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$300 Million Project Rejoins Storm-Damaged Ship Islands in Mississippi...
Posted on 10/12/2011
Texas to Build First US Offshore Wind Farm: Seamen Stand to Make Money...
Posted on 10/9/2011
One Killed in Virginia When Commercial Fishing Boat Rams Private Boat...
Posted on 8/13/2011
Search for Seven Missing Mexican Fishing Boat Tourists is Called Off...
Posted on 7/29/2011
New Orleans Seaman Sues Employer After Tugboat Collides with Bridge . . . Twice...
Posted on 7/22/2011

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How Can The Jones Act And Maritime Law Help Me If I Have Been Exposed To Asbestos Working Offshore

Many offshore workers and Jones Act seamen previously worked around asbestos drilling mud during the 1960s, 1970s and even 1980s. Under the Jones Act an employee is allowed to file suit directly against his previous employer for any negligence which may have caused or contributed to any injury or illness of the employee. In the case of past asbestos exposure, the Jones Act and Maritime Law provide significant rights to workers who have suffered from asbestosis, mesothelioma and even lung cancer. Specifically, many manufacturers of the asbestos products have previously filed bankruptcy. In the case of a Jones Act worker, however, he is allowed to file suit directly against his employer. Many of these drilling contractor employers are still in business today either as their original entity or as a subsequent entity which purchased the company many years ago. In other words, most Jones Act employees who were previously exposed to asbestos during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s can still file suit against a viable and available defendant today. This is a significant benefit since many asbestos manufacturers have filed bankruptcy and claims against these manufacturers often result in only a minimal recovery. In contrast, a suit directly against a previous Jones Act employer (or its predecessor company) can result in a significant recovery for the Jones Act seamen who was previously exposed to asbestos.

To learn more about how the Jones Act and Maritime Law can protect you if you were previously exposed to asbestos, contact our office today. You can also download our free information guide regarding asbestos on offshore oil rigs by clicking here.