Blog Post


JONES ACT PROTECTION EXTENDED TO RIVERBOAT CASINO EMPLOYEES

Posted by: Joseph S. Stacey
June 13, 2007
Topic: Legal Cases and Concerns

 On Tuesday, June 12, a court ruling in the case Isenhour v. Harvey's Casino found that riverboat casino employees are Jones Act seamen, even though their jobs of dealing cards and running slot machines aren't traditional maritime jobs. The definition of a "seaman" under the Jones Act has always been a tricky issue. It is also an important issue, since injured seamen protected by the Jones Act qualify for medical benefits and maintenance payments that aren't always available to other workers.  Because the casino employees are employed on a "vessel" and because they contribute to the function of the vessel, in this case to provide gambling for its patrons, they are considered Jones Act seamen. The employees, who were injured while working on the riverboats, are therefore eligible for maintenance and cure, and possibly for other benefits.

If you work on or around any sort of vessel, and have been injured while working, you may be protected under the Jones Act. As Isenhour v. Harvey's Casino has reiterated, Jones Act coverage does not apply only to fishermen and sailors, but also to other types of maritime employees. It is important to contact a Jones Act lawyer in order to fully understand your rights under federal maritime law and the Jones Act. Contact the lawyers of Beard Stacey Trueb & Jacobsen, LLP today for a free initial consultation and see whether you qualify for Jones Act medical coverage and other benefits, and visit our website.