To the thousands of maritime workers in Ohio, working on or near the water can be incredibly rewarding. Ohio’s inland waterways and Great Lakes shipping routes support scores of maritime and dock workers who help keep commerce moving. Unfortunately, when accidents happen aboard ships, barges, or docks, these workers often face serious injuries and complicated legal challenges.
At Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy, our experienced maritime injury lawyers represent deckhands, longshoremen, and other maritime employees under the federal Jones Act and related maritime laws. We help our clients secure damages for medical care, lost wages, and compensation for long-term disability after on-the-job injuries.
What Is the Jones Act?
The Jones Act, officially known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a federal law that protects maritime workers injured while performing their duties on navigable waters. It gives qualified seamen the right to sue their employer for negligence, something most land-based employees can’t do under standard workers’ compensation laws.
To qualify as a “seaman” under the Jones Act, an employee must:
- Work on a vessel or fleet of vessels that operates in navigable waters
- Spend at least 30% of their working time aboard the vessel
- Contribute to the function or mission of the vessel
In Ohio, this can include workers on Lake Erie freighters, river barges, dredging vessels, and harbor tugs that travel between ports such as Cleveland, Toledo, Sandusky, and Ashtabula.
How the Jones Act Differs from Workers’ Compensation
Unlike traditional workers’ compensation, the Jones Act requires injured maritime workers to prove employer negligence. However, the burden of proof is lower than in most personal injury cases. If the employer’s negligence played even the smallest part in causing the injury, the worker may recover damages.
Under the Jones Act, seamen can pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or disfigurement
- Loss of quality of life
These damages are often greater than what’s available through standard workers’ comp benefits.
Common Causes of Maritime Accidents
Maritime workers face unpredictable environments and heavy equipment that can quickly lead to serious injuries. Common causes include:
- Slippery or uneven decks, resulting in falls
- Unsecured cargo or shifting loads
- Defective equipment or lack of maintenance
- Unsafe work procedures or insufficient training
- Collisions or groundings
- Fires and explosions aboard vessels
Even small oversights can cause major harm when they happen offshore or on moving vessels.
Common Jones Act Injuries
The Jones Act covers a wide range of physical and occupational injuries, including:
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Crush injuries or amputations
- Burns from fires or fuel leaks
- Shoulder and knee injuries from repetitive strain
- Exposure-related illnesses from hazardous materials
Because these incidents often occur far from land, victims may face delayed medical care, making prompt legal action even more important.
Maintenance and Cure: Immediate Benefits for Injured Seamen
Even before fault is established, employers must provide “maintenance and cure” benefits to injured seamen. Maintenance covers daily living expenses such as food and housing while you recover. Cure pays for reasonable and necessary medical treatment until you reach maximum recovery.
If your employer refuses to pay these benefits or tries to cut them off too early, you have the right to legal recourse. Courts can award additional damages, including attorney fees, when employers act in bad faith.
Third-Party Maritime Claims
Some maritime accidents involve negligence by third parties, such as:
- Shipbuilders or equipment manufacturers
- Independent contractors working on the dock or vessel
- Other vessel owners whose actions caused a collision
In these cases, injured workers may file separate maritime personal injury lawsuits under general maritime law or the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) if they don’t qualify as seamen.
An attorney familiar with both federal maritime law and Ohio court procedures can identify all possible sources of recovery. Our team of Ohio lawyers understands these laws and can help you understand your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Ohio’s Maritime Landscape
While Ohio may not border an ocean, its maritime activity is substantial. The Port of Cleveland on Lake Erie handles international cargo, while the Ohio River supports barge traffic connecting the Midwest to the Gulf of Mexico. These routes are vital to regional industries such as steel, energy, and agriculture.
Workers employed by shipping companies, tugboat operators, and dock facilities along these waterways all face risks of serious injury. Maritime law is complex and highly specialized, so choosing a lawyer with proven experience in these cases is crucial.
Why You Should Act Quickly
The Jones Act has a three-year statute of limitations, meaning injured workers generally have three years from the date of the accident to file suit. However, investigating maritime claims can take time; vessels leave port, witnesses can disperse, and maintenance logs may be lost.
Consulting an attorney soon after your injury ensures your case is preserved and deadlines are met.
How Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy Helps Maritime Workers
Since 1928, Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy has fought for injured workers across Ohio. Our attorneys are experienced with the unique laws governing maritime injuries and have the resources to handle complex federal claims.
When you work with our firm, we can:
- Investigate the cause of your accident and gather evidence of negligence
- Identify whether you qualify as a Jones Act seaman
- Calculate full damages, including lost future income and pain and suffering
- Handle negotiations with vessel owners, insurers, and employers
- File your claim in state or federal court, if necessary
We’ve represented injured maritime workers, dockhands, and shipping employees throughout Northern Ohio, protecting their rights under both federal and state law.
Talk to an Ohio Jones Act Lawyer Today
Maritime injuries can turn your life upside down. Whether you were hurt on a freighter, tugboat, or dock along Lake Erie or the Ohio River, you don’t have to face recovery alone.
Schedule your free consultation by contacting us today. The maritime injury attorneys at Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy are ready to help you understand your rights, secure the benefits you’re owed, and pursue full compensation under the Jones Act.
