Jones Act Lawyer
Maritime workers face some of the most dangerous job conditions in the country. When accidents happen at sea, injured crew members need strong legal protection. A Jones Act lawyer at The Lanier Law Firm can help injured seamen and their families pursue compensation, accountability, and justice under federal maritime law.
Legally Reviewed By: Lawrence P. Wilson
Senior Attorney
- Page Last Updated:
- June 3, 2025
Why You Should Trust Our Renowned Jones Act Lawyers With Your Case
What Are the Damages Under the Jones Act?
Who Qualifies as a Seaman Under the Jones Act?
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Jones Act Claims?
How Our Talented Jones Act Attorneys Can Help You
Working at sea is demanding and dangerous. Maritime workers face risks far beyond those found in most other occupations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 400,000 people are employed in U.S. maritime industries. Among these industries, commercial fishing has an alarming fatality rate of 93.0 per 100,000 workers. Water transportation workers, such as cargo ship and ferry crew members, also face a high fatality rate—18.4 per 100,000 workers. Meanwhile, the incidence rate of nonfatal injuries and illnesses in 2023 was 1.8 per 100 full-time workers. An estimated 85,000 individuals worked in water transportation in 2023.
However, accidents are not just limited to fishing or cargo work—they occur in all maritime industry sectors, including on oil rigs. When injuries happen at sea, legal protections like the Jones Act exist to ensure workers are not left behind.
If you or a loved one was injured while working offshore, contact The Lanier Law Firm today for a free consultation.
Why You Should Trust Our Renowned Jones Act Lawyers With Your Case
For more than three decades, The Lanier Law Firm has earned national recognition for representing injured workers, including maritime professionals hurt while working on vessels at sea. Our skilled attorneys understand the intricacies of Jones Act litigation and have an extensive knowledge base concerning maritime law litigation, including advanced degrees and specialized maritime law designations.
Our award-winning firm has compassionate and relentless attorneys like Lawrence P. Wilson, who has received numerous verdicts in maritime negligence, toxic exposure, and product liability claims, and a myriad of accolades, including being named a Texas Super Lawyer every year from 2012 to 2021.
The Lanier Law Firm’s case results demonstrate a proven track record of securing compensation. In addition, we focus on delivering legal care, providing sound, ethical, and individualized legal representation to every client. We invest the time and resources needed to build the strongest case possible, and won’t charge any fees unless we secure your compensation.
“Mark Lanier and his team of attorneys were my angels sent from Heaven. They listened to me, they answered all my questions, and explained everything thoroughly and completely. I had full faith in this team because they were honest and hard-working for my cause.”
Mitzi G.
“If you need a lawyer, look no further. Lanier Law Firm will fight for you. You are not just another case for them. They make your case feel personal to them and fight for everything YOU deserve. They make you feel like family.”
Brian B.
What Is the Jones Act?
The Jones Act, formally known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a federal law that provides legal protections and remedies to seamen injured on the job. It allows eligible maritime workers to file a lawsuit against their employer for negligence, rather than relying on workers’ compensation benefits.
This law was enacted to recognize the uniquely hazardous conditions faced by those who work at sea and to provide legal recourse against employers that fail to uphold maritime safety standards and maintain safe working conditions.
What Are the Damages Under the Jones Act?
In a Jones Act claim, injured maritime workers can seek a wide range of damages depending on the severity of the injury and the extent of negligence involved. Compensation can include the following:
- Economic damages: medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, rehabilitation costs, and other financial losses
- Non-economic damages: pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress
What Is the Jones Act Maintenance and Cure?
Under the Jones Act, injured seamen are entitled to “maintenance and cure,” which functions similarly to workers’ compensation but applies specifically to maritime workers.
- Maintenance covers basic living expenses such as food, housing, and utilities while the injured seaman is recovering and unable to work.
- Cure includes all necessary medical treatment related to the injury, including doctor visits, hospital stays, physical therapy, and prescriptions.
“The benefits of maintenance and cure are similar to workers’ compensation. Regardless of fault, you can receive weekly payments to cover your maintenance, which refers to your sustenance or living expenses, and your cure, which covers medical treatment.”
Jones Act Compensation and Comparative Negligence
Even if you were partially responsible for the accident, you may still recover compensation under the Jones Act because the law follows a comparative negligence standard. However, your compensation will be reduced by your share of the fault.
Who Qualifies as a Seaman Under the Jones Act?
A worker must qualify as a “seaman” for protection under the Jones Act. The law generally defines seamen as those who spend a significant portion of their time working on a vessel in navigation.
According to attorney Larry Wilson, a seaman is “somebody who’s out there on a moving vessel. It can’t be a fixed platform; it would have to be like a jack-up rig or some other type of movable vessel, but if they’re on that movable vessel, they can have the benefits of the Jones Act to protect them.”
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Jones Act Claims?
Under the Jones Act, injured seamen generally have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. However, exceptions can apply depending on the nature of the case and when the injury was discovered. Consulting an experienced Jones Act injury lawyer can help preserve your legal rights.
How Our Talented Jones Act Attorneys Can Help You
Our compassionate attorneys are devoted to helping maritime workers recover compensation and justice after offshore injuries. We are ready to investigate your claim, advocate fiercely on your behalf, and guide you every step of the way.
Here’s how The Lanier Law Firm can help:
- Evaluate your case for free.
- Investigate the accident, identify negligent parties, and gather all evidence needed to support your case.
- Advise you about the damages you’re entitled to.
- Help you navigate maritime law.
- Negotiate for a full and fair settlement.
- File timely lawsuits.
- Litigate your case and fight for your rights in court.
Contact Our Jones Act Lawyers in Houston, Texas
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries at sea, The Lanier Law Firm is here to help. Contact our experienced Jones Act attorneys today for a free consultation.
FAQs About Jones Act Cases
What Jurisdiction Does the Jones Act Have?
The Jones Act allows injured seamen to file lawsuits in state or federal court. This flexibility can be a powerful advantage, as the plaintiff can choose the most favorable venue for their case.
What Is the Burden of Proof Under the Jones Act?
Unlike standard personal injury claims, the Jones Act requires a relatively low burden of proof. Known as featherweight causation, a plaintiff must only show that their employer contributed to their injury with even the slightest negligence.
What Are the Most Common Injuries Suffered by Seamen?
Seamen frequently suffer:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs
- Broken bones
- Loss of limbs
- Shoulder injuries
- Crushed limbs
- Lacerations
These offshore and maritime accidents often result from unsafe conditions aboard vessels, falls, heavy equipment, or onboard collisions.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Injuries Under the Jones Act?
The employer is typically the liable party under the Jones Act. They may be held responsible for:
- Failing to maintain a safe work environment
- Providing inadequate training or supervision
- Operating unseaworthy vessels
- Not supplying proper safety equipment
In some cases, multiple parties may be liable, which is why an experienced Jones Act attorney is crucial in building a strong case.
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