Chicago Jones Act Lawyer

Experienced Legal Representation for Injured Seamen in Illinois

If you’re an injured seaman working on navigable waters near the Windy City, our Chicago Jones Act lawyer team knows how to get results. We combine deep knowledge of admiralty law with proven litigation skills to help injured workers secure full and fair compensation under federal law.

Whether your work-related injuries happened on a tugboat, cargo vessel, or barge, we will investigate employer negligence, build strong claims, and fight for the benefits you deserve. Call today for a free consultation about your rights.

Jones Act Settlements & Verdicts Won by Our Law Firm in Chicago

• $4,000,000 – Michael, a deckhand, suffered severe burns to his arms and legs when poor fuel storage sparked a fire aboard a cargo vessel on the Chicago River. The payout reflected permanent scarring, lengthy medical care at UIC Medical Center, and loss of his maritime career.
• $3,100,000 – Daniel was crushed under a collapsing cargo rack while unloading freight at Calumet Harbor, leaving him with permanent arm and hand damage. Faulty equipment, witness testimony, and projected lifetime wage loss increased the case value.
• $425,500 – Neil required a shoulder replacement after years of repetitive lifting on an Illinois River barge. The settlement covered surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, rehab, and reduced future earning capacity.

Why Choose Chicago Injury Center

At Chicago Injury Center, we’ve built a reputation as one of Illinois’ leading advocates for injured workers in complex Federal Employers Liability Act and Jones Act cases. Our attorneys have recovered more than $490 million for clients across Chicago and the Midwest, earning recognition from respected organizations and maintaining an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

We combine decades of trial experience with strategic negotiation skills, giving clients the confidence that their case is in the hands of a team committed to securing maximum compensation. From the first consultation to the final verdict, we deliver clear communication, aggressive representation, and proven results.

What Is the Jones Act?

The Jones Act, part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a cornerstone of general maritime law. The intended purpose is to allow seamen injured during the course of employment to raise claims against an employer, a vessel’s owner, or fellow employees if negligence contributed to the injury.

The Jones Act applies to anyone spending at least 30% of their working time aboard a vessel on navigable waters. In Illinois, that includes:

• Lake Michigan cargo and tanker crews
• Tugboat and towboat operators on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers
• Maritime workers aboard dredges, supply ships, cruise ships, or river barges
• Port-based seamen stationed on ships

The Jones Act gives you the right to recover damages in federal court or state court and to demand legal representation for your case.

Types of Maritime Accident Cases We Handle

Our firm represents clients in maritime accidents such as:

• Barge collisions and tugboat incidents
• Falls from ladders, gangways, or damaged stairs
• Winch and crane failures
• On-deck slip and falls
• Cargo-loading and unloading accidents
• Injuries on offshore supply boats and dredges
• Wrongful death cases when a seaman dies in service

What Are Common Causes of Work-Related Injuries at Sea?

• Unsafe work procedures or failure to follow safety rules
• Lack of proper crew training
• Employer negligence in maintaining the ship or vessel
• Defective or poorly maintained equipment
• Slippery decks and missing guardrails
• Severe weather hazards
• Vessel unseaworthiness under the High Seas Act

What Are Common Maritime Injuries?

Being injured while working on a vessel can mean months of recovery and permanent limitations. Our cases often involve:

• Traumatic brain injury and head strikes
• Fractures, crush injuries, and amputations
• Burns from chemicals or fires
• Herniated discs and spinal cord damage
• Shoulder, knee, and back injuries
• Drowning and near-drowning incidents

What Damages and Benefits Are Available Under the Jones Act?

Jones Act lawsuits provide compensation for the following:

• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Past and future medical bills and care
• Pain, suffering, emotional distress, and inability to enjoy life
• Loss of household services
• Wrongful death benefits for surviving family

In addition, maintenance and cure provides daily living expenses and all reasonable acts necessary for medical recovery, regardless of fault. This includes rent, food, utilities, surgeries, and physical therapy. Many employers try to end these benefits early, which is why experienced legal representation is critical.

What Is the Average Jones Act Claim Payout?

Nationwide, the average Jones Act payout is about $6,962,750, with a median of $2,870,000. Actual results depend on your injuries, lost income, and whether employer negligence is proven.

Example Case in Illinois

A seaman supervising co-workers on a jon boat near Chicago’s Adams Street Bridge suffered a massive shoulder injury when a barge struck the vessel. His lawyers proved excessive speed and law violations, securing an $8,055,000 verdict.

What Is the Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act?

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), 33 U.S.C. §§ 901–950, is a federal law that provides medical care, wage replacement, and rehabilitation services to certain maritime employees injured while working on the navigable waters of the United States or in adjoining areas such as docks, wharves, or shipyards.

Unlike the Jones Act, which covers seamen injured in the course of their employment, the LHWCA protects longshoremen, harbor construction workers, and others who are not members of a vessel’s crew. These workers’ compensation benefits are generally available without proving negligent acts, but disputes can arise over eligibility, coverage, and the extent of benefits owed.

Common Defenses in Jones Act Cases

In nearly every Jones Act lawsuit, the employer or their insurer will try to reduce or avoid paying compensation by raising certain defenses. Some of the most common include:

• Contributory fault – Arguing that you were responsible for your own injury, either through carelessness or by ignoring safety procedures.
• Assumption of risk – Claiming that maritime workers knowingly accept the dangers of the job, so the employer should not be held liable.
• Severity disputes – Suggesting that your injuries are not as serious as you claim, or that they were caused by something other than the accident.

Our team counters each of these arguments with thorough evidence, expert testimony, and detailed documentation to prove the truth about your injury and its impact on your life.

How to Strengthen Your Claim Under the Jones Act

If you’ve been injured while working aboard a vessel in navigable waters, taking the right steps early can make a major difference in your Jones Act claim:

• Seek immediate medical attention – Even if symptoms seem minor, some injuries worsen over time.
• Report the incident to your employer right away – Delays can give them an excuse to dispute your claim.
• Collect evidence at the scene – Take photographs, note hazards, and get names of co-workers or witnesses.
• Be cautious when speaking with insurance companies – They may try to use your words against you.
• Consult a skilled maritime injury attorney – Legal guidance from the start helps protect your rights and improves your chances of a fair outcome.

How Our Chicago Maritime Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help

Our legal team manages every aspect of your Jones Act lawsuit, from filing in federal court or state court to negotiating settlements. We:

• Investigate maritime accidents thoroughly
• Compile records, logbooks, and inspection reports
• Work with maritime experts to prove employer negligence
• Push for maximum recovery
• Represent you through trial if needed

Secure Your Rights Under Maritime Law

If you’ve been injured while working on navigable waters, don’t wait. We work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win. Contact our Chicago maritime attorneys now to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.