Skilled Maritime Law Attorneys in Newport News

Jones Act lawyers in Virginia assert seamen's claims

Maritime commerce has been vital to the Virginia Peninsula since the days of the first colonists. Today, the Port of Virginia has set a goal to become the leading ocean container terminal complex on the East Coast, thus earning recognition as the Gateway to the Global Economy. While that might sound awfully ambitious, no one can doubt that our port system is a critical economic engine for the Commonwealth. As a Virginia lawyer for personal injury, Timothy H. Hankins fights to ensure that injured seamen’s rights are protected.

Personal injury at sea: your claims under the Jones Act

Recognizing that shipping companies could do much more to make the work of merchant seamen safer, Congress passed the Jones Act in the 1920s, which gave injured sailors the right to sue employers if unseaworthiness or negligence had caused their injuries. The Law Offices of Timothy H. Hankins regularly represents seamen who've suffered serious personal injuries.

Qualifying as a seaman under the Jones Act

Just who qualifies as a seaman under the Jones Act has evolved over the years, with court decisions expanding the definition and subsequent laws of Congress imposing limitations. Taking all these statements into consideration, seaman is defined as a "master or member of a vessel's crew" with a "substantial" connection to a vessel "in navigation." Whether your employment falls under the definition is a question for your Jones Act attorney and, perhaps, a jury. If you have questions about your standing under the Jones Act, our firm can help.

A reliable Jones Act attorney for Hampton, Williamsburg, Norfolk & surrounding areas

If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed while working as a merchant seaman, Timothy H. Hankins can evaluate your case for recovery. Call 757-525-9883 or contact our office online to schedule a free consultation. If we accept your case, we'll work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney’s fees until we recover money for you.