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Jones Act Lawyer

 What Is The Jones Act?

The Jones Act is officially titled the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, and it establishes protections for sailors. Prior to the Jones Act, sailors injured on the job had few options for recovering damages or getting assistance. The Jones Act recognized the inherent dangers of working at sea and the need to protect seamen. A Jones act lawyer can explain the far-reaching benefits for sailors.
  • Any sailor injured at sea is entitled to maintenance and cure (the sailor's employer must pay a daily stipend and provide medical care).
  • Sailors can sue for damages if their injuries were caused by negligence on the part of the ship's owners or other crew members, or if they sailed on unseaworthy vessels.
  • *Damages include death benefits, if a sailor is killed on the job.

Who Is Covered by the Jones Act?

  • Victims of situations that occur on the high seas and navigable waters, whether it's on a shrimp boat, a ferry, a cruise ship or a barge
  • Oil rig workers on rigs not permanently affixed to the ocean floor
  • Anyone who spends at least 30% of his or her time in active service on a Merchant Marine vessel, including all staff on board ship, from the Captain on down
If you or one of your loved one has been injured while working at sea you must contact a Jones act lawyer now!

Legal Issues Concerning the Jones Act

The benefits provided by the Jones Act can be significantly higher than benefits for workers on land, if a skilled Jones Act lawyer is involved. The statute of limitations for suing someone in Texas for such an accident is two years, so it is important to act quickly after an incident occurs. Financial recovery can include personal property damage, present and future medical bills, mental pain and suffering damages, lost past and future wages, permanent impairment/disfigurement, punitive damages, wrongful death damages and loss of enjoyment of life.

Chad Pinkerton: The Jones Act Lawyer

It is crucial to find a good Jones act lawyer who is experienced in managing this type of litigation and who understands maritime law.
Chad Pinkerton is an expert Jones Act lawyer and a powerhouse in and out of the courtroom. He fights aggressively and successfully for his clients' legal rights and has recovered millions of dollars in damages for them.


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The Pinkerton Law Firm, PLLC
5020 Montrose Blvd, Ste 550
Houston, TX 77006

Phone: (866) 764-0412
Local: (713) 360-6722
Fax: (713) 360-6810

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If you have questions regarding personal injury or wrongful death law, contact us. Our personal injury lawyers offer initial consultations, are available for evening and weekend appointments. Pinkerton’s wrongful death attorneys can handle Spanish speaking clients. Pinkerton Law Firm PLLC offices are conveniently located in Houston's Museum District.
To contact us toll free, call (866) 764-0412 or (713) 360-6722 .

*Including attorney's fees.