• About
    • Our Attorneys
    • Verdicts and Settlements
    • Community
      • Sponsorship Request
      • Partnerships
      • Project Backpack
    • Testimonials
    • Scholarships
      • Cancer Scholarship
    • Careers
    • Our Core Values
  • Practice Areas
    • Car Accident
    • Truck Accident
    • Motorcycle Accident
    • Product Liability
    • Mesothelioma
    • Workers Compensation
    • Dog Bite
    • Slip and Fall
    • Wrongful Death
    • Maritime Injury
    • Pedestrian Accident
    • Dangerous Drugs
    • Defective Devices
    • Mass Torts
    • Premises Liability
    • View All Practice Areas
  • Areas we Serve
    • Lafayette
    • Alexandria
    • New Iberia
    • Marksville
    • New Orleans
    • Monroe
    • Arnaudville
    • Baton Rouge
    • Breaux Bridge
    • Broussard
    • Cankton
    • Carencro
    • Cecilia
    • Duson
    • Cade Coteau
    • Grand Coteau
    • Lake Charles
    • Opelousas
    • View All Areas We Serve
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • FAQs
    • Videos
    • For Referring Attorneys
  • Hurricanes
  • Contact Us
Available 24/7 • 365 Days (337) 777-7777 Hablamos Español
(337) 777-7777 Hablamos Español
No Win - No Fee AVAILABLE 24/7

What Is Jones Act Coverage?

Put 350 Years of Experience in Your Corner GET A FREE CASE EVALUATION
An Award Winning
Team in Your Corner
Attorney David Laborde | Attorney Digger Earles
  1. Home
  2. FAQs
  3. What Is Jones Act Coverage?
On This Page
  1. Understanding the Jones Act
  2. About Jones Act Coverage
  3. Types of Maritime Careers and Possible Injuries
  4. Gathering Evidence to Assist with Your Injury Claim
  5. Call Today to Learn More About Jones Act Insurance Coverage
Contact Us Today

Get The Help
You Need

I NEED HELP NOW

Your personal injury lawyer can help you calculate your recoverable damages, which may include:

  • Medical Bills
  • Income Loss
  • Property Damage
  • Pain & Suffering
  • Emotional Distress
  • Lasting Disfigurement
What Is Jones Act Coverage?

Jones Act coverage allows workers who suffer maritime injuries to pursue compensation for on-the-job injuries. This coverage is an alternative to worker’s compensation, something typically not available to maritime workers.

A serious injury aboard a maritime vessel can result in extensive pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages. Negligence can happen anywhere, and when it happens offshore or on a dock, you deserve compensation and justice for your injury.

Navigating the Jones Act and what it covers is easier with a Louisiana Jones Act Lawyer by your side. They can represent your best interests as you focus on your recovery.

Understanding the Jones Act

This century-old law designed to protect seamen focuses on domestic ships that travel between U.S. ports. The work aboard a vessel in navigation is challenging and not without risks.

The Jones Act allows maritime workers injured on the job to sue their employer directly for compensation.  Maritime workers are one of the few classes of employees in Louisiana who are not eligible for the standard worker’s compensation route afforded to others.

Pursuing possible compensation via the Jones Act is a seaman’s best option for seeking damages. If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury due to an accident while working aboard a Jones Act vessel on navigable waters, pursuing compensation is your right under the Jones Act.

CTA CTA

Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.

Client
Call Us Today We Are Here For You
(337) 777-7777

About Jones Act Coverage

The Jones Act is a federal law that provides legal protections and allows injured sailors to recover compensation if they are hurt in the course of their maritime employment. Here are some key points about Jones Act coverage:

Eligibility

The Jones Act covers seamen who spend at least 30% of their work time aboard navigable vessels. This includes commercial sailors, offshore oil rig workers, longshore workers, and others employed on ships, barges, offshore platforms, etc.

Negligence Claims

Under the Jones Act, injured workers can file negligence claims against their employers to recover damages if their injuries were caused by the maritime employer’s negligence or the vessel’s unseaworthiness.

Types of Recoverable Damages

Jones Act seamen may be able to recover compensation for past and future economic damages like medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Maintenance and Cure

Injured sailors are entitled to pay “maintenance” for living expenses and “cure” for medical costs related to their injuries until they reach maximum recovery. You may not be double compensated for these expenses should you pursue a negligence claim. 

A maritime injury attorney can guide you and help you decide your best course of action if you’ve been hurt as an offshore worker or in another qualifying maritime job.

Time Limits

Jones Act claims have a three-year statute of limitations, meaning the case must be filed within three years of the date of injury. However, maintenance and cure must be promptly paid upon injury.

Jones Act coverage allows seamen more favorable rights and remedies compared to regular workers’ compensation laws that limit claims against employers and vessel owners. It’s a critical protection for maritime workers injured on the job.

CTA CTA

I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.

Rick Smith | Client
Contact Us Today We want to be there for you

Types of Maritime Careers and Possible Injuries

A maritime career is often hard yet rewarding work. Like most careers, it is not without risks. If you suffer a serious injury, you have legal options.

The Jones Act applies to a variety of maritime careers, including:

  • Boat captains and crew
  • Oil rig workers
  • Ferry tour guides
  • Fishermen

These are just a few examples of the types of careers that may result in a serious accident due to the nature of the work. Working in or around the water involves slippery surfaces, moving equipment, and other dangers. The following types of accidents can result in potentially career-ending harm:

  • Brain injury
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Broken bones
  • Burns

This is not a complete list of the types of injuries possible. If you were seriously injured while performing your job, a Louisiana maritime injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation.

CTA CTA

The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.

Client
Call Us - (337) 777-7777 We are here when you need us the most

Gathering Evidence to Assist with Your Injury Claim

To pursue compensation, you must prove that the defendant employed you at the time of your accident. Gathering evidence, such as your work records, accident scene photos, witness contact information, and medical reports, can assist us in preparing your case.

An insurance company may reach out with a settlement offer. While it is understandable to feel concerned about your medical bills and loss of income, it is important that you not accept an initial settlement offer.

If you accept their settlement offer, you may lose your right for possible future compensation. This may prevent you from receiving the medical care you need if your condition worsens.

The insurance company wants to protect its best interests and the best interests of its client—the defendant in your case. Do not speak with insurance companies and secure legal representation, as this is the best way to avoid accepting less than you deserve.

CTA CTA

They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.

Client
Contact Us Today We will work to get you the best outcome for your case

Call Today to Learn More About Jones Act Insurance Coverage

Jones Act coverage allows injured seamen to pursue compensation for work-related injuries. The standard workers’ compensation may not apply to your accident; however, know that the option of the Jones Act exists.

If you are a maritime employee and suffered a serious injury that delays or prevents your return to your career, we can help you. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, our maritime lawyers represent offshore workers who experience harm on the job with no upfront cost. You only pay if we recover compensation on your behalf.

Contact us today for a free consultation with no obligation. Let us help you fight for the fair compensation you need and deserve.

Why We Are

The Best Choice For You

Over 1,000+ 5-Star Google Reviews Across Our Locations
Over $1 Billion Recovered For Our Clients
An Award-Winning Team in Your Corner
You Get the Full Team on Your Case, Including David & Digger
Communication with You is a Top Priority
We Give Back to Our Communities

No Fee Unless We Win Your Case

Available 24 hours a day • 7 days a week
GET YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION
Maritime Injury FAQ:
What Kind of Lawyer Should I Hire For my Maritime Injury Lawsuit? What Kind of Lawyer Should I Hire For my Maritime Injury Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one got hurt in a maritime accident, you may be looking into what kind of lawyer you should hire for your maritime injury lawsuit. While maritime injury claims generally fall under

What Is a Maritime Injury? What Is a Maritime Injury?

A maritime injury occurs when a worker on a ship is injured while the vessel is in U.S. navigable water. Maritime workers do not qualify for traditional workers' compensation coverage, but they do

Will I Have to Go to Court for My Maritime Injury Lawsuit? Will I Have to Go to Court for My Maritime Injury Lawsuit?

If you have suffered an injury and are considering filing legal action to get your due, you may be wondering whether you will have to go to court for your maritime lawsuit. Research by

Contact Us Form
CONTACT US TODAY NO WIN, NO FEE GUARANTEE
Name(Required)
Name(Required)
Untitled
Untitled

FAQ Categories
  • Accidents in Intersection
  • Bicycle Accident
  • Car Accidents
  • Defective Product
  • Dog Bite
  • Head Injury
  • Hurricane Damage
  • Jones Act
  • Knee Injury
  • Maritime Injury
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Mesothelioma
  • Motorcycle Accidents
  • Neck Injury
  • Pedestrian Accidents
  • Personal Injury
  • Premises Liability
  • Rear End Collisions
  • Rideshare Accidents
  • Robocalling
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Slip and Fall Injury
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Truck Accidents
  • Whiplash Injury
  • Workers' Compensation
  • Wrongful Death
  • Zantac

 

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Lose My Job While on Workers’ Compensation? Can I Lose My Job While on Workers’ Compensation?
What Is the Highest Bridge in Louisiana? What Is the Highest Bridge in Louisiana?
Can I Get Black Box Data After a Commercial Truck Accident? Can I Get Black Box Data After a Commercial Truck Accident?
Find Yourself a Passionate Lawyer Now!
  • Houma Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Zachary Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Eunice Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Grand Coteau Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Oakdale Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Victoria Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Terrytown Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Andrew Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Natchitoches Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Marrero Personal Injury Lawyer
How can we help you

How We Can Help You

Let our injury attorneys help you maximize the compensation you deserve to turn your life back around.


Contact us today if you want to tell us about your accident. We have someone available to discuss your situation at all times of the day.

Contact Us

(337) 777-7777

FREE Case Evaluation

No Win - No Fee
Name(Required)
Name(Required)
Email Opt In
SMS Opt in

Contact Us

(337) 777-7777

OFFICE LOCATIONS

Lafayette
1901 Kaliste Saloom Rd,
Lafayette, LA 70508

Phone : (337) 777-7777

Alexandria
100 Versailles Blvd, Suite A,
Alexandria, LA 71303

Phone : (318) 777-7777

Marksville
306 North Washington Street, Suite A,
Marksville, LA 71351

Phone : (318) 310-8922

New Iberia
230 W. Main Street,
New Iberia, LA 70560

Phone : (337)-547-2777

Lake Charles
530 E College St,
Lake Charles, LA 70605

Phone : (337) 612-6909

New Orleans
821 Baronne St, Suite D,
New Orleans, LA 70113

Phone : (504) 777-7777

Baton Rouge
660 St Ferdinand St,
Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Phone : (225) 777-7777

Practice Areas

  • Bicycle Accident
  • Car Accident
  • Dangerous Drugs
  • Dog Bite
  • Maritime Injury
  • Mass Torts
  • Motorcycle Accident
  • Pedestrian Accident
  • Premises Liability
  • Product Liability
  • Toxic Torts
  • Truck Accident
  • Slip and Fall
  • Wrongful Death

About Links

  • Our Attorneys
  • Verdicts and Settlements
  • Community
  • Testimonials
  • Scholarships

Leave a Review

  • LAFAYETTE
  • ALEXANDRIA
  • MARKSVILLE
  • NEW ORLEANS
  • NEW IBERIA
  • LAKE CHARLES
  • BATON ROUGE

Copyright © Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers 2025.
All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimer / Privacy Policy / Sitemap

Hennessey-Digital-Badge