Does the Jones Act Apply to Dock Workers

Any worker in the maritime industry is prone to injury while on the job, as this is one of the more risky industries to work in. As a result, laws have been put into place to protect workers in this field, including those who are on a sea vessel and dock workers alike. One of these laws is the Jones Act, which permits any seamen with an injury to receive compensation in the event of an accident. While dock workers will not have to worry about some of the same risks that seamen do, they may still be eligible for this compensation should they be put in danger by a specific ship.

The compensation that has been put into place by the Jones Act mostly relates to injuries that are sustained on board a ship, when these injuries are caused by negligence on the part of the employers. This is true even if the sailor or worker entered this business knowingly, in full awareness of the risks associated with the maritime industry. Accidents don't' only happen at sea, although the consequences of injuries sustained out on the open ocean can be more severe than accidents that would occur on the docks. This is because out on the open ocean, the seamen may be days away from adequate medical care, leading to potential complications.

These are but a few things to take into consideration when examining how the Jones Act would apply to dock workers. Because they are also part of the maritime industry, if dock workers are working for a specific ship's benefit and they sustain some sort of injury during this time, they could then potentially receive compensation under this law. This will not be the case for all, which is why it's best to consult a lawyer who is well versed in the Jones Act and other aspects of maritime law. Knowing your rights up front is the best way to survive in a sometimes dangerous industry.

One of the other laws that benefits maritime workers that are not seamen is the Longshore and Harbor Worker's Compensation Act. Therefore, even if the Jones Act is ruled out as grounds for a lawsuit, this other Act could be put into play. This is why it's so essential to consult with a qualified lawyer should you become injured in the workplace, in order to be able to pay for the sometimes extensive medical bills and loss of ability to work that could be the result of accidents.