The Jones Act-Maintenance in the Modern World

Posted by: rzehl
August 12, 2008
Topic: The Jones Act

Under the Jones Act, an employer must provide a daily rate of subsistence to an injured employee during his recovery. This amount is given for the purpose of covering reasonable room and board expenses until an employee is fit to return to work or has reached maximum medical improvement. Unfortunately, the daily subsistence rate has not kept pace with the economy and the amount received under the law is often insufficient.

Most injured Jones Act employees can expect to receive between $15 and $30 a day for room and board. Maritime employers are often quite happy with this arrangement. In contrast, the courts have ruled that maintenance payments must be at least enough to cover basic survival costs including rent, food, utilities and necessary transportation. Without an experienced attorney on your side, you may be stuck with bills that exceed your maintenance payments. At Fitts Zehl, we'll fight to make sure your maintenance payments are sufficient to meet your needs.

Contact the experienced Texas maritime lawyers at the Fitts Zehl Law Firm by phone at (800) 993-4887 or by email at info@gulfcoastmaritimelawyer.com. We represent clients in states throughout the gulf coast region including: Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

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