Who is a Seaman under the Jones Act?

Louisiana Injured Seaman Attorneys

A commercial fisherman, deckhand, cook, driller, diver—the barber on a cruise ship—who is a seaman? This is a critical question, and always in contention when an injured maritime worker files a Jones Act claim against an employer.

At Broussard & Hart, L.L.C., our Lake Charles firm, our lawyers have extensive experience in handling maritime accident claims, and assist injured seamen in recovering the benefits they deserve, establishing their Jones Act claims in order to recover maximum compensation on their behalf. Below is a discussion about the definition of a seaman. There are many unique cases, however, so it is important to get legal advice if there is any question about your status. Contact our office to arrange a free, confidential consultation with one of our attorneys.

Jones Act definition of a seaman

The Jones Act, a federal law that allows injured seaman to sue their employers for negligence, defines a seaman as a person who has a permanent, employment-related connection to a vessel in navigation. The relationship must be significant in its contribution to the vessel's function or mission. In simple terms, seamen are those who do the ship's work. A person whose work is covered under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act may be treated as a Jones Act seaman in some cases.

The definition of seaman is broad, and can include a worker on a jack-up oil rig, a barge worker, a fish processor on an ocean vessel, a diver, the cook on a yacht, and a member of a maintenance crew. At your consultation our lawyer will evaluate your job description and your employer's operation, and give you an honest evaluation of your injury claim.

For more information about compensation for injured seamen and their families, see:

• Jones Act/Maritime Law
• Maintenance and Cure
• Wrongful Death

Our firm serves clients throughout Southwest Louisiana from our Calcasieu Parish offices. If you would like to discuss a potential Jones Act or general maritime law injury claim with one of our lawyers, please call 337-439-2450 (Toll Free: 866-281-4774) or e-mail our office to arrange a free and confidential consultation. We will respond quickly to your inquiry.