What is the difference between Jones Act Claims, Longshore Claims and Workers Compensation Claims?
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that a Maritime Law case is a workers’ compensation case. Workers’ Compensation laws are passed by the various States with relatively small cash settlements. The Jones Act is a federal law involving very high cash settlements if the slightest negligence is involved or unseaworthiness of the vessel. There is no State or federal agency involved in the administration of claims unlike workers’ compensation and Longshore-Harbor Worker Act. Injured workers covered under the this law should be careful about making claims under workers’ compensation or the Longshore-Harbor Workers’ Act. It is possible to lose rights if the worker elects benefits under other laws. If you have mistakenly made a claim under the wrong law, call us immediately to see if we can put things right. Settlements in maritime law cases can be significant and the law complex. Injured workers should consult with a lawyer early in the case and be aware of the employer’s desire to minimize th
