{"id":15351,"date":"2020-09-08T22:35:12","date_gmt":"2020-09-08T22:35:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/webdemo.icu\/site\/andywins\/?p=15351"},"modified":"2026-02-03T00:24:47","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T08:24:47","slug":"hurt-working-at-sea-heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-statute-of-limitations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/webdemo.icu\/site\/andywins\/blog\/hurt-working-at-sea-heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-statute-of-limitations\/","title":{"rendered":"Hurt Working at Sea? Here\u2019s What You Need to Know About the Statute of Limitations"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Alabama has some of the most scenic coastlines in the country. With over 600 miles of tidal shorelines, it\u2019s easy to enjoy the many beautiful rivers, bayous, and bays that line our coast. The Gulf is also a source of income for many Alabamians, with over 12,860 of our friends and neighbors working on the water. Industries like fishing and boating are some of our most valuable here in Alabama, but they\u2019re not without risks<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

When the unthinkable happens, and you or someone you love is hurt while working at sea, you should know your legal options. One of the biggest considerations after an accident is the statute of limitations, or the amount of time victims have to file a personal injury lawsuit.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In this blog, we\u2019ll review the statute of limitations for maritime injury claims and how it affects workers who\u2019ve suffered injuries while working at sea. Keep reading to learn more.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Protect Your Rights After a Maritime Accident<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Alabama has the tenth most maritime-related jobs in the nation, according to the Transportation Institute. The industry contributes $2.8 billion to the Alabama economy, $729.4 million of which is in the form of workers\u2019 wages.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Because the rights of maritime workers are of such high value, there are a few laws in place that protect their wellbeing. The Longshore and Harbor Workers\u2019 Compensation Act (LHWCA) is one of them. This federal law provides compensation, medical care, and vocational rehabilitation to workers hurt in the United States\u2019 waters or places or jobs connected to the maritime industry, including dock work. When someone is hurt, a self-insured employer or an insurance company should pay for these benefits.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

There is another federal law that protects certain maritime workers: the Jones Act. You may know the Jones Act already, as it states that ships going between U.S. ports must be at least 75% owned by U.S. citizens, manned by U.S. citizens, be built or re-built in the U.S., and registered in the U.S.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The Jones Act also says that a person injured while working at sea (or who dies from their injuries) can bring \u201cbring a civil action at law,\u201d or sue their employer for negligent actions that caused them to get hurt on the job.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

RELATED: <\/strong>Your Offshore Accident Claim Could Be Impacted by the Jones Act<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

What Is the Difference Between the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers\u2019 Compensation Act?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Together, the Jones Act and LHWCA offer protection to a diverse group of injured maritime workers. However, they have different rules and cover different populations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n