Jones Act & Maritime Funding: Help for Injured Seamen
4 min read read
Published Apr 2, 2025
Not Workers' Comp: The Jones Act Difference
If you work on a vessel—whether it's a barge, a fishing boat, or a container ship—and get injured, you don't file for standard Workers' Compensation. Instead, you are protected by a federal law called the Jones Act.
This law allows "seamen" to sue their employers for negligence if the vessel was "unseaworthy." Because these are federal lawsuits involving complex maritime laws, settlements can be substantial, but they also take a very long time to resolve compared to land-based injury claims.
When "Maintenance and Cure" Isn't Enough
While recovering, injured seamen are entitled to "Maintenance and Cure"—a daily stipend meant to cover living expenses. However, this rate is often outdated, sometimes as low as $30 to $50 a day.
It is nearly impossible to pay modern rent and feed a family on $40 a day. Pre-settlement funding fills this critical gap. We advance funds against the future value of your Jones Act lawsuit, allowing you to maintain your standard of living while your attorney fights for a fair settlement.
High Value, High Stakes
Maritime cases often have high settlement values because the injuries can be career-ending. Losing the ability to work at sea often means a loss of high wages and pension benefits.
Because the stakes are so high, maritime insurance companies will delay aggressively. They want you to accept a quick, cheap payout. Funding gives you the financial anchor you need to weather the storm and wait for the full compensation that covers your lost career earnings.
