Workers Comp or Jones Act
Workers Com and Jones Act claims are not the same so don’t make that mistake. While they may appear similar in some respects, Jones Act settlements are much greater than Workers Comp and often life-changing. You must be careful about making claims under Workers Comp laws. If you file for Workers Comp or other benefits, it’s possible to lose your right to ever pursue a Jones Act claim.
Workers Compensation
Although state laws vary, traditional Workers Comp laws are only designed to provide medical care, disability payments and income benefits to employees hurt on the job. Benefits are usually paid through the employers Workers Comp insurance policy. Workers Comp is designed to keep you financially afloat until you’re healthy enough to go back to work after an injury. Workers’ Comp settlements, if any, usually provide for relatively small settlements and cover little more than lost wages and medical bills. Workers Comp death benefits usually provide small weekly payments for the life of the surviving spouse.
Jones Act
The Jones Act provides very high cash settlements, compared to Workers Comp, when either the slightest negligence or the unseaworthiness of a vessel. Some would say that “slight negligence” means no negligence. Jones Act settlements should cover your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of household services and even your loss of enjoyment of life. The Ogletree Abbott Law Firm is usually able to advance money on future settlements for Jones Act claims but it depends on the laws of your state. The State of Texas allows for advancing money on Jones Act cases. Many states prohibit advancing money on The Jones Act is a federal law that provides for claims by workers who are injured while in service to a vessel on navigable waters.
Workers Comp claim instead of a Jones Act claim. You should always contact a lawyer before you file any claim. If an employer is unwilling to fairly compensate workers, a lawsuit can be filed in federal district court seeking damages, however most Jones Act cases are settled prior to trial.
Longshore - Harbor worker Claims
Jones Act claims are also different from claims brought under the
Longshore-Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Unlike Workers Comp and Alongshore-Harbor Workers’ cases, there is no state or federal agency involved in the administration of Jones Act claims. LS-HW claims are similar to Workers Comp but the claims are handled before the U.S. Department of Labor.
What You Should Do Now
If you have been injured on the job and have any doubt whether you have a
Jones Act claim, please call us at 1-800-JonesAct, toll-free from anywhere in the world. Our attorneys are qualified to handle Jones Act cases and are available to speak with you confidentially about your injury and answer any questions. We provide quality legal representation worldwide and strive to help you feel as if we are in your own neighborhood regardless of where you work or live. You will be provided with personal, attentive service and your calls will always be returned the same day that you call. Call 1-800-JonesAct or 1-800-566-3722. We are here to help you and your family with your workers comp claims.
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 | Claims can result in large cash awards?
| | | You may be eligible for attorney loans?
| | | You are allowed to choose your own doctor?
| | | Following an injury, your employer cannot be trusted?
| | | That attorneys can help you secure medical tests and treatment?
| | | That the Jones Act is almost no fault?
| | | If you have been injured on the water, then chances are, you are covered by the Jones Act!
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Phone: 1(800) JonesAct
info@ogletreeabbott.com
Why hire Maritime Lawyers? |
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