The Jones Act is a federal law that provides for benefits to workers' who are injured on sea going vessels on navigable waters. Offshore oil rigs which can be towed and are not permanently affixed may be covered by the Jones Act. Benefits include maintenance and cure.
Maintenance is daily pay to workers who are unable to work pursuant to doctor's orders.
Cure includes medical care, including doctors, hospitals and prescriptions drugs. Unlike Texas Workers' Compensation and Longshore-Harborworker Act cases, there is no State or federal agency involved in the administration of Jones Act claims. Injured workers that could be covered under the Jones Act should be careful about making claims under Texas Workers' Compensation or the Longshore-Harborworkers' Act. It is possible to lose Jones Act rights if the worker elects benefits under other laws. Some Jones Act employers will attempt to discourage workers from obtaining information about their legal rights.