When to Change from Longshore to Jones Act
Longshore-Harborworker claims are not the same as
Jones Act claims. While they both involve on-the-job injuries, Jones Act settlements are usually much greater and often life changing. You must be careful about making a claim under longshore laws. If you file for Longshore or other benefits, it’s possible to lose your right to ever pursue a Jones Act claim. However, we are very successful in changing Longshore Act claims into Jones Act claims when the law is on our side, but you should act quickly. Do not assume that it’s too late to change from Longshore to Jones Act. Call us at 1-800-JonesAct and find out for sure. A free call to us and a few minutes will give you peace of mind about whether or not you are on the right track.
Jobs Covered Under The Jones Act
The Jones Act is a federal law that provides for claims by workers who are injured while in service to a vessel on navigable waters. This includes offshore oil drilling rigs, crew boats, ships and most barges, even those engaged in dredging. You may also be covered even if your injury occurred while in transport to the vessel, or while the vessel was docked. The term vessel includes boats, ships, barges, tugs, cruise ships, dredges, mobile offshore drilling units, helicopters and many others. You could be covered while staying in a hotel, eating in a restaurant, or if you are traveling under orders if you remain under the direction of your employer.
Maritime occupations include: Ordinary Seaman, Able Bodied Seaman, Utility man, Deck Engineer Machinist, Unlicensed Junior Engineer, Second Electrician, Refrigeration Engineer, Electronics Technician and Wiper.
Offshore Oil Drilling and Production occupations include: Rig Manager or Toolpusher, Driller, Derrickhand, Motorhand, Cooks, Utility men, Roughneck and Roustabout.
Jones Act Claims and Settlements
Jones Act settlements should cover your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability, impairment, loss of earning capacity, loss of household services and even your loss of enjoyment of life. Jones Act benefits provide small weekly checks while your claim is pending. To help you make it during the time between your injury and your settlement, the
Ogletree Abbott Law Firm is usually able to advance money on future settlements for Jones Act claims depending on the laws of your state.
Don’t Believe Everything Your Employer and it’s Doctors Tell You
Be careful, some employers and their doctors will try to keep their injured workers from knowing their legal rights about the Jones Act because it is beneficial to the employer that they avoid Jones Act claims. Maritime employers may tell their injured workers to file a Longshore Act or workers compensation claim . You should always contact a lawyer before you file any claim. If an employer is unwilling to fairly compensate workers, a lawsuit can be filed in federal district court seeking damages, however most Jones Act cases are settled prior to trial.
What You Should Do Now
If you have been injured on the job and have any doubt whether your claim is a Longshore Claim or a Jones Act claim, please call us toll-free from anywhere in the world at 1-800-JonesAct. We will talk with you confidentially about your injury and answer any questions. We can usually tell you during the first telephone visit whether you have a Longshore or a Jones Act claim. The attorneys at our firm are easy to talk to and knowledgeable. We provide quality legal representation worldwide and strive to help you feel as if we are in your own neighborhood. You will be provided with personal, attentive service and your calls will always be returned the same day that you call. Call today and let us help you with your Longshore or Jones Act claim.
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 | Claims can result in large cash awards?
| | | You may be eligible for attorney loans?
| | | You are allowed to choose your own doctor?
| | | Following an injury, your employer cannot be trusted?
| | | That attorneys can help you secure medical tests and treatment?
| | | That the Jones Act is almost no fault?
| | | If you have been injured on the water, then chances are, you are covered by the Jones Act!
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Phone: 1(800) JonesAct
info@ogletreeabbott.com
Why hire Maritime Lawyers? |
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