Maritime Lawyers Fighting for Justice After an Offshore Injury
The maritime lawyers at BoatLaw, LLP (formerly Anderson Carey Williams & Neidzwski) have decades of experience litigating maritime personal injury and wrongful death claims. 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 Maritime Case Results
We are known for the compassionate care we give our clients and our long history of successfully resolving maritime cases ranging from Jones Act claims, wrongful death cases, longshore claims, and many more:
| 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 ->
What to Do After an Offshore Injury or Death
If you’re a maritime worker who was injured at work, or a family member of a maritime worker who was killed on the job, every hour matters. The following short videos explain what you should do following an accident, time limits for action (statute of limitations), and what to expect out of your admiralty lawyer.
How to File a Maritime Injury Claim
- Make sure you qualify for a claim by consulting a maritime 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 maritime injury claims are resolved in 12 to 36 months.
Contact us for a free consultation with an expert maritime attorney ->
BoatLaw’s Nationally Recognized Maritime 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 Maritime 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 |
Who Our Admiralty Law Firm Serves
The most common types of client served by an admiralty law firm include:
- Commercial fishermen
- Longshoremen
- Foreign seamen
- Commercial divers
- Cruise ship passengers
- Tour boat and charter boat passengers
Maritime Lawyer FAQ
What does a maritime lawyer do for clients?
One of the roles of a maritime injury lawyer is to evaluate maritime injury cases to determine their validity and the applicable laws. This process involves an analysis of the accident, the extent of the injuries, and the circumstances under which they occurred. Based on this evaluation, lawyers guide their clients on the best course of action.
Maritime injury lawyers are also heavily involved in the investigation process. They gather evidence to build a strong case for their clients. This evidence can include witness statements, expert testimony, accident reports, and medical records. The objective is to prove liability and the extent of damages suffered by their clients. They need to have a firm grasp of maritime operations and safety standards to effectively argue their cases.
In addition to investigation and case preparation, these lawyers represent their clients in legal proceedings. This can occur in state and federal courts, arbitration panels, or in settlement negotiations. Maritime injury lawyers must be skilled at arguing cases, presenting evidence, and cross-examining witnesses to ensure their clients’ rights are upheld.
Furthermore, maritime injury lawyers have a significant role in handling the legal documentation associated with maritime injury claims. They prepare and file all necessary documents, ensuring compliance with legal procedures and deadlines. This part of their work requires attention to detail and an understanding of procedural laws.
Finally, maritime injury lawyers must stay informed about the latest developments in maritime law and industry practices. This helps them provide accurate and effective legal advice.
How marine lawyers win maritime cases
To succeed in a Jones Act negligence case, a lawyer must prove that the employer’s negligence contributed to the maritime worker’s injury. This involves gathering evidence such as witness statements, medical records, and safety reports to show that the employer failed to provide a safe working environment.
In an unseaworthiness case, the lawyer must demonstrate that the vessel was not properly maintained or equipped, making it unsafe for its intended use. This requires inspecting the ship’s equipment, maintenance records, and safety protocols to identify any failures in upkeep or design that led to the injury.
For a Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act case, the lawyer helps by filing claims and negotiating with insurance companies to secure benefits for medical care, rehabilitation, and lost wages due to on-the-job injuries. The lawyer meticulously documents the injury, its impact on the worker’s life, and any related expenses to ensure fair compensation.
In each scenario, the lawyer’s role is crucial in building a strong case through evidence collection, expert testimony, and thorough understanding of maritime laws to advocate for the client’s right to compensation.
How long does the maritime claims process take?
The timeline depends on the case. Many claims are resolved within about 6 to 18 months through settlement negotiations or mediation. If the case goes to trial, it can take 18 to 36 months or longer. Factors like medical recovery time, the strength of the evidence, court scheduling, and insurance company tactics can all affect how long it takes.
What is the average payout for a maritime injury case?
It is not possible to calculate the “average” payout for a maritime injury case because every claim is totally unique. The amount that can be recovered depends on multiple factors, including the severity of the injury, to what degree negligence can be proven, whether the injured worker’s own negligence contributed to their injuries, and the amount of lost wages, medical expenses, and future earning capacity. Payouts, whether in the form of settlements or judgments, can range from tens of thousands of dollars for minor injuries to 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 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
Work With Our Trusted Maritime Law Firm
When facing the aftermath of injuries, partnering with our experienced maritime 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!
