Why the Jones Act Matters for Louisiana Seamen
Louisiana's maritime industry is central to the Gulf Coast economy, employing tens of thousands of seamen who keep commerce and energy flowing. From oil rigs off the coast to tugboats navigating the Mississippi, these men and women operate in one of the most vital—and dangerous—industries in the nation. The Port of South Louisiana, stretching between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, is one of the busiest ports in the world. The Port of Greater Baton Rouge plays a key role as a deepwater gateway for agricultural exports, petroleum products, and chemical shipments. Every vessel that navigates these waterways relies on skilled crews to operate safely and efficiently.
Generations of families have worked in fishing, shipping, and offshore oil and gas operations in Louisiana and the Gulf. But before 1920, maritime law provided limited protection for injured seamen: shipowners were required to pay “maintenance and cure” (daily living expenses and medical care) and guarantee a seaworthy vessel. However, these remedies often covered only basic costs and offered nothing for an employer's negligence or a lifetime of lost wages.
The Jones Act changed everything for maritime workers. Enacted in 1920, it granted seamen the legal right to directly sue their employer, demand a jury trial, and recover full damages for pain, suffering, and future earning capacity.
In effect, the law became a powerful tool for holding negligent maritime companies accountable when their conduct injures or kills the very people who keep America's maritime industry moving. Any worker on a U.S. ship owned by a U.S. company may be entitled to Jones Act rights, as long as he or she technically qualifies as a “seaman.”
The Jones Act is far more specific than general maritime law. To qualify as a “seaman” eligible for Jones Act protections, you must spend at least 30% of your working time on a ship or a fleet of vessels in navigation. Many shipboard jobs meet this standard, including deckhands, engineers, and cooks. If you are unsure whether you or your loved one qualifies, contact an experienced Jones Act attorney in Louisiana for clarity.
The Jones Act also requires claimants to prove their employer’s fault. Proving negligence can be intricate and often requires experienced legal guidance and a thorough investigation into your maritime accident. Retaining a knowledgeable Louisiana maritime lawyer is the best way to ensure that negligence is properly established in court.
Proven Results in Louisiana Jones Act Cases
Our track record in Jones Act cases speaks for itself. We've secured more than $20 billion on behalf of our clients, helping them face brighter futures. We've helped injured seamen and their families in Louisiana and across the country, consistently delivering results against some of the largest maritime companies in challenging and high-stakes cases.
One notable Louisiana case involved a seaman working aboard an inland barge in Lake Washington. While drilling operations were underway, a section of pipe that had been tack-welded to the derrick was left in place. When drilling began, the pipe broke loose and struck our client in the head, causing severe injury.
Just two days before trial, our Louisiana Jones Act attorneys secured a $14 million settlement—ensuring our client had the resources needed for his recovery and future.
Other notable Jones Act results include:
- $185 million for seamen forced to ride out a severe storm because they were not evacuated in time.
- $40 million for three Jones Act seamen who were injured in a vessel collision.
- $31 million for a seaman who suffered a serious head injury in a collision on the Mississippi River.
- $16.9 million jury verdict (after a settlement offer of $300,000) for a seaman who fell ill after his hitch.
- $16.6 million for a seaman who suffered a severe neck injury while working offshore.
“[Arnold & Itkin] have given me my life back. They have really given me my life back and my family's life back…They fought tooth and nail for me and my family. Anytime we needed them, they were there.”
- Josh, maritime accident survivor
Whether your case involves an inland barge, offshore vessel, or tugboat in the Mississippi River system, our Jones Act lawyers know what it takes to win. Hear from more of our clients by viewing their testimonial videos.
What Is the Jones Act?
The Jones Act—formally the Merchant Marine Act of 1920—is a federal law regulating shipping between U.S. ports and protecting American seamen injured at sea. Under the Jones Act, when negligence or an unseaworthy vessel causes someone to be hurt, offshore workers and their families are empowered to sue their employer in state or federal court. If a maritime worker tragically loses their life due to such conditions, the law also allows their family to pursue wrongful death compensation through experienced Jones Act injury attorneys in Louisiana.
Under the Jones Act, an injured seaman can seek damages for the following:
- Medical bills and future medical care
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Living expenses during recovery (maintenance)
- Pain, suffering, and disfigurement
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
Navigating admiralty law is no place for guesswork. A seasoned Baton Rouge Jones Act attorney from Arnold & Itkin can file your claim, preserve critical evidence, and fight for every dollar you’re owed.
Filing a Jones Act Claim in Louisiana
Filing a Jones Act claim in Louisiana requires swift action and a deep understanding of both federal maritime law and the unique conditions of our state’s waterways. The process begins with getting immediate medical attention and promptly reporting your injury. Notify your supervisor, ensure an official accident report is completed, and preserve all available evidence—photographs, witness statements, safety logs, and maintenance records can be vital in proving negligence.
The next step is to secure experienced legal representation. At Arnold & Itkin, our Jones Act attorneys in Baton Rouge take over communication with your employer and their insurer so you’re not pressured into accepting an unfair settlement. We conduct comprehensive investigations, working with maritime experts, accident reconstruction professionals, and medical specialists to build the strongest possible case. Every claim is prepared for trial from the outset, which often results in better settlement offers and ensures we’re ready to fight in court when needed.
Louisiana Jones Act claims may be heard in one of several federal district courts, including the Eastern, Middle, or Western District of Louisiana, depending on where the incident occurred. In Baton Rouge, for example, many federal claims are heard in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana. Our team’s familiarity with these courts, the judges, and the industries they serve gives our clients a distinct advantage. As Louisiana Jones Act lawyers, we are committed to holding negligent maritime employers accountable and helping injured seamen.
Maritime Worker Rights Under the Jones Act
The Jones Act empowers seamen to pursue full compensation when they’re hurt aboard a vessel because of negligence, unsafe conditions, or an unseaworthy ship. It doesn’t matter whether the fault lies with the owner, operator, or a fellow crew member—every seaman is entitled to a safe workplace and a clear path to recovery when that duty is breached.
Key rights under the Jones Act include the following:
- The right to a reasonably safe work environment
- The right to file a negligence claim after an onboard injury
- Guaranteed maintenance and cure until maximum medical improvement
- Additional damages when a vessel is deemed unseaworthy
- Punitive damages in cases of willful or reckless misconduct
Handling a Jones Act claim while recovering from serious injuries is daunting. An experienced Baton Rouge Jones Act lawyer can protect your rights, explain the full range of benefits available, and steer your case through complex legal waters—so you can focus on healing and getting back to your family and your life.
Unseaworthiness & the Jones Act
Under the Jones Act, shipowners are required to keep the vessel seaworthy (or free of preventable hazards) for employees. A vessel owner is not allowed to shift this obligation to anyone else. While there's no hard-and-fast definition of "unseaworthiness" under the law, there is a broad set of conditions that would qualify a ship as unseaworthy. If your ship's unseaworthiness caused your injuries, you can claim more compensation.
An offshore vessel may be considered unseaworthy due to the following reasons:
- Understaffing: insufficient crew members
- Improperly stowed cargo
- Lack of proper safety guards or rails
- Absence of fire suppression equipment
- Missing or faulty elevators and hoists
- Insufficient provisions or food
- Unsafe living conditions
- Untrained or inadequately supervised crew
Holding shipowners accountable for unseaworthiness is crucial for preserving the safety and well-being of maritime workers. Pursuing a Jones Act claim not only compensates injured seamen but also encourages higher standards throughout the maritime industry. By initiating legal action, our Jones Act lawyers in Louisiana strive to make workplaces safer for all seafarers across the Gulf Coast and beyond.
Louisiana Seaman Accidents & Injuries Covered by the Jones Act
Louisiana seamen face heavy machinery, volatile cargo, and harsh weather, often hundreds of miles from the nearest hospital. The Jones Act covers virtually every type of accident, injury, or illness experienced by a seaman at sea or while in the line of duty, as long as it can be traced to employer negligence.
Common Louisiana Jones Act claims involve:
- Deck accidents: Slips on oily surfaces, unsecured hatches, or missing non-skid coatings.
- Crane & winch failures: Falling equipment or snapped cables causing amputations or crush injuries.
- Engine room fires & explosions: Faulty fuel lines or poor ventilation causing burns and smoke inhalation.
- Mooring & line handling mishaps: Snap-back injuries resulting in spinal damage or severed fingers.
- Lifting & cargo operations: Overloaded equipment or inadequate staffing leading to serious harm.
- Collisions & groundings: Major impacts causing traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, or drowning.
The types of injuries involved can range from concussions and fractures to catastrophic injuries such as paralysis, traumatic brain injury, and severe burns. Acute and chronic illnesses may also be covered if they were caused by exposure to hazardous substances or conditions on a vessel. Employers are legally required to minimize these risks. If they fail to uphold this duty, you have the right to pursue compensation for medical care, lost earnings, pain, suffering, and future economic loss with a Jones Act accident lawyer in Louisiana on your side.
Our Baton Rouge Jones Act attorneys at Arnold & Itkin have won billions for seamen and their families—helping them rebuild their lives when employers put profits ahead of safety. If you’ve been injured, call (888) 493-1629.
Who Can I File a Jones Act Claim Against?
Under the Jones Act, an injured seaman's primary claim is typically against their employer—the company responsible for providing a safe work environment aboard a vessel. In Louisiana, maritime employers span a wide range of industries tied to the state's ports, waterways, and offshore operations:
Offshore Oil & Gas Operators
This includes companies running drilling rigs, production platforms, and support vessels in the Gulf of Mexico, such as Shell Offshore, Chevron U.S.A., and BP.
Barge & Tugboat Companies
Employers like Ingram Barge Company, Canal Barge Company, and Marquette Transportation manage crews navigating the Mississippi River, Intracoastal Waterway, and other inland routes.
Shipping & Cargo Carriers
Operators like SEACOR Marine, Harvey Gulf International Marine, and Edison Chouest Offshore transport goods and provide marine support services through ports like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Port Fourchon.
Commercial Fishing & Seafood Companies
These employers, including Seafood Harvesters of America members and local shrimping fleets, employ crews in Louisiana's coastal and offshore waters.
While the Jones Act focuses on employer negligence, other parties (vessel owners, contractors, or equipment manufacturers) may also be held liable if their actions contribute to a maritime injury. Our Louisiana Jones Act lawyers investigate every angle to help injured seamen secure the full compensation they deserve—from all at-fault parties.
We Help Louisiana Jones Act Seamen After Maritime Disasters & Accidents
Louisiana leads the nation in maritime employment, with a high concentration of captains, mates, pilots, sailors, marine oilers, and ship engineers, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. This high volume of maritime activity brings inherent risks—offshore platforms, towboats, and deep-sea vessels are among the most dangerous workplaces worldwide. When disaster strikes, whether through a blowout, crane malfunction, or vessel collision, you need a Jones Act attorney in Louisiana who is dedicated to helping you recover.
Our Baton Rouge maritime lawyers move fast to preserve evidence, secure maintenance and cure, and file Jones Act or OCSLA (Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act) claims against every negligent party—owners, operators, and third‑party contractors alike. We hire industry experts, reconstruct accident scenes, and pressure insurers until they pay full value. If they refuse, we take them to court; our record‑setting verdicts and settlements prove we don’t back down. While you focus on recovery, we focus on getting you every dollar the law allows.
Our Louisiana Jones Act Attorneys Have Recovered Billions for Clients
When maritime disasters occur and seamen are injured or lose their lives, our Jones Act firm stands ready to help. From representing one-third of the Deepwater Horizon crew to supporting widows affected by the loss of the El Faro crew during Hurricane Joaquin, our work has brought answers and accountability in the most complex cases. Seamen and their families know they can turn to our Baton Rouge Jones Act lawyers for the legal advice, skill, and care they deserve during difficult times. If you work in the maritime industry in or near Louisiana and are considering exercising your rights under the Jones Act, call our Louisiana personal injury attorneys. Find out for yourself what sets us apart.
Call our Louisiana Jones Act lawyers today at (888) 493-1629 for help. Your consultation is free and confidential.
