Seamen’s Rights Under Federal Law

Though sailors and other maritime employees are not covered by workers’ compensation insurance policies, they are not barred from collecting compensation through other means. Unlike most injured employees, maritime workers have the unique ability to sue their employer directly for injury-related losses.

46 U.S.C. 30104, which is part of the Jones Act, explicitly allows injured seamen to seek legal action for injuries they sustained on the job. Though the statute specifically names seamen, the term in this context includes any individual who works primarily in navigable waters, including rivers, oceans, and lakes.

Generally, any seaman’s injury that occurred while performing work duties is compensable, even if the ship was docked. However, an injured party may still benefit from discussing a potential claim with their Lafayette sailor injury attorney. You can speak with a Lafayette personal injury lawyer to help you pursue compensation.

Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

Get a Free Case Evaluation

sail boat

Common Compensable Ship Injuries

Despite best intentions and safe practices, injuries can and will happen on ships and docks alike. From rough weather to dangerous cargo, working on a boat carries many hazards, any of which can easily cause injuries.

Whether an injury occurred due to another’s actions, dangerous circumstances, or even an injured party’s negligence, harmed seamen may pursue a personal injury lawsuit against their employer under the Jones Act. Any injury that requires medical care and results in time lost at work could lead to potential compensation. Damages available under the Jones Act generally include losses incurred as a result of an injury, such as medical costs or the value of lost wages. However, a dedicated lawyer may also be able to help injured Lafayette seamen demand payments for emotional trauma. No matter what compensation an individual chooses to pursue, a legal advocate could work with a potential plaintiff to evaluate their losses and help prepare a claim for filing.

Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

Working with Toni Stelly has been a great experience. She is compassionate and listens to me when I have a concern or need some information. Toni is q...

Working with Toni Stelly has been a great experience. She is compassionate and listens to me when I have a concern or need some information. Toni is quick to respond to my questions and gets things done!! Good experience working with this firm.

k
kelly

Lake Charles

Over the past 3 years I have encountered one of the best Law Firms in Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers which have been handling my Lejeune Contaminated T...

Over the past 3 years I have encountered one of the best Law Firms in Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers which have been handling my Lejeune Contaminated Toxic Water Claim. Mr. John Chaillot has been instrumental in advising me on documentation, timelines, and all matters pertaining to my case. A true professional and appreciated. Thank you.

S
Stephan C.

Elizabeth Lachney I absolutely hands down the best. She is very professional, knowledgeable and most importantly she is very respectful. She is one re...

Elizabeth Lachney I absolutely hands down the best. She is very professional, knowledgeable and most importantly she is very respectful. She is one reason why we use Laborde Earles Law Firm. They make you feel like family!

T
Tiffany Bardwell

New Iberia

I am very impressed with Jillie Boone’s professionalism and dedication. She demonstrates excellent communication skills, strong attention to det...

I am very impressed with Jillie Boone’s professionalism and dedication. She demonstrates excellent communication skills, strong attention to detail, and a high level of reliability. Jillie consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that everything is handled efficiently and with care. Her knowledge and work ethic make her an outstanding professional, and I would highly recommend her!

j
jazlynn meece

Baton Rouge

Each time I interact with a member of the Laborde Earls team I am always extremely satisfied with the service provided. I had the pleasure of speaking...

Each time I interact with a member of the Laborde Earls team I am always extremely satisfied with the service provided. I had the pleasure of speaking with Mrs. Marsh today. She was extremely knowledgeable in addition to being patient and empathetic. She was able to provide me with the necessary resources and provided me with encouragement throughout the process. I definitely recommend Laborde Earls! Ask for Courtney!

M
Megan Couvillon

Alexandria

I highly recommend Alexis Davis and this lawfirm. She is the true definition of professionalism, respect, understanding, patient, and many other thing...

I highly recommend Alexis Davis and this lawfirm. She is the true definition of professionalism, respect, understanding, patient, and many other things. Her detailed skills are very delightful. She goes out of her way to check on us, make sure we don't have any questions, and she is always on point. She moves very quick and always goes above and beyond for us to make sure we understand the process. I am so glad I ran into Laborde Earles and Alexis. Everyone will know about this company for sure and Alexis

R
R.S.

Lafayette

Mr. DC and Amber have always been available to answer my questions and concerns. I have never doubted that they were working on our side and have had ...

Mr. DC and Amber have always been available to answer my questions and concerns. I have never doubted that they were working on our side and have had our best interest and our well being as a priority. I would recommend them to friends and family. My case had some extenuating circumstances and they both worked diligently to help us. I am very thankful for their service and dedication to us.

M
Michel Lanclos

New Orleans

Jordan is a wonderful paralegal very sweet and helpful good job very professional hold on to her she is a asset to your firm hard worker. Thank you fo...

Jordan is a wonderful paralegal very sweet and helpful good job very professional hold on to her she is a asset to your firm hard worker. Thank you for all your hard work to all the people working on our case.

S
Sandi W.

I had the pleasure of working with Erica Ducote, and I cannot say enough about the excellent job she did on my case. From the very beginning, Erica wa...

I had the pleasure of working with Erica Ducote, and I cannot say enough about the excellent job she did on my case. From the very beginning, Erica was professional, knowledgeable, and attentive to every detail. She took the time to explain each step of the process, answered all of my questions thoroughly, and made sure I always felt supported and informed.
Her dedication and attention to detail were clear throughout, and it was evident she genuinely cared about achieving the best possible outcome. Thanks to Erica’s hard work and expertise, my case went smoothly and successfully.
I highly recommend Erica Ducote to anyone in need of a skilled, reliable, and compassionate paralegal. She truly goes above and beyond!

m
maddie jo

Marksville

Over 1,700 5-Star Reviews

Read More Testimonials

Iberia Parish Seaman Injury Lawyer

Protection Under the Merchant Marine Act

Commonly referred to as the Jones Act, this law was created in 1920 to govern liability for vessel operators and employers with maritime workers. Since it is a federal law, all seaman injuries fall under the same liability standards throughout the entire United States. For example, under 46 U.S.C. § 30104, seaman have the right to sue their employers if they are injured at work. Furthermore, they can file the lawsuit in state or federal district court, and they can choose a jury trial.

It is essential to understand that this act is not the same as worker’s compensation. Without filing a lawsuit, maintenance and cure payments are not guaranteed to an injured seaman. However, if the seaman can prove negligence on the part of their employer, then they may be able to hold vessel owners, operators, officers, and even fellow employees accountable under the law. For more information about the Jones Act, contact a knowledgeable lawyer.

Who Qualifies as a Seaman Under the Jones Act?

A seaman is someone who does the majority of their work on a ship or a boat of any type. Part-time seaman must spend a minimum of 30 percent of their working hours in a vessel to be covered under the Jones Act.

Additionally, the vessel a seaman is assigned to must be afloat, in operation, capable of moving (not necessarily moving at the time), and on navigable waters. The Jones Act also specifies that a seaman must be contributing to the work of the vessel. Injured workers may want to seek the counsel of a qualified Iberia Parish seaman injury attorney to find out how the Jones Act applies to their case.

Jones Act Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations is a deadline for filing a lawsuit. Generally, the Jones Act provides up to three years from the date of the injury to file a claim. Exceptions to this rule include seaman on vessels that are owned, operated, or contracted by the federal government. An injured seaman who wants to pursue legal remedies will want to consult with a seaman injury lawyer in Iberia Parish to make sure a case is filed on time.

Speak with a Lafayette Seaman Injury Attorney Today

Even seemingly safe positions on ships could introduce employees to hazards, and accidents on these vessels can have long-lasting effects on an employee and their family. For this reason, it may be beneficial for injured parties to seek financial recovery for their losses through the Jones Act.

If you were hurt in a maritime accident, you may not wish to add the stress of a lawsuit to an already unwelcome situation. However, a Lafayette seaman injury lawyer could streamline the process by providing personalized guidance and support. A strong legal advocate may assist with gathering evidence, calculating the value of your losses, and preparing to file a lawsuit. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more and discuss any potential claims.

View More Articles Trusted Voices Sharing What Matters

closeup of a car with a crashed hood

Blog Louisiana’s New Comparative Fault Law (2026): What the 51% Rule Means for Your Compensation

If you were injured in Louisiana, a recent change in the law could determine whether you recover compensation or nothing at all. As of Janua...

Read Full Article
woman in neck brace talking to lawyer

Blog Louisiana Sets New Two-Year Statute of Limitations for Tort Claims

Now that Louisiana has set a new two-year statute of limitations on tort claims, injury victims will have more time to take legal action for...

Read Full Article
law statue

Blog Digger Earles Honored With Appointment to GLP-1 Plaintiff Steering Committee

In a significant victory for plaintiffs in the high-stakes multi-district GLP-1 litigation, renowned Lafayette personal injury lawyer Digger...

Read Full Article

Guidance you can trust, from people who actually know.

View All FAQs View All Articles

Our Locations Find Your Local Office

Get Legal Help Today Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

25+ Attorneys Collaboration on every case

Call Anytime Speak to our local team 24/7

(337) 777-7777
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
Send Message
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (337) 223-9925.