The Federal Jones Act: Its Purpose And Scope

On Behalf of | Jul 18, 2019 | admiralty/maritime insurance defense

It makes eminent sense that personal injury claims and related insurance issues in Louisiana often address water-linked matters.

After all, “The state of Louisiana boasts hundreds of miles of gulf coastline, several major ports along the Mississippi and countless miles of inland navigable waters.”

That quote comes via our website at the proven and long-established Lafayette insurance defense law firm of Caffery, Oubre, Campbell & Garrison. Our deep legal team provides staunch and tailored advocacy promoting the rights of business principals and insurers across Louisiana, with our representation often focusing on waterways and linked maritime considerations.

Notably, we defend our valued and diverse clients in injury claims involving Louisiana workers’ compensation laws. When those do not apply (which is often the case in coverage claims involving alleged offshore injuries), our attorneys work within the confines of the federal Jones Act.

That legislation has been firmly established across much of American history. Indeed, the Jones Act was enacted nearly a century ago, back in 1920. An in-depth online overview spotlighting the seminal law notes its important function “to protect mariners injured at sea, since they are not qualified for workers’ compensation under maritime law.”

An initial and key point regarding legal representation of a commercial entity and/or an insurance provider in a matter alleging a mariner’s personal injury incurred at sea is this: It is vitally important that a retained law firm has demonstrated acumen in what is a specialized and technical area of law.

We welcome contacts to our firm concerning any aspect of maritime insurance defense, as well as the opportunity to diligently represent valued clients in this singular area of law.