State Worker Can't File Jones Act Suit, Court Concludes

An injured state employee's exclusive remedy is the workers' compensation system, Louisiana's 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal ruled. Case: Joey James v. State of Louisiana, No. 10-399, 12/22/10. Published. Facts: Joey James, a senior wildlife enforcement agent, was working off the coast of Cameron Parish in the Gulf of Mexico, when he was injured while working on a boat. He alleged a number of deficiencies on the boat, and sought to file a civil suit against his employer, pursuant to the Jones Act. His employer, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, disputed the Jones Act claim, an...