Injured Military Ship Worker Receives $2 Million Jones Act Settlement

Seaman Receives $2 Million Jones Act Settlement After Injuries

Legal Commentary: Offshore injury lawyer Brian Kent discusses financial compensation for injured maritime workers in the second section of this article.

A 58-year-old maritime worker received a $2 million Jones Act settlement in 2013 after being seriously injured while working aboard a United States military ship in the port of Jangu, South Korea.

The accident happened on August 2, 2010 onboard the S.S. Cape Jacob. The man said he was ordered to secure mooring lines to the dock. According to court documents, the captain of the ship ordered a tug towing the ship into the dock to pull away before the man was able to fully secure the mooring lines.

This reportedly caused one of the lines to break and then snap back, striking the seamen. He suffered a brain injury and compound fractures in this incident.

A lawsuit was filed against the federal government, which alleged negligence under the Jones Act. This lawsuit sought damages for past and future pain and suffering, medical bills, lost income, and physical impairment.

The lawsuit never went to trial and was instead settled for $2 million.

Do I Need a Lawyer For a Jones Act Claim?

Attorney contributor Brian Kent represents injured maritime workers, helping them recover the full financial compensation they're entitled to. Brian has offered to add some thoughts on whether you should talk to a lawyer after a maritime injury:

If you've been injured while working in the maritime field, you're probably wondering about your legal rights and the financial compensation to which you're entitled. Filing a Jones Act claim is complicated, and if your injuries are severe, you may need more financial compensation than is offered.

Not all maritime work injuries require legal guidance, but many do. It can also be difficult to know if you need a lawyer or not. Fortunately, you can learn more about your legal options by speaking with one of our experienced lawyers in a free consultation. This can help you determine if you need extended legal guidance in pursuing a Jones Act settlement or lawsuit.