Who is considered a Seaman when applying the Jones Act?
When people think of a “seaman”, they think o the ocean and those working on sea vessels. However, it has been shown that the same risks are present for those working on vessels on rivers and other non-ocean bodies of water. Why is this important? Seamen enjoy the protection of specific laws that apply exclusively to them, such as the Jones Act, the doctrine of seaworthiness and maintenance and cure. In practical terms, this usually means more money is awarded to sick or injured workers if they are classified as “seamen” rather than harbor workers, longshoremen or passengers. In an interesting case in 2000, the seaman status issue was raised. ( “Re: In the Matter of the Complaint of Endeavor Marine, Inc., United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit” 2000 U.S. App. December 11, 2000.) Kevin Baye sustained disabling back and knee injuries when he was struck by a mooring line while working aboard the Frank L. Baye was an employee of Crane Operators, Inc., a company that provided
