What legal right does the Jones Act provide to ship crew members?

The Jones Act provides a legal right to ship crew members to sue their employers for negligence. This landmark legislation, formally known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, enables seamen to seek compensation for injuries or damages sustained while working on a vessel. Under this act, if a crew member can demonstrate that their injury was caused, in whole or in part, by the negligence of their employer or a fellow crew member, they have the right to file a lawsuit and recover damages. This is significant because it offers greater protections to maritime workers compared to standard workers' compensation laws, which often limit the ability to sue employers for workplace injuries.

The other options listed do not reflect the protections granted by the Jones Act. Compensation for medical expenses may be covered under different maritime laws but is not a direct provision of the Jones Act itself. Pension benefits after retirement are typically handled through retirement plans and not governed specifically by the Jones Act. Job security during illness is related to employment rights but does not specifically fall under the scope of the Jones Act's provisions for crew member protections.