What is the difference between a general maritime law and a Jones Act?
The Jones Act and general maritime law both have the same jurisdiction—namely, they apply to those involved in maritime activities (such as working on a cruise ship) in the state of Washington. However, there are some important differences between the two laws. The Jones Act is a federal law that provides for the compensation of seamen injured on the job. This law also applies to seamen’s families in the event that the seaman dies due to an injury sustained while working. The Jones Act applies to all persons who are employed on a vessel, regardless of their status. On the other hand, general maritime law is a body of case law that was developed by the courts and includes various laws dealing with maritime activities. Unlike the Jones Act, which is limited to seamen, general maritime law covers a wide range of areas. These include the rights of passengers onboard a vessel, the liability of vessel owners for hazardous conditions, and the rights of passengers for personal injuries or property damage due to negligence on the part of the vessel’s owner or operator. The big difference is that the Jones Act provides for a cause of action for seamen, whereas general maritime law does not. The Jones Act allows a seaman to bring a lawsuit to seek monetary damages for any personal injury suffered while on board a vessel, whereas general maritime law does not. This makes it easier for seamen to recover compensation after an accident on a cruise ship.
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