Jones Act Attorneys Fighting for Injured Maritime Workers
The Jones Act lawyers at BoatLaw, LLP (formerly Anderson Carey Williams & Neidzwski) have decades of experience litigating personal injury and death claims at sea. When you work with us, you can expect competent-but-compassionate care from top-rated attorneys focused solely on maritime and admiralty cases.
Call Us at 1-800-BOATLAW (1-800-262-8529) for a free case review. You can also contact us online and a member of our legal team will be in touch shortly.
Notable Jones Act Claim Results
We are known for the compassionate care we give our clients and our long history of successfully resolving Jones Act cases.
| Compensation Awarded | Description |
| $10,000,000 |
Judgment for a harbor worker
|
| $8,000,000 |
Settlement for wrongful death
|
| $3,700,000 |
Judgment against the U.S.
|
| $2,400,000 |
For a mate injured aboard a tanker
|
| $1,900,000 | For leg injuries |
| $1,750,000 | For a deckhand |
| $1,500,000 |
For a partial hand amputation
|
| $1,400,000 |
For a fish processor with chronic pain
|
| $1,300,000 | For PTSD |
| $1,250,000 |
For a back injury
|
| $1,200,000 | For a fall injury |
| $1,100,000 |
For repetitive use injuries
|
| $995,000 |
Settlement for a foot injury
|
| $950,000 |
Settlement for facial injuries
|
| $750,000 |
Policy limit settlement for neck injuries
|
| $600,000 |
For non-surgical back injury case
|
See More Recent Case Results ->
How Jones Act Claims Work
Since 1920, the Jones Act has been a legal pathway for addressing the harms maritime workers suffer because of unsafe working conditions or employer oversight. A Jones Act attorney helps manage legal claims the right way, significantly increasing a client’s chances of obtaining the compensation they are entitled to.
How to File a Jones Act Claim
- Make sure you qualify for a claim by consulting a Jones Act attorney
- Your attorney will file your claim for you and walk you through each step
- How long this process takes will vary, but in our experience, most Jones Act claims are resolved in 12 to 36 months.
Contact us to begin filing your Jones Act Claim ->
BoatLaw’s Nationally Recognized Jones Act Lawyers
Douglas R. WilliamsDouglas R. Williams was raised in a military family. After retiring from the armed forces, his father sailed as the chief medical officer with several of the world’s prominent cruise lines, including Holland America Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line. Doug spent a good part of his youth—when not in school—living in crew quarters aboard ships, sailing with his father. These experiences shaped his career by giving him firsthand exposure to the maritime industry from an early age. Read Doug’s lawyer profile. |
Nicholas J. NeidzwskiNicholas J. Neidzwski is an accomplished trial attorney who handles maritime and personal injury litigation. Nick’s litigation experience includes the successful resolution of various Jones Act, general maritime, and product liability cases on behalf of many different individuals against various companies, including some of the largest maritime corporations in the United States. He has appeared for plaintiffs in state and federal courts throughout Washington, California, Oregon, and Alaska, and has established a reputation as a dedicated advocate for injured individuals and their families. Read Nick’s lawyer profile. |
Law Firm Reviews
Don’t take our word for it, hear what clients have to say about the maritime attorneys at BoatLaw, LLP.
| The people at BoatLaw,LLP have truly been a Godsend. They fought for me when things were looking so tough for my future. Through their hard work, we were rewarded the maximum policy limit for my injury. I was able to get care at the top hospital in California and number two in the entire nation.
When you are hurt it is very hard to keep fighting everyday. Nick, Allyssa and the rest of his team personally checked on me, fought till we won and continues to support me through this stressful process. I would 100% recommend them. I’ve read reviews like this before and tbh didn’t fully believe them. But BoatLaw really went above and beyond for me. I had no hope, no money, and was severely hurt. Just having someone on your side that cares is huge. Im glad this whole thing is over but I am going to miss Nick,Alyssa,and the whole team at BoatLaw. They never gave up on me even when I wanted to give up. This group of people are amazing and I’m truly grateful for everything they have done for me. Thank you Nick, Alyssa, and the rest of the BoatLaw team, I’ll be forever grateful to you guys.” Devon Davis |
“If you told me 2.5 years ago I would be writing a glowing review for Lawyers and a Law Firm of my own free will, I would have laughed at you. Well here I am. After a personal injury, in which I fully blamed another party, I did much soul searching and decided to retain an attorney. After many phone calls to Attorneys in Seattle and New York City, I was directed to BoatLaw, LLP.
I believe Nick Neidzwski… of BoatLaw, LLP represented me to the fullest of their ability. They were honest, up front about how things would go, kept clear and concise communication with me. They informed me in advance of the risks and were very open about the process and how things would proceed. Nick called weekly to update me. When the opposition threw wrenches into our works, Nick worked tirelessly into the night to afford me the best representation anyone could want… Through their use of experts, joint examinations, depositions, medical records they were able to satisfactorily prove my case well enough that the other side settled. They also got me more than I expected. Their support staff at the office, especially Laura, were excellent and professional. They always made me feel welcome. I would highly recommend them!” Scott King |
“From the moment I was introduced to Nick and his team… eased my worries and made me feel secure that there were really good people working on my behalf.
And boy did they work. My case was not an easy one. There were a lot of firsts for everybody. Nick, Assal, and the rest of his team pushed through every hurdle lobbed our way with grace and poise, handling each new obstacle with apparent ease. One of my favorite things was that I got to be super hands off. I only joined the process when I was able to — or when I was required to — and no more than that. Life is very unfair, often to the same people over and over again. Luckily, life has also given us Nick and his team, a group of people who have dedicated their lives to helping people in some of the worst possible situations. And they’re so good at it. Great at it! And compassionate and caring and respectful and kind. There aren’t enough adjectives, and there isn’t enough data storage, to describe or hold the amount of gratitude I have for the amazing people that work here and at his other locations.” Autumn Rose |
See more reviews of BoatLaw, LLP ->
Where We Handle Jones Act Cases
The legal team at BoatLaw, LLP is ready to assist maritime workers injured on the west coast and Florida. Areas we serve include:
| State | Description | Top Ports |
| Washington | Law offices in Bellingham and Seattle. | |
| Oregon | Maritime law office in Portland. | |
| California | Maritime law offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles. | |
| Alaska | Maritime lawyers serving Alaska |
|
| Florida | Maritime lawyers serving Florida |
Jones Act Lawsuit FAQ
What is the Jones Act in simple terms?
The Jones Act is a federal law, part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, that allows an injured seaman to sue their employer for negligence if the injury occurs while working on a vessel in navigation. It equips injured workers with the right to recover lost wages, medical costs, pain and suffering, and other damages. Claims for Jones Act negligence are often filed alongside claims for “maintenance and cure” (basic living expenses and medical care, to be paid regardless of fault when a seaman is injured in the course of their work) and claims for “unseaworthy” vessels (which can proceed regardless of whether the employer or vessel owner had “notice” or was aware of the unseaworthy condition).
How long does the process of resolving Jones Act claims take?
The timeline depends on the case. Many claims are resolved within about 6 to 18 months through settlement negotiations or mediation. If a case goes to trial, it can take 18 to 36 months or longer. Factors like how long an injured worker spends treating with medical providers for their injuries, the strength of the evidence supporting an injured worker’s claims, court scheduling, and insurance company tactics can all affect how long the resolution process takes, and there is often no way to reliably estimate an end date for when any given claim will be resolved.
What is the average settlement for a Jones Act case?
There isn’t a true “average” Jones Act settlement because every case is different. The amount depends on the severity of the injury, how much negligence can be proven, lost wages, medical expenses, and future earning capacity. Settlements can range from tens of thousands of dollars for minor injuries to several millions or even tens of millions of dollars for serious and/or permanent injuries. See our notable cases for examples of Jones Act settlements and verdicts ->
Do most maritime injury cases involve a Jones Act claim?
Many do, but not all. The Jones Act applies specifically to seamen. Other maritime workers, like dockworkers or harbor laborers, are often covered by the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). Some offshore or passenger cases may fall under general maritime law or the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA).
Other common maritime laws we incorporate into our cases when applicable include:
- Death on the High Seas Act
- In Rem
- DBA
What is the criteria for a Jones Act case?
The Jones Act uses four criteria for establishing eligibility:
-
- Duty
- Breach
- Causation
- Damages
Learn how those are assessed in our Jones Act Claims Guide ->
What types of injuries does the Jones Act cover?
The Jones Act covers injury-related claims for a wide variety of incidents, ranging from offshore accidents that result in physical harm to conditions that cause illness or emotional distress to maritime workers. This includes injuries from slip-and-falls, machinery accidents, exposure to harmful substances, and many other types of workplace hazards.
Work With Our Trusted Jones Act Lawyers
The Jones Act provides vital protection to maritime workers, offering a pathway to compensation and justice when workplace hazards cause injuries. Navigating the Act, however, requires a strong, experienced hand. BoatLaw, LLP is dedicated to upholding the rights of seamen, leveraging extensive expertise in maritime law to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve. When facing the aftermath of maritime injuries, partnering with our experienced Jones Act lawyers ensures that your case is handled with the precision and dedication it demands.
Contact us today to champion your cause and navigate the complexities of maritime claims, ensuring that your rights are fiercely protected and your future is secured.
Call 1 (800) 262-8529 for a free claim review and consultation.
Do not settle for less than what your case is worth!
