During the dawn of the industrial age, Congress recognized that those who work at sea are at special risk of injuries at work. In response, it passed the Jones Act, which allows injured workers, or the families of workers killed on the job, to sue an employer at fault for the injury. It applies to all maritime workers who spend 30 percent or more of their time at sea, including oil platform workers. Unlike conventional workers compensation, Jones Act lawsuits require workers to prove fault for their injuries. But they are also eligible to claim damages for their physical pain and emotional suffering, in addition to the full costs of medical treatment and time off work.