Those who work at sea, on board ships of all kinds, are subject to some of the most difficult and dangerous work there is. It is not uncommon for seamen to be injured while at sea, then have to wait days for medical treatment on shore, only to find that treatment leaves much to be desired. The Jones Act provides some recourse for those injured while working at sea.
If you were injured on the job while at sea, it would be a good idea to find a lawyer in San Diego who specializes in the Jones Act Maritime Law. The Jones Act is so specific, that most personal injury lawyers would be out of their depth.
If you were injured while at sea, or working on an offshore oil rig, the Jones Act Maritime Law provides for all future medical treatment, future wage losses as well as pain and suffering. In order to get this compensation, this injured party must prove negligence on the part of the owner, operators, or other employees of the vessel or oil rig. Negligence can also be demonstrated through defects in equipment on ships or rigs. It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that the ship is seaworthy and is safe to work on.
An attorney well-versed in the Jones Act will have the technical knowledge to put together and effective case. He will be familiar with the companies that operate out of the major ports, and will know if the company you work for is a repeat safety offender. He will also know what kinds of damages can reasonably be demanded.
It is important to be aware of what your rights are should you be injured while working at sea, and it is also important to seek the correct kind of legal representation.