What Damages are Available Under the Jones Act?
The Jones Act covers both members and masters of a crew. Anyone who has a substantial connection with a vessel or fleet of vessels and whose duties contribute to the function or mission of the vessel is covered under the Jones Act. To be covered by the Jones Act, you must have a substantial relationship in terms of duration and nature with the ship or fleet of ships. If you do not have the substantial relationship, but are a contract employee who works on multiple vessels (not under common ownership), you will probably be covered by Longshore or Maritime law, and not the Jones Act. There are several types of damages available under the Jones Act. Legal damages are intended to compensate the injured party for his loss, and not to put him in a better position than he was before the injury. If you are injured and covered by the Jones Act, you may be able to recover: Lost Wages – The Act provides that a worker can recover lost wages for the time that he has been unable to work if he can sh
