Lafayette Jones Act Lawyer

The Jones Act offers valuable compensation for injured maritime workers, above and beyond typical workers’ compensation.

From cooks to captains, the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy navigates the fine points of the law to protect seamen’s rights.

Our Lafayette, LA, practice has won millions in compensation for injured workers under the Jones Act.

Who Qualifies for Jones Act Compensation?

Qualifying for coverage under this federal law can be confusing, which is why we recommend contacting the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy in Lafayette. The main criteria:

You Must Work on a Vessel

Vessels include container ships, tugboats, and barges. But other unique vessels are also covered, including some types of oil rigs, mobile offshore drilling units, pontoon rafts, and floating dormitories. At least 30 percent of your time must be spent on the vessel. but it’s important to note that this percentage is more a rule of thumb than exact criteria. Fine points like this underscore why it is important to have your case reviewed by a knowledgeable maritime lawyer.

The Vessel Operates In Navigable Waters

While most people think of large bodies of water when it comes to navigable waters, the term includes rivers and even lakes, such as Lake Charles. Other navigable bodies of water in Louisiana include Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Maurepas, the Red River, and, of course, the Mississippi River.

You Contribute to the Vessel’s Purpose

Everyone working on ships, from cooks and barbers to captains, is covered under the act. In addition, the vessel must be owned by an American or American company, not a foreign company. This is why many cruise ships, which are often owned by foreign companies, are excluded from the Jones Act.

What Is The Jones Act?

The Jones Act is a federal law that allows injured maritime workers, such as those in shipping and transportation, to receive compensation from employers. Also referred to as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, it is an employee-friendly law that offers injured workers more compensation opportunities in cases of negligence than workers’ compensation.

While you will need to prove your employer was negligent in order to win compensation, the burden of proof is lower than a standard personal injury lawsuit. Our attorneys have decades of legal practice in both personal injury and maritime law. After reviewing your case, we can determine if you qualify for a Jones Act claim and help you receive the benefits you are entitled to.

Jones Act Lawyers in Lafayette

THE LAW OFFICES OF RICHARD R. KENNEDY

Louisiana is home for many of the nation’s maritime workers. While many are in the shipping, transportation, and oil industries, there are others on smaller vessels, including casino workers on Lake Charles, Mississippi tugboat crews, fishing boats in the Gulf of Mexico, and offshore jack-up rigs.

The Jones Act protects many maritime workers injured on different kinds of vessels. The federal maritime statute covers injuries due to grease on the deck, negligence by another crew member, poorly maintained equipment, an assault by a co-worker, and other incidents.

The personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy in Lafayette have faithfully served Louisianans for five generations and have won millions for injured maritime workers under the Jones Act. Our lawyers understand the intricacies of maritime laws. This includes a keen understanding of how these laws overlap and each one’s distinct differences in compensation. After reviewing your case, we can outline your best path for maximum compensation under these maritime laws, including:

• The Jones Act
• Doctrine of Unseaworthiness
• Maintenance Cure Remedies

What Damages Can I Expect

UNDER THE JONES ACT

Our law firm meticulously catalogs your losses when preparing your Jones Act claim. Compensation under the act is similar to typical damages sought in a personal injury case. In general, legal damages can compensate you for:

Verdicts Settlements

FOR OUR JONES ACT CLIENTS

Richard R. Kennedy and Richard R. Kennedy III at the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy are committed to excellence. We have won millions for clients using the protections offered under the Jones Act, including:

• $5 Million+ Settlement

  A Jones Act seaman was injured in an offshore accident. He suffered non-surgical neck and lower back injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder. Part of the client’s settlement was structured to provide a tax-free substantial monthly income guaranteed to age 65.

• $5 Million Settlement

  In this Jones Act case, our client suffered a head injury caused by a falling object on an offshore rig. We had part of the client’s settlement structured so that he would be provided a tax-free substantial monthly income guaranteed to age 65.