We Can Help You Prove Jones Act Negligence
The Jones Act is a federal law that gives seamen who were injured in the course of their employment the right to sue their employer for negligence and collect damages.
Under the Jones Act, a maritime employer must provide the seamen with a reasonably safe place to work and use ordinary care to maintain and keep the vessel on which the seamen work in a reasonably safe condition. Almost any unsafe condition on a vessel, no matter how small, can lead to liability under the Jones Act.
A very important part of the Jones Act is the low burden of proving the employer's negligence that causes the seaman's injury. Under the Jones Act, the injured seaman need only prove that the employer's negligence played a small part in causing the seaman's injuries. This means that the injured seaman would only have to show that the negligence of the employer only partially caused his or her injuries.
What Is Jones Act Negligence?
Examples of negligence under the Jones Act include:
- Improperly maintained equipment
- Failure to provide the crew members with the proper equipment
- Failure to properly train the crew members
- Failure to require the crew members to follow safe work methods
- Maintaining an inexperienced crew
- Operation of the vessel in bad weather
- Grease or oil on the deck
Contact Our Jones Act Attorneys in Providence
When you have suffered a maritime injury that falls under the Jones Act, having a knowledgeable attorney familiar in maritime law on your side is vital. The legal team at Karns & Kerrison can advocate for you through these often complex issues, fighting for your right to receive full and fair compensation for your injuries.
Call 401-841-5300 to schedule a free consultation at our offices in Providence or Middletown. We can help you make the right decisions to protect your future.