Jones Act

Like all aspects of the law, the Jones Act requires careful examination in every case where it applies.


Contact me today to discuss the Jones Act.

337-237-2100

Jones Act Claims and Vessel Accidents

A special federal law called The Jones Act was enacted by congress to protect injured seamen.


The Jones Act covers seamen injured in the service of their ship or vessel. However, the act is not limited to classic “blue water” seamen working on ships. It can cover workers injured aboard jack - up drilling rigs, lift boats, diving support vessels, dredges, certain barges and other mobile structures.

Eligibility for Maintenance and Cure

Maintenance and cure refers to those rights that provide for the seaman’s most immediate basic and medical needs following an offshore injury. These rights kick in as soon as the injury occurs, and will continue until the seaman reaches a state of maximum medical improvement.


Unlike a Jones Act claim of negligence, maintenance and cure does not depend on proving employer negligence. Simply put, you are eligible for maintenance and cure rights, even if the injury was your fault.


A seaman has a right to receive a daily stipend (maintenance) and medical treatment (cure) from his employer during the period he is unable to perform his duties.


- Maintenance is designed to provide the injured seaman with the food and shelter he would have been provided aboard the vessel.


- Cure includes the seaman’s necessary medical treatment, prescription drugs, hospitalization, nursing services, rehabilitation and physical therapy until the seaman reaches maximum medical improvement, where he cannot be expected to improve any further.

Contact a Louisiana Jones Act Attorney

For help with your offshore accident or Jones Act claim, call Errol Cormier at 337-237-2100.

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