Barge accidents, like other accidents that occur on seaworthy vessels, fall under the umbrella of maritime law. Victims of barge accidents can suffer potentially life-altering injuries that can impact their ability to earn an income and support their families.
Pursuing Compensation Under the Jones Act
The laws which apply to maritime accident cases are significantly different from those involved in motor vehicle crash lawsuits and other personal injury actions. First, maritime accidents often proceed in the federal court system, as opposed to the state court system, and federal law may apply to the case.
One such applicable federal law is the Jones Act – commonly known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920. This law often applies to maritime injury cases, including those that involve barges and other seaworthy vessels.
Under the Jones Act, injured workers aboard a barge or other vessel have the ability to file a lawsuit against their employer for injuries suffered while they were working. The Jones Act takes the place of traditional workers’ compensation laws, which compensate injured workers for their on-the-job injuries – regardless of who or what caused those injuries.
Barge accident cases and traditional workers’ compensation cases are very different, and applicable laws differ significantly. Consequently, accident victims should consider collaborating with a Lafayette workers’ compensation lawyer familiar with the Jones Act and barge accidents. These cases can quickly become complex, but an experienced attorney understands how to effectively pursue fair compensation on an injured worker’s behalf.

