What is the Definition of a Seaman Under the Jones Act

Individuals who can sue under maritime law and the Jones Act are generally called seamen. In order to be a seaman you have to more or less be permanently assigned to a vessel. That sounds very legal and very complicated but all it means is that you spend about 30 percent of your time on something that the law calls a vessel. This includes jack up barges, it includes oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico and it certainly includes traditional supply vessels and crew boats. Call us if you have any questions about whether you qualify for a claim under maritime law or the Jones Act.