Are offshore oil rig workers covered under the Jones Act?
The Jones Act, officially called the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, protects seamen injured on inland boats and barges and ocean-going vessels. Not to be confused with Workers’ Compensation, it does function in a similar way. Under the Jones Act, the employer covers all medical benefits of the seaman until full recovery and allows a living allowance (called maintenance) to replace lost wages. The Act also gives an injured seaman the right to pursue legal action against the employer for pain and suffering.
