Maritime Industry Rules that Coexist with Jones Act Safety Rules

Where and when you work is important when it comes to determining whether or not your offshore injury claim is governed by maritime law, the Jones Act Law or both. Most maritime workers don't consider what laws give them their rights to compensation and care when they suffer an injury in an offshore oil rig accident. That's where a Louisiana maritime lawyer who deals with maritime law and Jones Act claims comes in handy.

Maritime law applies to accidents that occur to workers while on "navigable water," which sounds like it would apply to all maritime professions. However, there is often conflict when deciding if an injury that occurs on an offshore fixed structure such as an oil rig platform would be covered under maritime law.

Fortunately, there is the Jones Act Law that provides rights to those workers classified as "seamen." If you are more or less permanently assigned (that is, 30% of your working time) to a vessel in navigation, you are considered a seaman protected by the Jones Act Law.

There are many other considerations to be made when filing your offshore oil rig accident claim. The difference between injuries that occur on platforms and ones that occur on barges can make a substantial impact on how your injury claim is settled. For the best assistance in determining these differences, consult with an attorney.  

Contact an Attorney for Workers on Oil Platforms in the Gulf of Mexico

Maritime law provides you with certain protections your employer may not want you to know about. A maritime lawyer from The Young Firm in New Orleans, Louisiana can help you if you have suffered maritime offshore accident injuries in a horrible diving accident or other accident that falls under maritime law or the Jones Act.

Though we are based in Louisiana, we are ready and able to help injured victims throughout the U.S. Order our free Maritime Injury Law guide and/or our guide to what to do when you are injured offshore to learn all about your rights as an injured worker.

When you are ready to get started with your Jones Act injury case, we urge you to contact us today for a FREE case evaluation - call 1-504-680-4100 or toll free at 1-866-938-6113.