A popular tactic in vogue with shipowners nowadays is, after a crewmember has been injured, he/she is offered more than maintenance and cure, such as a percentage of lost wages, if the crewmember agrees to sign and agree to an Arbitration Agreement. In doing so, the crewmember gives up his/her right to a jury trial and must present his/her claim to an Arbitrator.
A jury trial is one of the main features of the Jones Act. You may be giving up much for very little, in the long run.
If you are presented with an Arbitration Agreement, contact O’Bryan Law, before you decide anything.
