When a crew member is injured, he or she is entitled to relief under the Jones Act and General Maritime law.  The Jones Act is a federal statute which provides protection to persons who are crew members on a ship or vessel.    It also applies to inland river workers and offshore workers.  The Jones Act governs the liability for vessel operators and marine employers for work related injuries and deaths of its employees.   The Jones Act provides an injured crew member with a remedy against his/her employer for injuries arising from negligent acts of the employer that occur on board the ship or vessel during the course of employment.  Injured crew members can also recover under General Maritime Law.  This includes maintenance and cure (food and lodging during the recuperation period and reasonable medical expenses).  General Maritime Law also provides a tort remedy based on unseaworthiness.  Unseaworthiness is a strict-liability type claim against the vessel owner to make sure the ship is reasonably fit for its intended purpose. 

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