Jones Act Coverage
Insurance coverage for employers of maritime workers that provides protection against claims under the federal Jones Act, which allows injured seamen to sue their employers for negligence.
Overview
Jones Act Coverage is a specialized form of employers' liability insurance required for businesses that employ maritime workers, including seamen, deckhands, and crew members working on navigable waters. The Jones Act (Merchant Marine Act of 1920) gives injured maritime workers the right to sue their employers for negligence — a right that land-based workers generally do not have under standard workers' compensation.
When to Require It
Property managers with waterfront properties, marinas, or projects involving marine construction should verify Jones Act coverage from any vendor with workers on or near navigable waters. This coverage is not included in standard Workers' Compensation policies and must be separately endorsed or written as a standalone maritime employer's liability policy.
Verification
Look for "Jones Act" or "Maritime Employers' Liability" referenced on the certificate, typically as an endorsement to the Workers' Compensation policy or as a separate policy line. Standard limits start at $1M, with higher limits for marine construction operations.
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