Workers in virtually any profession on a ship can qualify as seamen, including:
• Captains
• Sailors
• Cooks
• Waiters and waitresses
• Deck hands
However, workers must meet certain conditions for the law to consider them seamen under the Jones Act. Typically, a worker must spend time working at sea to be eligible to file a lawsuit under the Jones Act. Furthermore, the ship on which the seaman works must be a vessel.

Courts generally consider any object involved in the transport of cargo or passengers on navigable waters a vessel. For example, a cruise liner would be a vessel, but a casino boat that is permanently at shore may not be, since the crew members do not regularly face dangers associated with work at sea.

The vessel must also be owned and flagged under the laws of the United States, but determining if the Jones Act applies depends largely upon facts of particular case and activity in which the injured party was engaged at time of injury. For more information contact Keith J. Stone.

Generally speaking, Jones Act injury claims are regulated by a three year statute of limitations from the date the accident occurred. While this may seem to give you plenty of time to make the decision whether or not to sue, keep in mind that a lot of unexpected problems can come up that will drag the process out much longer than you anticipated. Witnesses can change their minds or pass away. Companies can change ownership or go out of business entirely.

Concerned you wont be able to file a suit? See who is eligible to file a claim under the Jones Act .

The length of an average dog bite case is directly related to the nature and extent of the injuries, as well as how long the injuries take to heal. In the case of a severe injury, scarring may result. This may sometimes necessitate a six to nine month waiting period in order to send our clients to a plastic surgeon so the extent of permanent scarring as well as cost of scar revision can be discovered. There is theoretically no fixed time limit that a dog bite case will take to reach it’s successful conclusion. However, you can be assured both that you will be made aware of a time frame, and that The San Diego-based Office of attorney Keith J. Stone will take care of you as a client.

If you have been bitten, please consult our Dog Bite page.

California recognizes wrongful death cases. In this regard, if a loved one is killed due to the wrongful conduct of others, typically, a spouse, a child, a parent or a sibling can sue. The focus is on the loss of love, comfort, companionship, and the economic support one may have received from the decedent.

Yes, assuming it is possible to do so, please be advised to take photographs of your injuries. The first thing as your lawyer that I’ll do (if you haven’t already) is to take photographs of our victims’ injuries because proper documentation is very important in proving the full extent of your injuries, wounds and harm suffered.

If it is possible without danger to yourself, take pictures of the attacking dog. Do not forget your cell phone now has great photo capabilities.

However, it is important that you never place yourself in danger of being attacked again. Perhaps you can photograph or have a family member or friend document the exchange with the police and animal control.

Access my Dog Bite Practice Area Here.

More often than not children are the most vulnerable and prone toward being bitten, with the majority of those bites occurring on the face. In addition, strays are not to blame. This assumption with regard to dog bites is unwarranted.

In fact, the vast majority of bites are caused by pet dogs and happen when people are engaged in social behavior in appropriate places. They typically occur close to the dog’s home (61% of bites) and injuries are largely friendly dogs known to the bitten person (77% of bites). Per year, almost $165 million is spent in the treatment of dog bites.

General Information about my Dog Bite Practice Area Here &California Dog Bite Laws Here.

Most states do have laws and/or regulations governing dogs and whether or not these animals must be leashed or properly secured. California has statutes right on point. Specifically, a dog owner is “strictly liable” for the dog bites his/her dog causes.

Most communities have leash laws that require dog owners to have their dog on a leash unless the dog is confined to the house or a fenced yard. If a dog bites someone and his owner has failed to follow the leash law, the penalties may be increased.

Many states have moved away from “one free bite rule” and now hold the owners responsible for the injuries that their animal causes without showing any previous aggressive tendencies. In this regard, the owner is “strictly liable” for the actions and conduct of his/her animal.

Yes. The dog attack or dog bite should be reported to your local animal control center and/or police department. Make sure to note the date of the report and the name of the person you spoke with. You should seek medical attention typically if there is a puncture, laceration, open wound and bleeding due to possible risk of infection. If in doubt contact the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone immediately for assistance.