Boating Accidents Info Center

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Personal Injury

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Frequently Asked Questions about Boat Accidents and Injuries

Q: Who is liable if a crewmember is injured while working?

A: A person injured while employed as a maritime worker over navigable waters will be covered by federal law. Under federal law, the employer is generally liable for injuries or the wrongful death of an employee.

Q: What are navigable waters?

A: "Navigable waters" are all waters, which are capable of transporting people or cargo between the states and other countries.

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The Jones Act

The Jones Act is a federal statute that provides a remedy for injured workers. According to this act, 46 U.S.C.A. § 30104, “A seaman injured in the course of employment or, if the seaman dies from the injury, the personal representative of the seaman may elect to bring a civil action at law, with the right of trial by jury, against the employer.” An injured crewmember may have a claim against his or her employer (ship owner) for negligence if the vessel is unseaworthy. It is the duty of the ship owner to maintain a vessel that is seaworthy. This includes the vessel, gear and appliances. This duty is absolute and not based on the fault of the ship owner.

According to the Jones act, “A defective condition of the vessel which proximately causes the seaman's injury makes the ship unseaworthy as to him.” This does not mean that the entire vessel is unfit or unseaworthy. The crewmembers remedy applies only against the owner of the vessel, gear or appliances. If you are a crewmember that has been injured while employed on a seagoing vessel, contact a maritime law lawyer to discuss your legal rights.

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Maritime Law

Maritime law, often called admiralty law, is a set of legal rules and practices governing the business of employment and transportation of people and goods over or near navigable waters. If you have been injured while employed by a vessel or while you were a social guest on a vessel, it is important to consult an attorney to help you understand what conditions must be met to apply maritime law.

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Cruise Ship Accidents

An injury that occurs on a cruise ship is suffered by either a crewmember or a passenger. Crewmembers may have a claim for compensation under the Jones Act, while passengers may have a claim for compensation against the vessel owners for negligence. Whether a ship is considered a “vessel” is to be determined in court. The vessel status affects which law may be applicable and the damages that may be recoverable. Once the vessel determination has been made, jurisdiction must be determined. Federal law may be applicable if your injury occurred on a vessel while on navigable waters and federal law protects cruise ship passengers against injuries caused by negligence. If you have suffered and injury while aboard a cruise ship, call a maritime law attorney to discuss your possible remedies under federal law.

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