Who Is A Jones Act Seaman?
A seaman is someone who (1) has duties that contribute to the function of a vessel or the accomplishment of its mission and (2) has a substantial connection to the vessel.11
Depending on the facts of your particular case, a variety of jobs may qualify for “seaman” status under the Jones Act, including:
- offshore oil rig workers, including roustabouts, roughnecks, derrickmen, crane operators, motormen, mudmen, maintenance workers, assistant rig managers, rig managers, captains, DPOs, subsea crewmen, ETs, welders
- barge, tanker, and other vessel crewmen, including deckhands, quartermasters, chief officers, mates, boatswains, cadets, and other able seamen
- engineers
- cooks
- painters
- fishermen12
Read More: What Is A Jones Act Vessel?
Morrow & Sheppard Help Injured Offshore and Maritime Workers
Morrow & Sheppard are privileged to represent offshore and maritime workers.
We have membership in the Maritime Law Association, the largest and most prestigious organization for Jones Act lawyers who practice in the United States with a focus on Texas and Louisiana. We also have experience handling maritime cases at the highest level.
We believe we are the right law firm to handle your Jones Act or maritime injury case. But you can decide for yourself during a free, confidential consultation. Consulting with us does not obligate you to hire us or file a claim.
11Chandris v. Latsis, 515 U.S. 347 (1995) (including claims filed in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi).
12Endeavor Marine, Inc. v. Crane Operators, Inc., 234 F.3d 287 (5th Cir. 2000) (crane operator was a seaman); Bazile v. Bisso Marine Co., Inc., 606 F.2d 1010 (5th Cir. 1979) (deckhand was a seaman); Michel v. Total Transp., Inc., 957 F.2d 186 (5th Cir. 1992) (maintenance man was a seaman); Neill v. Diamond M. Drilling Co., 426 F.2d 487 (5th Cir. 1970) (motorman was a seaman); Noble Drilling Corp. v. Smith, 412 F.2d 952 (5th Cir. 1969 (mudman was a seaman); Doucet v. Wheless Drilling Co., 467 F.2d 336 (5th Cir. 1972) (offshore oil worker was seaman); McDermott Int’l, Inc. v. Wilander, 498 U.S. 337(1991).
