"What are Maritime Law, the Jones Act and Longshoremen's Act?"

Maritime law are the written laws that cover and protect people who are working offshore. The Jones Act and the Longshoremen's act are both classifications under Maritime law. If you're injured on a boat or oil rig it's very important to make the determination of 'Is it a stationary rig, or is it something that's moveable?' because of these two classifications.

The Longshoremen's Act covers workers employed in maritime occupations, including long shore workers or other persons in alongshore operations, and any harbor workers, including ship repairers, shipbuilders, and ship breakers. It also includes rigs that are stationary, and do not move.

The Jones' Act covers people that are on things that are moveable for instance some rigs are moveable, or a boat and you have to be a seaman signed to that particular vehicle in navigable waters. Anyone who spends at least 30% of his or her time in active service on a Merchant Marine vessel can qualify for Jones Act benefits. This includes all staff on board ship, from the Captain on down. The benefits provided by the Jones Act can be significantly higher than benefits for workers on land, if a skilled attorney is involved.

And that is why the distinction is so important is because the Longshoreman's act is just like worker's compensation you get recovery for your loss wage capacity. While for the Jones' act you get pain and suffering in addition to everything else. So the distinction between the two acts can change your case significantly, but it is a difference that should be determined by an experienced lawyer.