Maritime and Jones Act Information

Hey Rick,

Just wanted you to know that I got your note and did a little checking. Tell your mate that there is a statute of limitations for him to be able to file a claim in a Jones Act Case.

From what I found out, most of the time the statute of limitations is only 3 years from the date of the injury - and it is the same whether there is a claim of unseaworthiness against the owner of the vessel or not. However, there are some exceptions to the rule. For example if your mate was on a vessel that was either owned, operated or contracted by the federal government of the U.S. - except in that case, the news isn’t good. The statute of limitations is usually less under those circumstances.
No matter what the employer has told your mate about not needing a lawyer and them taking care of his maintenance and cure, he should contact a qualified Maritime Jones Act Attorney right away. It sounds to me like they’re just yanking his chain, waiting for the time limit to run out.

Let me know how things turn out. Glad to hear that things are looking up for you and Angie. I’ll be in touch.