Jones Act Lawyers and Punitive Damages

This website provides information to injured Seaman and their families. Our goal is to level the playing field between seriously injured Jones Act Seaman and insurance companies. We expose the tricks, traps, and techniques they use to cheat injured crew members out of their legal rights. We provide vital information so you can make informed decisions regarding your Jones Act Case.

State Wide Practice

Seriously injured folks from across California, and the world, ask us to represent them. We have several locations for the convenience of our clients.

San Francisco Office

425 California St. 18th Floor
San Francisco, California, 94104
866-963-0540

Los Angeles Office

3255 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1801
Los Angeles, California 90010
866-963-0540

San Diego Office

625 Broadway, Suite 625
San Diego, California 92101
619-234-2833

The tide is turning for Jones Act Seaman and their damage claims. The question is what effect the United States Supreme Court's ruling in Atlantic Sounding Co. v. Townsend, 129 S. Ct. 2561, 174 L. Ed. 2d 382 (2009), has on his ability to seek punitive damages for the alleged gross, willful, and wanton negligence of the defendant in causing the plaintiff's injuries?

Very recently the trial court in Rogers v. Resolve Marine, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 91423 (E.D. La. Sept. 10, 2009) ruled that a Jones Act Seaman could amend his complaint to add punitive damages based upon the alleged gross, willful, and wanton negligence of the defendant in causing the plaintiff's injuries. Note this goes beyond the narrow reading that the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Atlantic Sounding. These pleadings go beyond the willful failure to provide maintenance and cure.

Jones Act Seaman are wards of the court. Yet the last 20-30 years of Jones Act jurisprudence has seen the protection of shipping companies and insurance companies - - not helpless Seaman. However, the tide finally appears to be changing.

Allowing punitive damages for injured Jones Act Seaman is absolutely the right thing to do. Shipping companies and vessel owners have been given carte blanche to injure, maim, abuse.....

Click here for the rest of this free article on Punitive Damages.

Committed to Protecting Your Rights

We are committed to protecting your legal rights. We understand that you and your family's future is can be riding on the outcome of your case. We fight hard to protect your rights to maximum financial compensation and needed health care.

We are passionate about helping injured people. We treats our clients with respect, dignity. We fight hard for you - to get what you are entitled to under the law. We monitor your medical treatment to help ensure that you get the best medical care possible.

We Know How To Listen

The people who come to us for help are seriously injured. They never imagined that they could not continue to work. They are worried. They and their families need money for health bills, rent, mortgages, food, school supplies, and all the rest that goes into a satisfying, safe, good life. When you work with us, you'll understand that we understand. We know the value of your case. We have our own families and concerns and truly understand where you are coming from.

To get started, we offer a free consultation. To arrange to talk to our disability specialists, call 619-234-2833 or 866-963-0540