Barge Worker Brings Jones Act Injury Case Against Teco Barge Lines
A barge worker who was working on a Teco Barge Line vessel on the Mississippi River has filed a Jones Act case against his employer for his injuries.
According to the lawsuit, the worker suffered serious and permanent hip injuries in March 2006. He claims that the company failed to provide him with safe equipment, proper assistance, and competent supervision. The worker claims damages for lost wages, human damages like pain and suffereing, and medical expenses.
Comment from Texas Jones Act and Maritime Lawyer Brian Beckcom:
If you are a "seaman" as that term is defined in the Jones Act, your employer is REQUIRED to pay your medical bills until you reach "maximum medical improvement" and also is REQUIRED to pay your "maintenance," which is a daily monetary amount that is supposed to provide for your living and lodging and food expenses while you recuperate from your injuries.
If you are an offshore worker who is a Jones Act "seaman," and your employer is NOT paying your medical bills or maintenance, they are not following the law.
