While commercial fishing plays a vital economic role, those who fulfill these jobs face a tremendous amount of risk on a daily basis. When an accident occurs very serious injuries can happen as a result, which can either have long-term physical effects or even end in...
Jones Act
The controversy around the Jones Act
Many people in New York may be aware that there are laws governing maritime passage and commerce in U.S. waterways. One of these is called the Jones Act or the Merchant Marine Act of 1920. At nearly a century old, this law today has its share of both supporters and...
What you need to know abut the Jones Act
New York is one of this country’s major ports and as such, numerous New Yorkers work in the shipping industry in some capacity. If they contract an illness or suffer an injury during their employment, the Jones Act provides the method for them to recover their...
How do Jones Act benefits differ from workers’ compensation?
Going to work every day in Manhattan (no matter the profession) can be difficult for anyone. Any number of challenges and risks could await you. Fortunately, you are typically able to draw some comfort from the knowledge that should something happen to you on the job,...
Why are some opposed to the Jones Act?
There are many laws that dictate what can and cannot be done on U.S. waterways, including in New York. Some of them are looked upon favorably while others may be seen as hindering trade and business. The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 or the Jones Act is one such law...
What does ‘unseaworthiness’ mean?
It is a ship owner’s duty to provide a seaworthy vessel, one that is safe for New Yorkers to work on, according to Accessible Marine Insurance. If you are injured due to an unsafe condition, you may claim it is due to the unseaworthiness of the vessel. Offshore...
The benefits of the jones act
Regardless of the specific career path, a job in the maritime industry can become more demanding than work in other fields in many ways. Certain laws in the nation aim to protect workers from the dangers inherent in daily shifts, such as heavy machinery, safety risks...
Does the Jones Act apply to heart disease?
Maritime work is a hazardous occupation, particularly if you are working at sea. Along with accidents and other safety concerns, seafarers are at risk of developing serious health problems due to the type of work they do, including carrying cargo and handling...
Do not ignore repetitive stress injuries
You are not alone if the thought of repetitive stress injuries calls to mind a grocery-store clerk or an office worker who uses a computer for much of their New York job. But this type of injury can happen to any worker—anywhere—who does the same task over and over...
Jones Act and workers’ compensation: Key differences
The maritime is a beautiful, unique industry. As such, its processes and regulations are just as unique. For maritime workers who are injured on the job, receiving compensation is one key difference. While you have just as much of a right to earning benefits and...
