What does the Jones Act allow members of ship crews to do?

The Jones Act, officially known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, provides specific protections for maritime workers, particularly those who are members of ship crews. It allows these workers to sue their employers, specifically the ship owners, for damages if they are injured due to the negligence of the ship owner or the unseaworthiness of the vessel. This legal avenue is significant because it offers stronger protections for maritime workers than what is typically available under general workers' compensation laws, which may not allow for negligence claims.

By enabling crew members to pursue a lawsuit for negligence, the Jones Act ensures that maritime workers can seek justice and compensation for their injuries, reflecting the high-risk nature of their work environment. This is crucial for them as it provides a direct path to accountability for ship owners, encouraging a safer working environment on vessels.