What Is the Jones Act in Mississippi and How Can an Attorney Help?
A Mississippi Jones Act attorney assists anyone who was injured, made sick, or killed while working in the merchant marine. This largely includes anyone working at least 30 percent of the time at sea on vessels or oil rigs, but a related law—the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act, which covers employees in hazardous on-shore positions—is also an area where Mississippi Jones Act attorneys handle cases.
A Mississippi Jones Act claims attorney is someone you should contact within a day or two of an on-board accident, for several reasons:
- You need to follow protocol—Timely and proper notification of your employer and obtaining appropriate medical treatment can affect the ultimate effectiveness of your Mississippi maritime injury attorney and the outcome of your case.
- You may get an offer—Insurance companies for employers often prefer to settle a case early. However in Mississippi, Jones Act lawyers often point out that such settlements are inferior to what you need for recovery.
- Your injuries may be more serious—A Jones Act lawyer in Mississippi will counsel you to follow your doctor's treatment and not return to work too soon because you think you should. If your employer later finds you unable to work, that may jeopardize your eligibility and benefits.
- Maintenance—The actual Jones Act language vaguely requires subsistence level wages be paid to the injured worker as he or she convalesces, and historically this has been as little as $15 per day. But when a Mississippi Jones Act attorney presents a well-prepared case, judges often award much higher amounts in Jones Act lawsuits.
- Cure—Reasonable medical expenses are also provided for under the Jones Act. But these expenses have to relate to treatment that is curative in nature. Once you reach a point where additional improvement is not likely, your maintenance and cure benefits cease. At this point, the strength of the legal case under the act is a matter of economic survival for many seamen. Your Mississippi Jones Act lawyer can help you pursue your claim to ensure coverage.
- You can sue for pain and suffering—A clause of Mississippi Jones Act maritime law allows for pain and suffering awards, which is not available in regular worker compensation claims, including the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act. Your maritime law firm in Mississippi can help you place a value on your pain and suffering and include that in your claim.
One call...that's all
One call is all you need to handle your Mississippi maritime law case. When you need a Mississippi Jones Act claims lawyer, call Richard Schwartz & Associates, P.A. at 1-800-844-1215, or contact us online.
