How to Get Legal Funding for Injuries Under the Jones Act

by | Jan 19, 2022 | Legal Funding, Personal Injury | 0 comments

Helping Injured Seamen Get the Financial Help They Need

Maritime workers are protected under the Jones Act, a section of the U.S. Merchant Marine Act of 1920. The Jones Act is a specific piece of legislation that enables seamen to obtain compensation if they are injured while on the job. Unfortunately, it can take months or years to recover money through a settlement or verdict. Legal funding can help you get the financial help you need while waiting for your recovery.

At Triumph Legal Funding, we provide financial assistance for maritime workers who have been injured on the job and are eligible to file a lawsuit under the Jones Act. Our legal funding is fast, easy, and costs nothing upfront. Contact our office today at (973) 362-3500 to get approval in as little as 24 hours. We proudly serve attorneys and their clients nationwide.

What Is the Jones Act?

In 1920, congress passed the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 to regulate vessels carrying goods between ports in the United States. The Jones Act, named for Senator Wesley R. Jones, who sponsored the legislation, passed as part of the Merchant Marine Act and has remained in effect for over 100 years, although it has been subject to temporary waivers.

One of the most critical aspects of the Jones Act is the protection it affords maritime workers or seamen. Under the Jones Act, a seaman who is injured on the job may bring a personal injury action against their employer. Furthermore, if a maritime worker is killed on the job, their personal representative may bring a wrongful death action.

How Does the Jones Act Protect People?

Prior to the passage of the Jones Act, injured seamen were unable to bring a personal injury claim against their employers. Federal statute 46 U.S.C § 30104 extends protections under the Federal Employer’s Liability Act (FELA) to maritime workers.

Maritime workers protected under the Jones Act include:

  • Captains
  • Crewmen
  • Fisherman
  • Cooks 
  • Engineers
  • Drillers
  • Divers
  • Stewards

To be protected under the Jones Act, you must be a person working on navigable waters who contributes at least 30% of their work in those waters. It is essential to retain an attorney that understands maritime law and has handled Jones Act claims.

How to File an Injury Claim Under the Jones Act

To file an injury claim under the Jones Act, you should first retain an attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights and determine how to move forward with your case. Claims may be brought for several reasons, including injuries related to the unseaworthiness of the vessel, fires or explosions while at sea, slip and fall accidents, collisions, and more.

Once you have retained an attorney, you may need funding while you wait for your case to settle. Legal funding provides the financial assistance you need until you receive a settlement or verdict for your claim. 

Why It Is Helpful to Secure Legal Funding for a Jones Act Claim

Securing legal funding for a Jones Act claim or other maritime cases can help ensure that you receive the best medical care possible. Funding can also be used to help pay living expenses such as your rent or mortgage. 

Litigation is only taking longer to resolve in the United States, which means that injury victims have to wait for an extended period of time to receive payouts. Legal funding helps bridge the gap between the initial accident or injury and the final settlement, alleviating the financial hardship caused by medical bills and lost wages.

Need Funding Now? Contact Our Office!

If you are a maritime worker who was injured on the job and need legal funding, contact our office at (973) 362-3500. Our Jones Act case specialists will review your claim to determine whether you are eligible for funding. Approvals can be obtained in 24 hours. Get started today.