When a service worker is hurt on a vessel

Vessels can have far more workers aboard them than just those involved with its navigation and engines. For example, there can be various general service-providing workers on maritime ships. Some examples of such workers are listed on this page of our website. Service-providing workers can be particularly common on passenger vessels, such as cruise ships.

Just as is the case with other vessel workers, general service-providing workers can sometimes be exposed to safety hazards aboard a vessel that could lead to workplaces injuries.

One of the laws some maritime workers can pursue compensation for injuries suffered on a vessel under is the Jones Act. One misconception general service-providing workers on vessels may have is that only workers directly involved in vessel functions like navigation or propulsion have access to remedies under this law. In reality, the Jones Act applies to “seaman,” with who is considered a “seaman” going beyond just vessel workers involved in functions like navigation and engine operation. So, a service-providing worker on a vessel could potentially fall under the definition of “seaman,” and thus have options and rights under the Jones Act if they are hurt aboard the ship where they work.

Misconceptions about what rights and options they have can potentially cause some significant problems for hurt vessel workers. For example, such misconceptions could cause a worker to not become aware of a certain type of claim they could make until after the deadline for making such a claim has passed.

So, when a service-providing worker is hurt aboard a vessel, whatever specific they job they have aboard the vessel, they should consider promptly seeking clarification and guidance on their rights and options from an attorney skilled in maritime injury compensation matters.