Anthony J. Majestro Law Blog

The provisions of the 1920 Jones Act that provide compensation for injuries to seamen were written for two important reasons. One is that work on the high seas tends to be perilous and consequently seamen are prone to a higher-than-average risk of injury and death. The second is that worker compensation coverage for land-based employment does not apply to seamen.... Read More

The General Maritime Law of the United States provides protections to cruise ship passengers who suffer injuries at any time while onboard a ship, including when that ship is on the open seas. The rules are similar to any personal injury claims, but the engagement of a knowledgeable and experienced admiralty lawyer to seek compensation for injuries is highly advised because of the unusual legal nuances of suing a cruise ship line.... Read More

The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, generally known as the Jones Act, was passed by the U.S. Congress in part to establish American ownership of ships in the merchant marine. This came on the heels of World War I, where American-owned, non-military seagoing vessels provided necessary backup to military ships in the war. This maritime law applies to vessels that transport cargo and people (referred to as cabotage) between U.S. ports.... Read More

Many victims of the 2010 Gulf oil spill are trying to decide whether or not to accept quick, lump-sum payments to settle their claims. Individuals, for example, can take a one-time $5,000 settlement. For businesses that experienced income loss or damage to assets from the spill, the settlement amount is $25,000. In both types of cases, they sign off all rights to sue for additional damages in the future.  Once they sign, a maritime injury lawyer usually cannot help them.... Read More

While the Jones Act grants sailors a remedy in federal court for injuries sustained aboard a commercial ship, such is not the case for passengers. General principles of maritime law, however, do require ship owners to exercise reasonable care for the safety of their passengers. This is similar to the duty owed by a business owner to keep public areas of his or her business safe. Nevertheless, injured ship passengers face a number of unique issues and should promptly discuss their cases with qual... Read More