Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore...

superchuck500 said

I see what you mean. Because longshore coverage is scheduled workers comp, there's no liability issue - it's purely medical and indemnity based on the scheduled benefits. The liability piece comes in on the Jones Act side because the JA damages action is based on liability. Is that what you're saying?

And employers get both based on the unpredictability as to whether they might have Jones Act exposure based on the nature of the work? That's interesting. I would have imagined that many longshore employers can be fairly confident that they don't have Jones Act exposure.

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You can- and i have seen just USL&H - depending on the risk. The work done will determine USLH or Jones Act

For instance Stevedoring - ( loading and unloading ships ) will likely get just USL&H - vs say bulkhead construction contractor. ( who would get both since work would require being on barges/boats to construct at times )

But IIRC there really is no additional cost to having the Jones Act part, so it gets tossed in anyway. In my experience, add it just to make sure all bases covered, especially if there really is no additional cost ( or the cost is negligible ) Because as Mr. Sparkle noted, attorney will certainly attempt to make them "seamen" in the claim and i dont wanna be the guy who said " nah you really dont need that" lolol

its such a minefield and i rely HEAVILY on the underwriters when i come across any maritime risk ( i usually pass because it is such a niche market ) i know you dont want to classify someone as USL/H and they are actually Jones Act ( and vice versa ) -