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Are You a “seaman” if You Work on a Barge?

As a barge crewmember, it is important to know if you qualify as a “seaman.” This term has a very specific – and important – meaning under the Jones Act. If you qualify as a seaman, you can file for maintenance and cure benefits regardless of how you got injured, and you may be able to collect additional compensation if your employer is responsible for your injury.

Generally speaking, barge crewmembers qualify as seamen under the Jones Act. To qualify, you do not need to spend your days at sea.

As long as you work onboard a vessel that is operating on navigable waters (i.e. a harbor, river, or marina), you should qualify for Jones Act compensation.

How Much Can Injured Seamen Recover After Barge Accidents?

When seeking financial compensation under the Jones Act, the amount you can recover depends on two primary factors. These are: (i) the cause of the accident, and (ii) the costs of your injury. Maintenance and cure benefits are available to injured barge crewmembers under the Jones Act regardless of how they got injured (with only a few very limited exceptions). These “no-fault” benefits are intended to cover injured crewmembers’ medical bills and a portion of their lost wages. While maintenance and cure benefits are helpful – and extremely important – they do not cover all of the costs of job-related injuries. Fortunately, the Jones Act also gives injured crewmembers the right to pursue claims for negligence. If your employer was even “slightly” negligent in creating the dangerous situation that led to your injury, a Miami barge injury lawyer can help you seek full compensation for your medical needs, lost earnings, pain, and suffering, and other losses.

5 Little-known Facts About Barge Crewmembers’ Rights

When seeking financial compensation after a barge accident, there is a lot you need to know. For example, here are five little-known facts about barge crewmembers’ rights:

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FAQs: Filing a Claim for a Barge Accident in Florida

What are Crewmembers’ Rights After a Barge Accident in Florida?

If I Was Injured on a Barge, Should I Report My Injury to My Employer?

How Much Can I Recover if I was Injured Working on a Barge in Florida?

Can I Get Fired for Filing a Claim Under the Jones Act After a Barge Accident?

How Much Does a Florida Barge Injury Lawyer Charge?

What are Crewmembers’ Rights After a Barge Accident in Florida?

In most cases, crewmembers who are injured in barge accidents have rights under the Jones Act. At a minimum, the Jones Act entitles injured crewmembers to maintenance and cure benefits—which cover their medical bills and a portion of their lost earnings. If crewmembers’ injuries are the result of negligence or unseaworthiness, then they can seek additional compensation for their lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other losses.

If I Was Injured on a Barge, Should I Report My Injury to My Employer?

If you were injured on a barge, you should report your injury to your employer promptly. But, once you report your injury, you should avoid any additional communications with your employer until you speak with an attorney. Your employer won’t necessarily have your best interests in mind, so it will be important for you to have an experienced attorney on your side.

How Much Can I Recover if I was Injured Working on a Barge in Florida?

The amount injured barge crewmembers in Florida can recover depends on their individual circumstances. When you contact us about your case, Miami barge accident lawyer Keith Brais will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your legal rights to determine how much we think we can help you recover.

Can I Get Fired for Filing a Claim Under the Jones Act After a Barge Accident?

Your employer cannot legally fire you for filing a claim under the Jones Act after a barge accident. If your employer illegally retaliates against you, Florida barge injury lawyer Keith Brais will be able to help you seek additional compensation, reinstatement or other remedies.

How Much Does a Florida Barge Injury Lawyer Charge?

At Brais Law Firm, we do not charge our clients anything out of pocket. Our attorneys handle all barge accident cases on contingency, so our clients pay nothing unless we win. If we help you recover just compensation under the Jones Act (or other applicable law), our legal fees will be calculated as a percentage of your financial recovery.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation with a Florida Barge Injury Lawyer at Brais Law Firm

If you need to know more about filing a claim for a barge accident in Florida, we invite you to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at Brais Law Firm. To speak with an experienced Florida barge injury lawyer in confidence as soon as possible, call 800-499-0551 or tell us how we can reach you online now.

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