Injured While Working at Sea? You May Be Able to Sue Your Employer Under the Jones Act
✔ 50+ Years Representing Injured Maritime Workers
✔ Sue Your Employer for Negligence
✔ No Fees Unless We Win
Injured While Working at Sea? You May Be Able to Sue Your Employer Under the Jones Act
Weltin Law helps injured seamen recover full compensation — including damages beyond standard workers’ comp.
✔ 50+ Years Representing Injured Maritime Workers
✔ Sue Your Employer for Negligence
✔ No Fees Unless We Win
Maritime Jobs Are Dangerous — The Law Protects You
If you were injured while working on a vessel, your case may qualify under the Jones Act — not standard workers’ compensation.
Common Jones Act Injury Situations
If your injury was caused by employer negligence, you may have a valid Jones Act claim.
Unsafe working conditions onboard
Equipment failure or poor maintenance
Slip and fall accidents on vessels
Crew negligence
Offshore drilling and platform injuries
Barge and commercial vessel accidents
Common Jones Act Injury Situations
If your injury was caused by employer negligence, you may have a valid Jones Act claim.
Unsafe working conditions onboard
Equipment failure or poor maintenance
Slip and fall accidents on vessels
Crew negligence
Offshore drilling and platform injuries
Barge and commercial vessel accidents
What Is the Jones Act?
The Jones Act is a Federal law that allows injured seamen to sue their employer for negligence and recover full compensation.
Unlike standard workers’ compensation systems, the Jones Act requires proof of negligence—but the legal standard is favorable to workers. Even minimal employer fault can make them liable for your injuries.
This means you may be entitled to significantly more compensation than under traditional workers’ compensation claims.
What Is the Jones Act?
The Jones Act is a Federal law that allows injured seamen to sue their employer for negligence and recover full compensation.
Unlike standard workers’ compensation systems, the Jones Act requires proof of negligence—but the legal standard is favorable to workers. Even minimal employer fault can make them liable for your injuries.
This means you may be entitled to significantly more compensation than under traditional workers’ compensation claims.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Unlike traditional workers’ compensation, the Jones Act allows you to recover additional damages.
If your injury qualifies under the Jones Act, you may be entitled to:
- Lost wages and future earnings
- Medical expenses and ongoing care
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of earning capacity
- Maintenance and cure benefits
Maximize the compensation you are entitled to under the Jones Act.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Unlike traditional workers’ compensation, the Jones Act allows you to recover additional damages.
If your injury qualifies under the Jones Act, you may be entitled to:
- Lost wages and future earnings
- Medical expenses and ongoing care
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of earning capacity
- Maintenance and cure benefits
Maximize the compensation you are entitled to under the Jones Act.
Even minimal employer negligence may qualify you for compensation under the Jones Act.
To recover compensation under the Jones Act, you must show that your employer—or a co-worker—was negligent.
However, the burden of proof is lower than in most injury cases. If negligence played even a small role in your injury, your employer may be held liable.
Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation.
Do You Qualify as a “Seaman” Under the Jones Act?
Not every maritime worker qualifies under the Jones Act. To be eligible, you must:
• Be assigned to a vessel or fleet of vessels
• Contribute to the function or mission of the vessel
• Spend a significant amount of time working at sea
Cases involving barges, offshore platforms, and specialized vessels can be complex. Weltin Law can determine if you qualify and guide you through your legal options.
Not sure if you qualify? Many workers are covered even if they spend part of their time on land.
Do You Qualify as a “Seaman” Under the Jones Act?
Not every maritime worker qualifies under the Jones Act. To be eligible, you must:
• Be assigned to a vessel or fleet of vessels
• Contribute to the function or mission of the vessel
• Spend a significant amount of time working at sea
Cases involving barges, offshore platforms, and specialized vessels can be complex. Weltin Law can determine if you qualify and guide you through your legal options.
Not sure if you qualify? Many workers are covered even if they spend part of their time on land.
You May Have Additional Claims
In some cases, you may be able to file additional claims beyond the Jones Act.
Depending on the circumstances of your injury, other parties—such as equipment manufacturers, third-party contractors, or vessel operators—may also be legally responsible.
This means you may be entitled to additional compensation beyond your primary claim. At Weltin Law, we carefully investigate every case to identify all possible sources of recovery and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
What To Do After a Maritime Injury
Report the Injury Immediately
Ensure your safety first and report the injury to your employer as soon as possible.
Get it in writing to protect your right to benefits.
Seek Medical Treatment
Seek medical attention right away.
Tell the doctor about all your injuries and exactly how the accident happened.
Speak With a Workers’ Comp Lawyer
Document the scene, take photos, and contact Weltin Law for a free consultation
to make sure you receive all the benefits you are entitled to.
Taking the right steps immediately can significantly impact your case and compensation.
What To Do After a Workplace Injury
Report the Injury Immediately
Ensure your safety first and report the injury to your employer as soon as possible.
Get it in writing to protect your right to benefits.
Seek Medical Treatment
Seek medical attention right away.
Tell the doctor about all your injuries and exactly how the accident happened.
Speak With a Workers’ Comp Lawyer
Document the scene, take photos, and contact Weltin Law for a free consultation
to make sure you receive all the benefits you are entitled to.
Taking the right steps after an injury can protect your health and your claim.
Insurance companies will try to pay you less. We fight to get you everything you are entitled to.
Why Injured Seamen Trust Weltin Law
For over 50 years, Weltin Law has helped workers secure the medical care and compensation they deserve.
50+ Years of Experience
Decades of proven results representing injured workers across Northern California.
No Fees Unless We Win
You don’t pay anything unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
Spanish & English Support
Clear communication in your language, every step of the way.
Weltin Law fights the insurance companies to get you all of the compensation you are entitled to — and nothing less. Maximize your claim today.
Trusted by Injured Workers Across Northern California
For over 50 years, Weltin Law has helped workers secure the medical care and compensation they deserve.
50+ Years of Experience
Decades of proven results representing injured workers across Northern California.
No Fees Unless We Win
You don’t pay anything unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
Spanish & English Support
Clear communication in your language, every step of the way.
Weltin Law fights the insurance companies to get you all of the compensation you are entitled to — and nothing less. Maximize your claim today.
Jones Act FAQ
Find answers to common questions about our legal services and how we can assist you.
What is the Jones Act?
A Federal law that allows injured seamen to sue their employer for negligence.
Do I need to prove fault?
Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?
Trusted by Injured Workers Across Northern California
Speak With a Jones Act Lawyer Today
Get answers, understand your rights, and take the first step toward justice for your family.• Free consultation.
- Free consultation
- No fees unless we win
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⚡ Fast Response
💼 Experienced Legal Team
Speak With a Jones Act Lawyer Today
Get a free consultation and find out how much your case may be worth.
• Free consultation
• No fees unless we win
• Spanish & English support
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⚡ Fast Response
💼 Experienced Legal Team