Many residents of Rhode Island and Massachusetts earn their living by working on the open seas. These seamen face dangerous conditions every day and injuries are common while at sea. It is important for seamen to be aware that they may be entitled to recover for their injuries under the Jones Act. This federal statute states that “any seaman who shall suffer personal injury in the course of his employment may, at his election, maintain an action for damages at law, with the right of trial by jury” (i).
Injuries at sea are often caused by falling objects, falling overboard, distracted boating, and damaged or defective ship equipment. According to a recent story by WPRI, a 30-foot sport fishing vessel crashed into a jetty and sent three people to the hospital after the operator, an experienced boater, got distracted while looking down at his navigation board. The R.I. Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the U.S. Coast Guard opened a joint investigation and concluded that the weather was clear, and alcohol was not a factor when the boat climbed up onto the rocks and fell back into the water. DEM spokesperson Mike Healey said, “It’s probably miraculous that nobody died.”
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira stated, “The fishing and shipping industries are both very dangerous and physical jobs. Seamen rely on their physical health in order to earn a living, so any injury can have serious consequences on their financial stability. Under the Jones Act, injured seaman may be able to receive compensation for their hospital bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other losses.”
The maritime and admiralty infographic provides information about the legal rights of seamen under maritime and admiralty law. d’Oliveira & Associates has been handling injury and disability lawsuits in Rhode Island and Massachusetts for more than 35 years. The Massachusetts Workers Compensation Law Firm also works with some of the more experienced maritime and admiralty lawyers, who do not charge legal fees until they are successful in obtaining a settlement or award. To contact the law firm, call our toll-free number at 1(800) 992-6878 or submit an online contact form.
New Bedford Personal Injury Lawyer | d’Oliveira & Associates
930 Kempton St.,
New Bedford, MA. 02740
(508) 984-8400
Sources:
- (i) Cornell University Law School, 46 U.S.C. 18 § 688.
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode46a/usc_sec_46a_00000688—-000-.html - ‘Miraculous that nobody died’: Narragansett boat crash under investigation | WPRI.com
Social Security Disability
RI Social Security Disability
MA Social Security Disability