What is the Jones Act?

The Jones Act is a United States federal law that was enacted in 1920. This law applies to maritime law in the United States and seeks to protect the rights of seamen and their families. It also provides for compensation in cases of death or injury due to negligence or the unseaworthiness of a vessel. The Jones Act also ensures that seafarers receive fair and reasonable compensation when they are injured or contract a disease while on duty. Under the Jones Act, workers in the maritime industry are classified as “seamen” and have certain rights that are not available to other employees. In West Virginia, those rights include the right to a safe working environment, workers’ compensation, and medical care. Seamen are also able to sue for damages if their employer has been negligent or reckless. The Jones Act affects a wide range of maritime activities such as fishing, ocean transport, cargo transport, offshore drilling, and offshore construction. In West Virginia, offshore drilling, offshore construction, coastal fishing, and cargo transport are all areas of maritime law which are governed by the Jones Act. As a result, employers and vessel owners in these fields have to abide by the Jones Act in order to protect the rights of their workers. Failure to comply with the law may result in both criminal and civil penalties.

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What is the Jones Act?

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