Why the Jones Act is Important to Seamen - Florida Maritime Lawyers
The Jones Act is a federal law that "allows an injured employee to file suit directly against their employer, and collect money damages, for any of their employer’s negligence which may have caused or contributed to the employee’s injury". This is a change from old laws, which would not allow an employee to sue his employer, even if the employer was the cause of the employee's injuries. The Jones Act is what enables seamen to sue their employers if they are injured on the job while at sea.
This article is correct that seamen can sue their employers. Many seamen are confused about their rights and think they are entitled to workers compensation. Sometimes employers take advantage of this confusion and therefore it is crucial that injured seamen get the counsel of a maritime attorney soon after injury. Dwayne Clark