Request Free Assessment
(206) 588-4344
19219 68th Ave S Suite M-101 Kent, WA 98032
Live 24/7 Call Answering (206) 588-4344
  • About Us
    • Our Firm
    • Results
    • Community Involvement
  • Our Team
    • Attorney Zach Herschensohn
    • Attorney Robert Fulton
  • Practice Areas
    • Personal Injury
    • Car Accidents
    • Motorcycle Accidents
    • Pedestrian Accidents
    • Workplace Injury
      • Maritime Accidents
      • FELA Accidents
    • Slip and Falls
    • Dangerous Drugs
    • Sex Abuse
    • Medical Malpractice
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Media
    • Podcast
    • Testimonials
    • FAQ
    • Press
  • Areas We Serve
    • Kent, WA
    • Seattle, WA
    • Ellensburg, WA
    • Graham, WA
    • Chehalis, WA
  • Contact
  • About Us
    • Our Firm
    • Results
    • Community Involvement
  • Our Team
    • Attorney Zach Herschensohn
    • Attorney Robert Fulton
  • Practice Areas
    • Personal Injury
    • Car Accidents
    • Motorcycle Accidents
    • Pedestrian Accidents
    • Workplace Injury
      • Maritime Accidents
      • FELA Accidents
    • Slip and Falls
    • Dangerous Drugs
    • Sex Abuse
    • Medical Malpractice
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Media
    • Podcast
    • Testimonials
    • FAQ
    • Press
  • Areas We Serve
    • Kent, WA
    • Seattle, WA
    • Ellensburg, WA
    • Graham, WA
    • Chehalis, WA
  • Contact
  • About Us
    • Our Firm
    • Results
    • Community Involvement
  • Our Team
    • Attorney Zach Herschensohn
    • Attorney Robert Fulton
  • Practice Areas
    • Personal Injury
    • Car Accidents
    • Motorcycle Accidents
    • Pedestrian Accidents
    • Workplace Injury
      • Maritime Accidents
      • FELA Accidents
    • Slip and Falls
    • Dangerous Drugs
    • Sex Abuse
    • Medical Malpractice
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Media
    • Podcast
    • Testimonials
    • FAQ
    • Press
  • Areas We Serve
    • Kent, WA
    • Seattle, WA
    • Ellensburg, WA
    • Graham, WA
    • Chehalis, WA
  • Contact
Contact

What Is the Jones Act?

  1. How Does the Jones Act Work?
  2. What Recoverable Damages Are Available Through a Jones Act Claim?
  3. Who Qualifies to Pursue Damages Under the Jones Act?
  4. Building a Compelling Case for Jones Act Compensation
  5. Discuss Your Offshore or Maritime Injuries With Our Team for Free Today

The Jones Act is a federal law that regulates maritime trade in U.S. waters and between U.S. ports. It offers a way for injured seamen to pursue compensation from their employer after suffering injuries due to the negligence of their employer or their employer’s agents.  

Determining if you qualify to make a Jones Act claim is not always straightforward. If you have an injury or illness due to your employment on a seafaring vessel, our maritime accident lawyers can help you understand your options. 

Herschensohn Law represents seamen hurt on the job. Call (206) 588-4344 today for a free consultation with our team. 

Next

How Does the Jones Act Work?

Next

The Jones Act is part of a comprehensive maritime law: the Merchant Marine Act of 1920. The provisions of the Jones act which apply to negligence are found at 46 U.S. Code § 30104. This law applies to seafaring vessels of all sizes and purposes and most who work on them. It applies equally to cruise ships, barges, fishing vessels, oil rigs, and other types of boats engaged in commerce. 

The goal of this section of the law is to ensure workers hurt on one of these vessels have an option for holding the responsible party accountable for negligence. An injured seaman can seek financial recovery after: 

  • Suffering injuries onboard a vessel
  • Developing a chronic injury caused by work
  • Developing an occupational illness

The Jones Act Requires Seamen to Prove Negligence 

To recover compensation in one of these cases, showing negligence occurred is necessary. Under the Jones Act, this usually focuses on failing to use reasonable care or maintain safe working conditions for workers. Examples of this include: 

  • Doing something a reasonable person would not do
  • Failing to do something a reasonable person would do
  • Not providing safe equipment or environments
  • Not providing proper training and/or oversight

The Jones Act has a low burden of proof for workers pursuing a case against their employer for injuries. According to the jury instructions for Jones Act cases, the employer or boat owner might be liable when: 

  • The employer or its agents negligence “played any part, no matter how slight,” in bringing about the injury or death.
  • Even if others also acted negligently, or there is another cause.
Previous Next

What Recoverable Damages Are Available Through a Jones Act Claim?

Previous Next

The Jones Act allows injured seamen to recover maintenance and cure, as well as non-economic losses. When discussing maritime and offshore injuries, maintenance and cure refer to the two primary types of compensation available: 

  • Maintenance: A small stipend meant to address their minimal expense associated with living expenses 
  • Cure: Emergency evacuation, medical care, and other related expenses that will be paid until the seaman reaches maximum medical improvement. 

Maritime and offshore workers can also pursue economic and non-economic damages under the Jones Act. These are the intangible losses experienced because of their injuries, including stress, frustration, physical pain, and emotional distress. 

Other Options for Pursuing Compensation After an Injury

There are other laws and programs in place that allow workers to pursue compensation or benefits after an on-the-job injury on a boat, in a harbor, or in dry dock. This includes the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) and the Alaskan workers’ compensation system. 

Additionally, when a worker passes away on an offshore platform or vessel, their family could qualify for benefits under the Death on the High Seas Act. 

People we’ve helped

“Very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Zach Herschensohn provided me with excellent service. He kept me well informed and explained complicated issues in a way I could understand. He took the lead and guided me through everything necessary to achieve a successful outcome. Overall, I am very pleased with his service and would highly recommend him to anyone.”

- P.R., Katy, WA

“Very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Zach Herschensohn provided me with excellent service. He kept me well informed and explained complicated issues in a way I could understand. He took the lead and guided me through everything necessary to achieve a successful outcome. Overall, I am very pleased with his service and would highly recommend him to anyone.”

- P.R., Katy, WA

“Very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Zach Herschensohn provided me with excellent service. He kept me well informed and explained complicated issues in a way I could understand. He took the lead and guided me through everything necessary to achieve a successful outcome. Overall, I am very pleased with his service and would highly recommend him to anyone.”

- P.R., Katy, WA

“Very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Zach Herschensohn provided me with excellent service. He kept me well informed and explained complicated issues in a way I could understand. He took the lead and guided me through everything necessary to achieve a successful outcome. Overall, I am very pleased with his service and would highly recommend him to anyone.”

- P.R., Katy, WA

“Very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Zach Herschensohn provided me with excellent service. He kept me well informed and explained complicated issues in a way I could understand. He took the lead and guided me through everything necessary to achieve a successful outcome. Overall, I am very pleased with his service and would highly recommend him to anyone.”

- P.R., Katy, WA
Previous Next

Who Qualifies to Pursue Damages Under the Jones Act?

Previous Next

Often, injured seamen qualify to file a Jones Act claim and do not know it. Our attorneys help maritime workers identify all their options following an onboard injury, pursuing the compensation they need and deserve. You could qualify to file a Jones Act claim if: 

  • You spend more than 30 percent of your working time aboard a vessel. 
  • The vessel you were injured on was in navigation (meaning it was operational), on navigable waters, and afloat. 
  • You contribute to the work/operation of the vessel. 

It can be hard to understand your working hours, job role, and the vessel’s status. For example, here are a few examples of parties who may qualify for Jones Act claims and not know it: 

  • Someone who received a LHWCA settlement that did not formally adjudicate them of their seaman status
  • Someone who received voluntary, not formal, LHWCA payments
  • Someone who was injured by vessel negligence while working as a longshoreman
  • Twilight workers (These workers have received or are currently receiving benefits but can still file a claim. Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.)
  • People who don’t know that they’re working on a vessel
  • People receiving benefits under the Alaskan workers’ compensation system (not everyone will qualify)

Our team will review your case and help you understand your options. 

Previous Next

Building a Compelling Case for Jones Act Compensation

Previous Next

The Jones Act and other maritime laws are very complex. It can be difficult to understand whether you qualify to file a claim and even more challenging to build a strong case to recover fair compensation. Your employer and the boat’s owner will have very experienced attorneys on their side, working to reduce the amount you receive every step of the way. You want experienced and knowledgeable lawyers fighting for you. 

At Herschensohn Law, our maritime injury lawyers know how these cases work inside and out. We file claims and navigate the process to document your injuries and pursue compensation available for every client. 

Under 46 U.S. Code § 30106, we only have up to three years to file your case under the Jones Act. However, building a strong case takes time. So, we suggest considering your legal options as soon as possible. 

Previous

Discuss Your Offshore or Maritime Injuries With Our Team for Free Today

Previous

Herschensohn Law provides free case consultations for those hurt working offshore or in maritime trades. We understand the potential paths to compensation for on-the-job injuries that occurred on a fishing boat, oil platform, cruise ship, or another similar vessel. 

Our service areas include Kent, Seattle, Auburn, Bellevue, Graham, Ellensburg, Puyallup, Covington, and more. We often represent clients hurt offshore, including those working in Alaska but living in Washington State. You can trust our team to fight for the compensation you deserve with no upfront fees. We work based on contingency. 

Contact us today by dialing (206) 588-4344. 

Our results speak for themselves

$1.6m
SETTLEMENT

After a worker was electrocuted on a construction site and suffered life-changing injuries, we fought and won on their behalf.

$1.25m
SETTLEMENT

When a retired man was killed in a truck accident, we made sure his grieving family got fair compensation.

$950k
SETTLEMENT

When a defective medical device harmed our client, we fought to ensure they had the financial compensation needed to recover.

VIEW MORE RESULTS
CONTACT HERSCHENSOHN LAW

Hurt? Let our law firm handle the details

When you request your free consultation, Kent personal injury attorney Zach Herschensohn will listen to you, answer your questions, lay out your legal options, and give you down-to-earth legal advice.

When you work with our law office, there are no obligations, hidden fees, or fine print. It’s that simple.

Request your free case evaluation

We’ll meet with you to help you understand your legal options and what to do next.

Enter your contact information:

Disclosure(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

We’re proud to fight—and win—for injured people in Kent, Washington. View our case results to learn more.

VIEW RESULTS
19219 68th Ave S Suite M-101
Kent, WA 98032
301 E 2nd Ave Suite 201
Ellensburg, WA 98926
21916 Meridian Ave E
Graham, WA 98338
1918 1st Ave N
Seattle, WA 98109
1357 NW Louisiana Ave
Chehalis, WA 98532

Our firm will give you straightforward legal advice

24/7 Live Call Answering

(206) 588-4344
Follow Us
Facebook-f Twitter Linkedin
Herschensohn Law, PLLC
  • About the Firm
  • Our Team
  • Results
  • Blog
  • Sitemap
  • About the Firm
  • Our Team
  • Results
  • Blog
  • Sitemap
Resources
  • Car Accident Lawyer Seattle, WA
  • Jones Act Claim Injury Seattle, WA
  • Maritime Accident Lawyer Seattle, WA
  • Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Seattle, WA
  • Car Accident Lawyer Washington
  • Construction Site Injury Washington
  • Fishing Boat Injury Claims Washington
  • Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Washington
  • Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Washington
  • Truck Accident Lawyer Washington
  • Construction Site Injury Lawyer Seattle WA
  • Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Seattle WA
  • Car Accident Lawyer Seattle, WA
  • Jones Act Claim Injury Seattle, WA
  • Maritime Accident Lawyer Seattle, WA
  • Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Seattle, WA
  • Car Accident Lawyer Washington
  • Construction Site Injury Washington
  • Fishing Boat Injury Claims Washington
  • Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Washington
  • Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Washington
  • Truck Accident Lawyer Washington
  • Construction Site Injury Lawyer Seattle WA
  • Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Seattle WA

© Copyright 2025 Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer

Full Disclosure

By checking this box, I consent to receive SMS messages. I understand that Message and data rates may apply and that I may reply STOP to opt-out of future messaging; reply HELP for additional messaging help. Message frequency may vary depending on interaction between you and our office. No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.

  • About Us
    • Our Firm
    • Results
    • Community Involvement
  • Our Team
    • Attorney Zach Herschensohn
    • Attorney Robert Fulton
  • Practice Areas
    • Personal Injury
    • Car Accidents
    • Motorcycle Accidents
    • Pedestrian Accidents
    • Workplace Injury
      • Maritime Accidents
      • FELA Accidents
    • Slip and Falls
    • Dangerous Drugs
    • Sex Abuse
    • Medical Malpractice
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Media
    • Podcast
    • Testimonials
    • FAQ
    • Press
  • Areas We Serve
    • Kent, WA
    • Seattle, WA
    • Ellensburg, WA
    • Graham, WA
    • Chehalis, WA
  • Contact