While it may not be easy to understand the fine points of
Oregon maritime law, the basics are not too difficult to get a grasp of.
The Jones Act which Congress passed in 1920 can be read in less than five minutes. This does not make it as easy to understand as one might think.
First of all, the Jones Act requires that U.S. flagged vessels need to be built in the United States. These vessels also need to be owned by citizens of the U.S. and have to be documented under the laws of the United States. When a vessel is documented it is enrolled, registered or licensed under the laws of the U.S. On top of these requirements all officers and 75% of the crew must be citizens of the United States.
Oregon maritime law under the Jones Act is important to injured sailors because it allows them to obtain damages from their employees because of negligence of the captain, ship owner or fellow members of the crew.
While this explanation of
Oregon maritime law may not seem difficult to understand, it all gets complicated because of the case law statutes and interpretations of cases and statutes that can be hundreds of years old.
The Jones Act entitles sailors and workers who have been injured while working on the sea or on a U.S. flagged vessel to recover past and future wages. They may also entitled to medical care and pain and suffering damages which are usually not available under care and maintenance. The owner of the ship is only required to provide medical care until the seaman reaches maximum medical care under care and maintenance.
If you think you have an Oregon maritime law case you need to make an appointment with a qualified Oregon maritime attorney.
1022
NW Marshall 
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