The Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a significant piece of legislation in the United States governing maritime commerce and shipping. Beyond its economic and security implications, the Jones Act mandates safe working conditions for maritime workers and provides avenues for compensation if injuries occur due to negligence aboard vessels.
However, navigating a Jones Act claim can be fraught with challenges. Employers may prolong litigation, leaving injured seamen or mariners without income and in need of funds for recovery or living expenses. Jones Act maritime lawsuit pre-settlement funding or maritime settlement funding steps in to provide crucial financial support during this waiting period.
This funding option helps bridge the gap, offering immediate financial assistance until a settlement is reached, ensuring injured workers can focus on recovery without financial strain. Since pre-settlement funding is contingent on the outcome of your case, you do not bear the financial risk associated with traditional loans—we take on the risk. So, if you don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.
Under the Jones Act, a wide range of incidents can qualify for compensation, including:
These examples highlight the diverse range of incidents that can fall under the purview of the Jones Act. Injured seamen or mariners can recover broader damages under the Jones Act than under most state workers’ compensation laws, including special damages for medical care, lost income, out-of-pocket expenses, and lost room and board. General damages for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and future medical expenses and lost earnings can also be recovered.
Employment in the maritime industry alone does not automatically confer ‘seaman’ status. To qualify under the Jones Act, a worker must spend at least 30 percent of their time aboard a vessel in navigation. Individuals such as commercial fishermen, offshore oil rig crews, cargo ship workers, and tugboat operators typically meet this criterion.
Employees such as longshoremen, dock workers, and other non-seamen are not eligible for Jones Act benefits in the event of work-related injuries. However, they may be entitled to compensation under alternative maritime laws, such as the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).
Common Types of Injuries
Jones Act claims often involve serious injuries, including:
Given the severity of these injuries, many maritime workers pursue compensation through Jones Act claims and may also explore pre-settlement funding to manage financial pressures during their recovery.
Apply for Pre-Settlement Funding Today
The resolution of a Jones Act case typically takes between 12 to 24 months, though some cases may extend beyond this timeframe. The duration often depends on factors such as the complexity of the investigation, the necessity of expert testimony, and the resolution of vessel ownership disputes. Additionally, maritime employers may pursue a vigorous defense strategy, which can further delay settlement.
During this period, you are recuperating from your injuries and receiving little or no income. The financial stress may prove as difficult to bear as your injuries. Pre-settlement funding can pay for your immediate medical bills and living expenses while your attorney fights for a fair and reasonable settlement. While there are no restrictions on how pre-settlement funding is used, it is designed to meet such basic needs and relieve financial pressure.
Jones Act pre-settlement funding is straightforward. Here is what to do:
No, pre-settlement funding is not a loan. While we occasionally use the term “lawsuit loan”—since it’s a common search phrase—what we offer is technically different.
Pre-settlement funding is a non-recourse cash advance provided in exchange for a portion of your potential future settlement. Unlike a traditional loan, you are not required to repay the advance if you lose your case. In essence, we assume the risk. You receive funds upfront, and if your case is successful, we collect an agreed-upon share of your settlement.
When applying for pre-settlement funding for a Jones Act claim, your credit score is not a factor in the approval process. Instead, the funding decision is based entirely on the strength and merits of your legal case. This means your credit history, whether good or bad, does not impact your eligibility for funding. By focusing exclusively on your case details, the application process is expedited, enabling you to obtain financial support promptly without undergoing a credit check.
Generally, you can expect to receive 10 to 20 percent of your estimated case value after legal fees, medical liens, and related costs are deducted. Funding typically ranges from $500 to $250,000, depending on case value. As noted, your attorney and the funding company estimate this value based on your injury severity, the strength of the evidence against the defendant, as well as settlement amounts in similar cases.
Apply for Pre-Settlement Funding Today
Lawsuits can take months or even years to resolve, and having a stable financial foundation is essential to overcoming this difficult time. Our application process is free, with no hidden fees or charges. If you have any questions, our team is here to help.
Contact Mustang Funding to learn more about how personal injury pre-settlement lawsuit funding can help you get the financial support you need right now, or you can apply by filling out the form below.
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