Which federal law allows seamen to obtain workers compensation for workplace injuries even if they are partially negligent?

The Jones Act is the federal law that specifically protects the rights of seamen in the event of workplace injuries. It allows injured seamen to pursue a negligence claim against their employers, even in cases where the seaman may also be partially at fault for the accident. This aspect of the law is significant because it provides a broader scope of protection compared to typical workers' compensation laws that often do not cover employees if they share in the negligence of their injury.

The Jones Act is part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 and establishes the criteria under which seamen can address injuries sustained during the course of their employment. The act recognizes the unique risks associated with maritime work and ensures that seamen can seek redress for their injuries without being completely barred by their own partial negligence. Thus, seamen have access to legal remedies that may not be available to other workers under standard workers’ compensation regulations, which typically require employees to prove that their employer was fully negligent to receive benefits.

This unique legal provision underscores the importance of the Jones Act in providing workplace protections for seamen and acknowledges the inherent dangers of maritime employment.