If you work on a ship, you need to know about the Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920. Senator Wesley Jones was the original sponsor of this act.
This legislation regulates sea transport operations within or into the United States and other aspects of the marine industry. One of these aspects is to help injured seamen bring action against their employers.
What types of claims are available under the Jones Act?
There are two basic types of claims under the Jones Act. The first is a negligence claim against an employer. Under the Jones Act, a seaman, also known as a person who performs work on a vessel, has the right to a reasonably safe workplace. The employer has to maintain the vessel to meet safety standards.
The second is the maintenance and cure provision. This provision provides money for daily food, lodging, and medical expenses if a seaman suffers an injury. This is regardless of fault or how the injury happened.
What does the Jones Act hold employers liable for?
An employer can be liable for an array of things under the Jones Act. Some of these are:
- Improper maintenance of equipment
- Inadequate training and guidance
- Oil or grease on the deck
- Unsafe work procedures and methods
- Not providing proper equipment
- Assault by a co-worker
These are just a few things the Jones Act covers.
The Jones Act not only covers what ships can do, but it also covers what employers need to do.
