Section 22.13 Generally, and the Incorporation of Federal Employers’ Liability Act

• Library: Tort Law 2016

A. (§22.13) Generally, and the Incorporation of Federal Employers’ Liability Act

Because of the perils associated with working on oceans, rivers, and lakes, the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (commonly known as the Jones Act), 46 U.S.C. §§ 30104 et seq., was enacted so that a seaman may recover damages from the employer ship owner for an injury or death as a result of the employer ship owner’s negligence. Before the enactment of the Jones Act, a seaman had no cause of action for negligence against the employer ship owner. Accordingly, the Jones Act enlarged the rule of liability in maritime...