What Is the Jones Act and How Does It Protect Injured Mariners in Michigan?

Working as a professional mariner is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. From slippery decks and heavy machinery to long hours and harsh weather on the Great Lakes, maritime workers face risks every day. When injuries occur, traditional workers’ compensation laws often do not apply. Instead, injured seamen may be protected under a powerful federal law known as the Jones Act.

At Biggs & Gunst P.C., our Ann Arbor maritime attorneys understand the realities of life at sea—not just from a legal standpoint, but from real-world experience as former professional mariners in Michigan. This background allows our firm to fight effectively for injured maritime workers throughout Michigan and the Great Lakes region.

What Is the Jones Act?

The Jones Act, formally known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a federal law that gives injured seamen the right to pursue compensation directly from their employer when negligence plays a role in their injury.

Unlike land-based employees, mariners are not covered by standard workers’ compensation systems. The Jones Act fills this gap by allowing injured seamen to file claims against vessel owners, operators, or employers whose actions—or failures—led to unsafe working conditions.

Who Is Protected Under the Jones Act?

To qualify for protection under the Jones Act, an injured worker must generally:

• Be classified as a seaman
• Spend a significant portion of their work time aboard a vessel
• Contribute to the function or mission of the vessel
• Be injured while working in service of the vessel

This can include crew members on cargo ships, tugboats, barges, ferries, and other commercial vessels operating on Michigan waterways or the Great Lakes—even if the vessel was docked at the time of the injury.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, the Ann Arbor Jones Act lawyers at Biggs & Gunst P.C. can review your situation and explain your rights.

How the Jones Act Protects Injured Mariners in Michigan

The Jones Act offers injured mariners protections that are often broader than traditional injury claims, including the right to pursue compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term or permanent disability
• Rehabilitation costs

Michigan mariners injured on commercial vessels may also be entitled to maintenance and cure, which requires employers to pay for basic living expenses and medical care while the seaman recovers.

At Biggs & Gunst P.C., we help injured mariners pursue the full range of compensation allowed under maritime law—not just what an employer or insurance company is willing to offer.

Employer Negligence Under the Jones Act

One of the most important aspects of the Jones Act is its focus on employer negligence. A maritime employer may be held responsible for injuries caused by:

• Unsafe working conditions
• Inadequate training or supervision
• Faulty or poorly maintained equipment
• Failure to follow safety regulations
• Understaffed or overworked crews

Even a small amount of negligence can be enough to support a Jones Act claim. Our Ann Arbor maritime attorneys know how to investigate vessel operations, crew practices, and safety failures to build strong cases for injured seamen.

Why Michigan Mariners Trust Biggs & Gunst P.C.

What sets Biggs & Gunst P.C. apart is our firsthand understanding of maritime work. As former professional mariners, our attorneys know what life aboard a commercial vessel is really like—and how quickly unsafe conditions can lead to serious injuries.

Our firm is proud to represent injured mariners in Ann Arbor and across Michigan, guiding them through complex maritime laws while standing up to powerful shipping companies and insurers.

Speak With an Ann Arbor Jones Act Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been injured while working on a commercial vessel in Michigan, you do not have to face the legal process alone. The Jones Act provides important protections—but enforcing those rights requires knowledgeable legal guidance.

Call Biggs & Gunst P.C. today at 734-263-2320 to discuss your Jones Act injury claim and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.