Which statement about the Jones Act is TRUE?

The statement that the Jones Act protects injured seamen by allowing them to sue for damages is accurate. Specifically, the Jones Act is a federal statute that grants seamen the right to seek compensation for injuries sustained while working on navigable waters. This law allows maritime workers to file personal injury lawsuits against their employers if negligence is a factor in their injury. This legal framework is crucial as it provides a greater avenue for recovery compared to traditional workers' compensation systems, which typically do not allow for lawsuits against employers.

The other options address different acts or protections and do not pertain to the scope of the Jones Act. For instance, the federal government insurance for civilian employees would relate more closely to the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA), while the medical benefits for coal miners would be covered under the Black Lung Benefits Act. Similarly, the protection of interstate railroad workers is governed by the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), not the Jones Act. Hence, the focus of the Jones Act is specifically on the rights and protections available to seamen, making the first statement accurately reflective of its content.