BoatLaw’s maritime injury lawyers, Doug Williams and Nicholas Neidzwski, are nationally recognized and award-winning maritime attorneys specializing in Jones Act claims, Longshore & Harbor worker claims, DBA settlements, commercial fishing injuries, and any type of case involving a wrongful death at sea.
With over four decades of success representing clients in Tampa and around the country, BoatLaw, LLP is passionate about helping maritime workers from every part of this industry recover the compensation they deserve after an injury or wrongful death of a loved one.
Tampa’s Most Trusted Maritime Lawyers for Jones Act Claims, Commercial Fishing Injuries, and Offshore Accidents
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“I have had the pleasure of working with Douglas Williams with BoatLaw LLP on two separate occasions, and although the reasoning behind needing his services weren’t the greatest, he has always been extremely helpful and professional. He is very personable and knowledgeable in maritime law, which helps when dealing with very stressful situations. He is diligent and always gets back to you in a timely matter.” – Ivan L.
Let Our Attorneys Maximize Your Offshore Injury Claim
BoatLaw, LLP is a maritime injury law firm representing injured maritime workers, longshoremen, dock workers, and defense base employees nationwide. We fight for maximum compensation, even if your claim was previously denied. Call 360-671-6711 today for a FREE, no-obligation consultation, or submit a contact form and our legal team will reach out to you ASAP.
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Our top-rated law firm litigates maritime claims in Florida and the entire West Coast. We’ve helped clients reclaim millions in payouts after offshore injuries and boating accidents.
Do not settle for less than what your case is worth. Contact our law firm today.
What Causes Maritime Accidents?
Maritime accidents are tragically common. Over 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water, and some accidents and injuries are inevitable. However, some are preventable. Equipment and machinery malfunctions, limited access to safety gear, weak or unenforced safety protocols, and inadequate training are all serious issues within the maritime industry. At Port Tampa Bay, employers and vessel owners alike pride themselves on strict safety protocols and thorough maintenance routines that minimize the risk of accident or injury. But it takes just one rogue employer to put an entire vessel of workers and passengers at risk.
Beyond the accidents caused by human error and negligence, there are some that are the result of nature. Even with careful analysis of weather forecasts, it is impossible to truly know what a day at sea may hold for you. When the water is rougher than expected or you face unexpected obstacles, tragedy may follow.
“No one wants to need a lawyer. I know that I didn’t. From the moment I was introduced to Nick and his team, their expertise, experience, and general demeanor eased my worries and made me feel secure that there were really good people working on my behalf. […] And the end has been good for me. Although my situation didn’t seem to contain any possible happy endings, I have obtained some major financial stability and sometimes that’s all one can ask for.” – Autumn R.
BoatLaw Specializes in All Types of Maritime Injury & Offshore Accident Cases in Tampa
For decades, the team at BoatLaw, LLP, has tackled some of the toughest maritime law cases in the country.
Common maritime claims we handle include:
- Jones Act claims
- Death at Sea claims
- Longshore & Harbor Workers claims
- Defense Base Act claims
- Marine Insurance claims
We Represent Those Killed or Injured Offshore
The types of people and cases we represent include:
- Commercial fishing injuries and accidents
- Unsafe cargo operations
- Inadequate safety measures
- Hypothermia and drowning
- Cruise ship injuries
- Port collisions
- Oil rig accidents
- Ferry accidents
- Hearing loss
- Barge accidents
- Dry dock accidents
- Toxic exposure
Capsizing and sinking accidents are particularly devastating in Tampa and Florida in general. While capsizing does not always lead to sinking, it often results in the destruction of hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of cargo. Additionally, boats that capsize and sink can cause serious environmental destruction and devastating injuries.
About Maritime & Admiralty Laws in Tampa
Maritime accidents are tragically common. Over 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water, and some accidents and injuries are inevitable. However, some are preventable. Equipment and machinery malfunctions, limited access to safety gear, weak or unenforced safety protocols, and inadequate training are all serious issues within the maritime industry. At Port Tampa Bay, employers and vessel owners alike pride themselves on strict safety protocols and thorough maintenance routines that minimize the risk of accident or injury. But it takes just one rogue employer to put an entire vessel of workers and passengers at risk.
Beyond the accidents caused by human error and negligence, there are some that are the result of nature. Even with careful analysis of weather forecasts, it is impossible to truly know what a day at sea may hold for you. When the water is rougher than expected or you face unexpected obstacles, tragedy may follow.
“No one wants to need a lawyer. I know that I didn’t. From the moment I was introduced to Nick and his team, their expertise, experience, and general demeanor eased my worries and made me feel secure that there were really good people working on my behalf. […] And the end has been good for me. Although my situation didn’t seem to contain any possible happy endings, I have obtained some major financial stability and sometimes that’s all one can ask for.” – Autumn R.
Meet Our Experienced Maritime Attorneys Serving Tampa Bay

Douglas 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. 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.
Let Our Experienced Maritime Injury Attorneys in Tampa Handle Your Claim
If you’ve been injured as a worker or passenger near Tampa Bay or anywhere in Florida, the team at BoatLaw is ready to work with you and help you demand fair compensation. Take the first step now by contacting us online or calling us at 360-671-6711 for a free consultation.


