If you’re considered a seaman who was injured while working on a vessel, you might qualify to bring a claim under the Jones Act. A lawsuit under this Act could get you compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. However, you have to file a lawsuit before the Jones Act statute of limitations runs out if you want a chance of getting the compensation you seek.
If you’re unsure if the Jones Act would cover you, consider the statute of limitations and then contact Richard Schechter, Jones Act attorney, for legal advice today.
How Long Is the Jones Act Statute of Limitations?
The Jones Act statute of limitations lets you know exactly how long you have to file a lawsuit to get compensation for your injuries after you were hurt at work. In this case, the statute of limitations is typically three years after the injury. This time limit is the same if you’re filing a claim on behalf of a relative who died as a result of negligence while working on a vessel.
That being said, there are exceptions to this three-year statute of limitations. The most important exception is if you were injured while working on a United States government ship or due to the negligence of an employee of the United States. In these circumstances, your lawsuit will be governed by either the Public Vessels Act or the Suits in Admiralty Act, in which you will sue the U.S. government for the compensation you deserve.
In a case under the Public Vessels Act or the Suits in Admiralty Act, you have to submit a written claim to the government prior to filing a lawsuit after being injured on a ship. The requirements of this notice are quite detailed and intricate. The United States must have this notice at least 60 days before you can file suit, allowing the government time to investigate and possibly offer you a settlement, and you must file the suit within two years of your injury. Be sure to contact The Law Office of Richard Schechter, P.C. and allow yourself plenty of time to serve the required notice on the government and file suit.
Be Aware of Insurance Adjusters Trying to Make You Miss the Statute of Limitations
Knowing the Jones Act statute of limitations ahead of time is important because you might find that some insurance adjusters you’re in contact with have bad intentions. For instance, they might claim that they’re trying to negotiate to get your case settled so you can get your compensation, but in reality, they may be slowing down the process in the hopes that you miss the Jones Act statute of limitations. After all, if they spend two to three years acting like they’re working with you to settle so you can stay out of court, you’ll likely miss the time limit for filing a lawsuit. At that point, you’re out of luck and can’t get compensation, despite your employer’s negligence being the cause of your injuries.
If you want to avoid missing the Jones Act statute of limitations, make sure you contact a maritime lawyer as soon as you get medical attention for your injuries. Even if you’re not sure if the Jones Act covers you, an experienced personal injury law firm in Houston can tell you if you qualify and let you know what steps to take next. Contact The Law Office of Richard Schechter, P.C. today to get started on your case so you can be sure you don’t miss the statute of limitations for the Jones Act.
