Jones Act claims are different forms of workers' compensation that apply to the towing industry. When a towboat or river-towboat employee (member of the crew) is injured on the job, he or she should not make a claim under a state's workers' compensation law. The worker must make a claim under the Jones Act, a federal law that permits the crew member to recover full damages for his injury, including past and future damages for pain, suffering, lost wages or income, loss of pleasures of life, disfigurement and permanent impairment.
If a settlement cannot be obtained from the employer (vessel owner), the crew member/employee can have his case decided by a jury. The case can be filed in state or federal court. A lot of special rules apply to a Jones Act case, so it is important to have an experienced attorney guide the injured worker through the claim. It is especially important to choose the best venue (place) to file the claim because some areas are more generous to workers than others.
For more detailed answers to often-asked questions, visit our Jones Act FAQ. Hill Boren is qualified to help the injured towboat employee even if the claim must be filed in New Orleans, St. Louis, or some other point on the river. We understand these claims and welcome your call.
Hill Boren maintains active affiliate offices in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, serving towboat crew members from the Gulf of Mexico to St. Louis, Missouri.