Protect Your Rights
In response to the number of maritime causalities at the turn of the century, Congress passed the Jones Act . The Jones Act and the general maritime laws give thousands of maritime workers the right to recover monetary damages for injuries caused upon the fault of the employer. Maritime workers are not covered by state workers compensation laws. This is very important because the Jones Act and workers compensation laws work differently.
In a typical workmen's compensation case a worker need not prove the employer was at fault for the injury, however, with the Jones Act, you must prove that the employer was at fault before you are even entitled to one dollar in damages.
To become compensated for your injuries you must prove negligence or fault. This typically requires proving that there was a problem with the equipment, that the injury was caused by the action or inaction of a co-worker, or that some other unsafe condition existed.
Damages for an injury fall under four different categories:
1) past and future medical expenses
2) past and future wage lost (based on an economist report)
3) past and future disability and disfigurement
4) past and future pain and suffering.
Remember, the company doesn't have to be 100% at fault for you to receive damages. But you are not entitled to any award unless you first prove that the company is at least partially at fault in causing your injuries. That's why the actions you take immediately after an accident are so important.
Contact us anytime to schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with an attorney experienced in the area in which you require assistance.
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