maritime law
Maritime Law and Jones Act Lawyers
Maritime law and the Jones Act are an important part of the seamen’s life. Fishermen, longshoremen, tugboat workers, commercial fishermen, deckhands, ship engineers, captains, shipbuilders, tour boat employees, tanker crewmen, cruise ship workers, water sports entertainment employees, and recreational boaters all run the risk of injury or death while at sea. The sea is a dangerous master, and all too often, those who serve her pay dearly with life or limb. When tragedy strikes, Oregon and Federal laws protect the rights of seamen, mariners, and boaters injured on the job and in service of a vessel.
The Jones Act
The Jones Act establishes a system of protection and benefits for seamen and crew members. This act specifies that any" Jones Act Seamen" is entitled to “maintenance and cure,” establishing financial responsibility for the healthcare of the injured or ill seaman. The Jones Act also allows an injured seamen to bring a claim for the negligence of an employer or vessel owner and for the unseaworthiness of a vessel. This also includes providing benefits to the families of seamen killed on the job.
The Jones Act applies to individuals who are injured while in the service of a vessel. The Jones Act allows injured seamen to seek compensation for injuries from their employers and/or the vessel owners when an injury or death occurs due to negligence and/or unseaworthiness.
The Jones Act also encompasses other maritime laws and is complex. Some seamen may be confused whether they qualify for benefits under the Jones Act and to which benefits they are entitled. For this reason, seamen seeking relief under the Jones Act should seek out the legal advice of an experienced Jones Act attorney.
Admiralty Law
Admiralty and maritime law claims include claims for damaged cargo, collisions, hazardous spills liability, and injury related liability claims. These laws protect the interests of both employers and employees, and govern business practices that take place on or near the water.
For an accident or injury to fall under maritime law, certain conditions must be met. The specifics of admiralty and maritime law claims vary from situation to situation and can be difficult to interpret at times. Determining the validity and best course for such claims is a job best left to a team of skilled maritime lawyers.
The maritime law attorneys at Paulson Coletti are experienced at Jones Act and similar maritime claims. If you feel you have a valid maritime claim, please call our offices at (503) 226-6361 to schedule a free consultation.
