St. Louis Barge Accident Attorneys

Representing the Rights of Missouri Barge Accident Victims

The Jones Act is another name for the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, a law that was enacted by Congress in order to formalize the rights of the country’s ship crew members and seamen. In short, the Jones Act permits victims of barge accident injuries and other sea-based mishaps to collect damages for their employer’s negligence.

The Jones Act applies to any seaman, or person working on a vessel like a barge, towboat, ship, rig, floating crane, fishing vessel, tugboat, or other maritime structure. The Jones Act applies to those injured in accidents such as barge or rig accidents when negligence was present. This means that your employer’s action or failure to act has to have directly caused or contributed to your injury and places a burden of proof on the plaintiff (person who brings a Jones Act lawsuit to court).

If you can prove your employer’s negligence, you could be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and other damages sustained during your barge accident or maritime injury under the Jones Act. You may seek damages in court including, but not limited to, compensation for mental anguish, pain and suffering, inability to contribute to your household, economic loss while injured, and/or the cost of future medical treatment.

Jones Act-related litigation differs from standard personal injury litigation in a few important ways. First of all, workers’ compensation is not involved. That means you can only gain compensation for your barge accident injuries if you can prove your employer’s negligence. Secondly, the Jones Act is a federal “cause of action” that applies all over the United States. Such cases require specialized knowledge of maritime law in addition to the ability to prove a personal injury negligence claim in court.

If you were injured in a barge accident or suffered an injury while employed on a ship or floating structure/vessel, you could have a Jones Act claim. Don’t risk filing your Jones Act case until you have secured an experienced, aggressive attorney who understands maritime accidents and the Jones Act. Look for a Missouri accident lawyer with a proven track record and a commitment to customer service, like those at our law firm, who have what it takes to get compensation for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation and to find out more about your potential Jones Act claim.

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For a free evaluation of your case, call Page Law as soon as possible at or (314) 322-8515, or click here for our completely confidential online contact form.