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ENVIRONMENTAL LITIGATION

Jones Act Lawyer in New Orleans

The Jones Act is a federal law that governs maritime commerce in the United States waters and between United States ports. A Jones Act seaman is a maritime worker who spends a substantial amount of time working aboard a vessel in navigation on navigable waters. Unlike land-based workers, seaman are covered by federal maritime law rather than state workers’ compensation programs. If you work at sea, you may be covered under the Jones Act for work related injuries.

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What is the Jones Act?

The Jones Act (or the Merchant Marine Act of 1920) is a federal law designed to support a robust domestic maritime industry. In addition to shipping regulations, the Jones Act extends personal injury protections to maritime workers. It allows individuals classified as “seaman” who are injured at sea to sue their employers for negligence and guarantees them the right to a jury trial, which is a significant exception in traditional maritime law. This provides a vital alternative to standard workers’ compensation, allowing maritime workers to pursue damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Unlike standard workers’ compensation, which bars lawsuits against employers, the Jones Act allows injured seaman to sue their employers If unsafe conditions, poor training, defective equipment, or a coworker’s carelessness caused their injury.

Who Qualifies?

Under the Jones Act, if you are hurt on the job, you may be entitled to sue your employer for injuries on the job. However, to qualify for protection, you must be classified as a “seaman” under the law, and you must spend a significant amount of your time working on navigable waters. Specifically, you must meet these requirements:

  • Be employed or assigned to a vessel in navigable waters;
  • Be employed or assigned to a vessel in navigation; and
  • Spend 30% or more of your time working on a vessel.


“Navigable waters” is an important term that means “capable of being used for commerce.”

A lawsuit under the Jones Act can be complex because workers must first prove that they qualify and then they must prove they were injured on the job and the extent of those injuries.

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SEA LIFE IS DANGEROUS

COMMON INJURIES AT SEA

One

Injuries from falling or slipping

Two

Injuries from falling or swinging objects

Three

Injuries from mooring lines and cables

Four

Burns and electrocutions

Five

Toxic exposures

Six

Traumatic Brain Injuries

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Common Jones Act Claims

HAVE YOU BEEN EXPOSED TO BENZENE AT SEA?

If you work on a crude oil vessel, you may be at risk of exposure to toxic chemicals, like benzene. Long-term exposure to the chemical can be incredibly dangerous. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the immediate symptoms of benzene exposure are:
  • Sleepiness
  • Dizziness
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Headache
  • Tremors
  • Confusion
  • And in extreme exposure cases, unconsciousness and even death
While the immediate risks of benzene exposure are serious, it is very rare that individuals will inhale or ingest an amount of benzene that will result in immediate symptoms, though some oil vessel workers may complain of headaches and other symptoms of low-level exposure. The real risk is long-term. Long-term exposure to benzene can impact your bone marrow. This can lead to a decrease in red blood cell production, leading to anemia. It can also lead to excessive bleeding. When women are exposed to benzene, studies indicate that children can be born with low birth weights. Benzene exposure can also increase your risk of developing leukemia. If you believe you were exposed to benzene on the job while working on a crude oil vessel, and have gone on to develop anemia, leukemia, or a blood disorder, consider reaching out to the Jones Act lawyers at Stag Liuzza in New Orleans, Louisiana. Our attorneys can review your case, determine whether your company took protective measures, and help you seek damages through a lawsuit or other means from your employer.
cargo vessel entering a Louisiana port
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CARGO AND OIL TANKER WORKERS AND THE JONES ACT

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If you work on a cargo or oil tanker, you could be exposed to a range of chemicals and hazards every day. Not only are you at risk of chemical exposure, but cargo and oil tankers are highly flammable. Something as simple as lighting a cigarette can lead to a serious fire at sea resulting in serious burns, disfigurement, and injuries. Static electricity can also trigger a fire. Workplaces must take proper precautions to ensure that smokers or static electricity don’t put a whole vessel at risk. Workers on cargo and oil tankers may use heavy power tools that can also pose hazards. Employers have a responsibility to properly train workers in their use and to provide proper safety equipment. When it comes to chemical exposure, employers have a responsibility to provide workers with proper safety equipment, and to prevent leaks. Proper training can also mitigate the risk.

Finally, being out at sea comes with its own dangers. There’s wind, rain, lightning, and storms. A capsized ship can lead to injuries and trauma.

Working on a cargo or oil tanker comes with serious risks. The job is dangerous. If you’ve been hurt, you may be protected under the Jones Act. Under the Jones Act, “seamen” are entitled to pursue lawsuits or settlements against employers when they have been hurt at sea. If you have been hurt, burned, suffered trauma or chemical exposure, you may be entitled to seek damages to cover your lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical costs. Stag Liuzza are Jones Act lawyers in New Orleans, Louisiana who may be able to help you.

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HURT AT SEA? CONTACT A JONES ACT LAWYER

If you’ve been hurt at sea, you may have important legal protections and rights. Stag Liuzza are Jones Act lawyers in New Orleans, Louisiana who are committed to helping seamen get justice. Working at sea can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be dangerous.

Stag Liuzza lawyers are here to help you seek justice for both yourself and your family. We’ll take the time to review your claim, estimate your losses, and fight to help you get the settlement or recovery you may deserve.

the legal team at stag liuzza environmental and personal injury law firm in new orleans louisiana

Results That Speak

$1.056 Billion
Exxon Mobil Corp. v. Grefer

Jury verdict for property owners whose land was contaminated with radioactive materials from oil and gas operations.

$15 Million
Verdict for Injured Pipeyard Worker

Verdict for pipeyard worker who contracted lung cancer from exposure to Radium-226 and other radioactive materials.

$6 Million
Settlement for Commercial Auto Injury

Settlement for commercial auto injury case involving a large insurance company.

No fee unless we win. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Meet the Team

With decades of combined experience in environmental law, toxic torts, and complex litigation, Stag Liuzza's attorneys have the expertise to take on the most challenging cases.

Michael G. Stag

CEO & Managing Partner

Over $16 billion in settlements and more than $1 billion in jury verdicts recovered for clients. Pioneered the field of oilfield cleanup litigation. Appointed by judges to leadership for several nationwide litigations.

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Ashley M. Liuzza

COO & Partner

Appointed co-lead class counsel in major environmental cases. Extensive PFAS litigation experience. Helps people who developed meningioma as a result of being prescribed Depo-Provera.

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Merritt Cunningham

Partner

Leads the pharmaceutical and medical device division. Extensive MDL and mass tort experience. Represents thousands of firefighters harmed by PFAS exposure.

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Matthew D. Rogenes

Partner

Partner and trial lawyer. Trial and settlement experience in trucking cases and maritime personal injury. Recently recovered over $20 million for clients.

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READY TO TALK?

If you or a loved one were injured while working at sea, we’re here to help. Let’s discuss your case.

Contact Stag Liuzza

Ready to discuss your case? Reach out for a free, confidential consultation. We respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.

Office

One Canal Place
365 Canal Street, Suite 2850
New Orleans, LA 70130