The definition of a seaman means a worker aboard a vessel in navigable waters. Due to its broad definition, however, even a dealer on a riverboat casino who is injured at work may be covered by the Jones Act.

Unlike workers' compensation, which has strict statutory limits on payments to injured workers, the Jones Act can allow a worker injured on a boat much great recovery. If an injured boat worker or riverboat worker can prove that his employer was negligent, for example - failed to take "reasonable" steps to make the workplace reasonably safe, the injured worker can get paid for lost wages, benefits, disability, and pain and suffering.

Also, injured workers under the Jones Act, unlike with workers’ compensation, have the option of having their case being heard by a jury.

It is important you understand you’re the rights of a boat worker. If you are injured at work, it’s even more important that you hire an attorney who understands worker’s rights under the Jones Act.

If you have questions concerning a boat work injury, call a respected Chicago personal injury lawyer / Jones Act lawyer at Hoey & Farina at 1-888-425-1212 or complete this form for your free consultation. The law firm of Hoey & Farina represents seriously injured individuals and their families throughout the United States.