Jones Act Accidents

What Is the Jones Act?

The Jones Act is a federal statute designed to protect maritime workers who spend a significant portion of their employment working on vessels. Unlike traditional workers’ compensation, the Jones Act allows injured seamen to sue their employer directly for negligence and recover broader damages — including pain and suffering.

To qualify for Jones Act protections, the injured worker must be considered a seaman, meaning:

• They work on a vessel in navigation
• They contribute to the mission or function of the vessel
• They spend at least 30% of their time working on the vessel

Our attorneys help determine whether your role qualifies you for Jones Act protection.

Who Is Considered a Seaman?

Workers who may qualify as seamen under the Jones Act include:

• Commercial fishermen
• Tugboat, barge, or dredge workers
• Deckhands
• Engine room crew
• Offshore oil and gas workers
• Ferry workers
• Cargo ship crew members
• Research vessel crews
• Pilots and harbor workers assigned to vessels
• Commercial divers
• Crew on private or commercial charter boats

If your job requires you to work aboard a vessel as part of your regular duties, you may have a Jones Act claim.

Common Types of Jones Act Accidents

Maritime environments present significant hazards. Our firm handles Jones Act claims involving:

Slip, Trip & Fall Accidents

Wet decks, poor lighting, and improperly stored equipment contribute to many preventable injuries.

Equipment & Machinery Accidents

Injuries caused by:

• Winches
• Cranes
• Hoists
• Nets
• Rigging
• Heavy tools

Falling Overboard

One of the most dangerous maritime accidents, often caused by lack of safety barriers or improper supervision.

Collisions & Groundings

Operator negligence or poor navigation can lead to vessel-to-vessel or vessel-to-object collisions.

Fires & Explosions

Electrical faults, fuel leaks, or poor vessel maintenance may cause devastating burns.

Towing & Lifting Accidents

Deckhands and crew often suffer injuries due to improper loading or defective rigging.

Toxic Exposure

Exposure to:

• Chemicals
• Fuel
• Cleaning solvents
• Hazardous cargo

Unseaworthiness of the Vessel

Vessels that are unsafe, understaffed, or improperly maintained create dangerous working conditions.

Drowning & Near-Drowning Incidents

Caused by lack of rescue equipment or improper emergency response.

If your accident occurred offshore or on navigable waters, you may have a Jones Act claim.

The Jones Act requires maritime employers to provide:

• A reasonably safe workplace
• Properly maintained vessels
• Safe equipment
• Adequate training
• Sufficient staffing
• Proper supervision
• Safe work procedures

If the employer fails in any of these duties — even slightly — they may be held liable.

Proving Negligence Under the Jones Act

The Jones Act provides a lower standard of proof compared to traditional injury cases. You only need to show that your employer’s negligence played even the smallest role in your injury.

Examples of employer negligence include:

• Failure to repair dangerous equipment
• Lack of training
• Allowing crew members to work excessive hours
• Unsafe work orders
• Violating maritime safety regulations
• Hiring unqualified crew
• Failing to provide proper medical care offshore

Our attorneys investigate every aspect of your working environment to build a strong Jones Act case.

Unseaworthiness Claims (Separate From Negligence)

In addition to negligence claims, injured seamen may file unseaworthiness claims against vessel owners.

A vessel is considered “unseaworthy” if:

• The equipment is defective
• The crew is improperly trained
• The vessel is understaffed
• Safety equipment is missing or broken
• Crew members engage in unsafe behavior

Unseaworthiness claims allow injured seamen to recover damages even if the employer wasn’t negligent.

Maintenance and Cure (Immediate Benefits)

All injured seamen are entitled to maintenance and cure, regardless of fault.

Maintenance

Covers basic living expenses such as:

• Rent
• Utilities
• Food

Cure

Covers all medical treatment related to the injury until maximum recovery is reached.

If your employer denied or delayed these benefits, our attorneys will fight to restore your rights.

Compensation Available Under the Jones Act

Jones Act claims can provide substantial compensation, including:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses
• Future medical care
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Rehabilitation and therapy
• Vocational retraining

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disability and disfigurement

Punitive Damages

In rare cases involving reckless or intentional misconduct.

Wrongful Death Claims

Families may recover damages for loved ones lost in maritime accidents.

Our legal team evaluates your long-term medical, financial, and occupational needs to maximize your compensation.

How We Handle Jones Act Claims

When you hire Schuster Jachetti LLP, we:

• Investigate the accident
• Review vessel logs and maintenance records
• Collect witness statements
• Analyze safety procedures
• Work with maritime safety experts
• Obtain Coast Guard or incident reports
• Handle employer and insurer communication
• Prepare your claim for settlement or trial

We are prepared to fight aggressively against maritime employers and insurance companies.

Why You Need a Delaware Jones Act Lawyer

Jones Act cases are governed by federal maritime law, not traditional injury law. These cases require:

• Knowledge of maritime regulations
• Understanding of vessel operations
• Access to maritime experts
• Experience in offshore injury litigation

Our DE personal injury lawyers have the skills and resources necessary to successfully handle complex maritime claims.

Speak With a Delaware Jones Act Lawyer Today

If you were injured while working offshore or aboard a vessel, you deserve strong legal protection. At Schuster Jachetti LLP, our Jones Act attorneys — including Kenneth R. Schuster, Esq. — are committed to fighting for maritime workers and securing the compensation they deserve.