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Welcome to the Rivermen's Legal Network, an online legal resource for those who work aboard tow boats, tugs, line haul boats, barges, supply boats, dredges, oil rigs and any other kind of vessel operating on the navigable rivers and waterways of this great Country.

>>> Jones Act and General Maritime Law <<<

$10M Settlement Obtained for Injured Deckhand

The Rivermen's Legal Network recently obtained a $10,000,000.00 settlement for a Cincinnati-area deckhand. The settlement is believed to be the largest of its kind. That is not to say your case is of the same value, since many cases are resolved for far less money, some even at zero. Read all about it here.

Legal Update

U.S. Supreme Court defines "vessel" for purposes of Jones Act and LHWCA

On February 22, 2005, the United States Supreme Court in Stewart v. Dutra Construction Co., No. 03-814, slip op., resolved a split among circuits over what constitutes a "vessel" for purposes of the Jones Act. Prior to this decision, lower courts had struggled with defining the term "vessel" which is a component of the seaman status test. (More...)

Contact Us

If you have a specific question or need advice on a particular matter, feel free to run it by us using our contact form. Or, simply give us a call, toll-free at 1-800-OBRYANS. Be sure to let us know you found us on the web.

Frequently Asked Questions

Over the years, we've answered thousands of questions from rivermen. Here are some of the most common ones, distilled down into this handy little FAQ.