Chicago Jones Act Lawyer

Maximum Compensation for Injured Seamen in Illinois

A Chicago Jones Act lawyer from our team will aggressively advocate for injured workers to receive maximum compensation under federal law. Through diligent investigation and expert negotiation, we hold employers accountable for negligent acts while recovering fair settlements that will cover your needs. Contact us today for a free consultation about your legal rights.

Jones Act Settlements Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

• $4,000,000: Roger, a deckhand, suffered burns to his arms and legs after a fire broke out on deck. We proved this was caused by employer negligence due to poor fuel storage.
• $3,100,000: A cargo rack fell onto John, causing arm and hand injuries that forced him to vacate his position. We secured coverage for his medical bills and lost income.
• $425,500: Neil, a barge worker, required a shoulder replacement after overuse injuries, and we negotiated a settlement that would cover his rehabilitation.

Why We Are the Best Maritime Injury Lawyers for Your Case

We are top-rated personal injury lawyers and proud members of the American Association for Justice. Having helped over 5,000 clients and secured over $490 million in damages, we have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and a 10/10 AVVO rating. You can rely on us for fierce advocacy and invaluable legal advice throughout the lawsuit process.

What Is the Jones Act?

Formally known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the Jones Act applies to seamen who are injured while working on a boat, ship, or other seafaring vessel. This term includes anyone who spends at least 30% of their employment aboard a navigable ship. In Chicago, this would include:

• Great Lakes commercial shipping operations, such as cargo crews on Lake Michigan
• Tugboat and towboat crews on the Mississippi and Illinois rivers
• Port workers stationed on navigable vessels
• Dredge and maintenance crews
• Deckhands on Chicago River barges

The act’s intended purpose is to allow injured workers to raise claims against their employer or fellow employees for work-related injuries (46 U.S.C. § 30104). Unlike other aspects of maritime law, individuals have the right to a jury trial in state or federal court when making a claim.

Types of Jones Act Cases We Handle

• Barge accidents and tugboat crashes
• Ladder and gangway falls
• Crane or winch failures
• On-deck slip and falls
• Cargo-handling incidents
• Offshore supply vessel incidents, such as on Lake Michigan or the Illinois River
• Fatal Jones Act cases

What Are the Most Common Causes of Maritime Injuries in Illinois?

• Failure to follow safety protocols
• Inadequate crew training
• Equipment failure or defective machinery
• Slippery or unstable surfaces
• Lack of fall protection
• Vessel unseaworthiness

What Are the Most Common Maritime Injuries?

Getting hurt while working doesn’t just cause high medical bills, but also prevents you from enjoying life. Common Jones Act injuries our attorneys see include:

• Herniated discs
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Crush damage and amputations
• Chemical burns
• Fractures and dislocations
• Shoulder and knee damage
• Drowning

What Damages Can Victims Recover in Chicago?

These lawsuits work similarly to civil claims, allowing seamen to seek both economic and non-economic damages:

• Lost wages and lost future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Emotional distress
• Vocational retraining
• Wrongful death damages (if applicable)

What Are Maintenance and Cure Benefits?

“Maintenance” refers to your living expenses, such as rent, food, and utilities, while “cure” is all reasonable acts to improve your medical condition, such as surgery and physical therapy. You are owed these regardless of any negligence, but many employers will attempt to cut you off early, making it crucial that you work with our experienced attorneys.

What Is the Average Jones Act Settlement?

The average settlement in Jones Act cases is $6,962,750, while the median settlement is $2,870,000.

Example Case in Illinois

One seaman working on a jon boat near the Adams Street Bridge in downtown Chicago, supervising his co-workers, suffered major damage to his shoulder when a barge slammed into the boat. His lawyers proved that the barge was traveling too fast and that his employer had not complied with the law. As such, he was awarded $8,055,000.00.

Why You Need a Jones Act Attorney

With these cases, you must prove negligence and that you were hurt during the course of your employment. A company or the vessel’s owner will do everything possible to prevent you from receiving fair compensation, and they will use the law to insist they are not liable.

By working with a skilled maritime attorney, you can maximize your chances of a reasonable settlement that covers your medical needs.

How Common Are Maritime Work Injuries?

From 2022 to 2023, 18 people drowned in Chicago waterways. While not all of these were maritime workers, several were employed at the time of their passing, emphasizing the serious risks of drowning deaths. Nationwide, maritime worker injury statistics reveal the water transportation industry had a non-fatal injury rate of 1.8 total recordable cases per 100 workers in 2023, and 10 people passed away.

Where Do Maritime Work Accidents Occur Most Often in Illinois?

Lake Michigan: 13 people have died on Lake Michigan in 2025 alone, making it one of the deadliest waterways in the state.

Mississippi River: This major transportation route is known for its locks and dams, which can malfunction or lead to collisions.

Illinois River: Though a smaller waterway, this river sees hundreds of ships per day.

Chicago River: Connecting Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River, the Chicago River is a major thoroughfare for cargo ships and recreational boats.

What Maritime Laws Govern Jones Act Claims in Illinois?

Jones Act lawsuits are governed by federal admiralty law, specifically the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (46 U.S.C. § 30104). Under this law, seamen can sue their employer when they are injured on a navigable vessel.

It is crucial that the vessel be navigable, meaning that it is used for transportation along waterways, to have a valid case (Hutton v. Consol. Grain & Barge Co.). These cases may be tried in federal or state courts, depending on jurisdiction.

How Long Do I Have to File a Jones Act Lawsuit in Illinois?

Per the Jones Act statute of limitations, you have three years to file a lawsuit if you were injured while working on a navigable vessel (46 U.S.C. § 30106).

Who Is Legally Liable for Maritime Accidents?

• Employer: In most cases, we pursue compensation from the company responsible for vessel operations.
• Vessel’s Owner: Sometimes, the ship is owned by another company, and the worker is a contractor; in such cases, we can sue the owner.
• Other Employees: If a coworker or contractor caused the incident, they may be personally liable.
• Shipyards and Ports: This would fall under premises liability, such as if they did not provide safe operational conditions.
• Manufacturers: Defective ship parts could implicate boat builders and equipment manufacturers.
• Maintenance Crews: If a third-party maintenance company was responsible for issues, they could be liable.

Common Defenses in Jones Act Lawsuits

• Contributory Fault: The employer may argue that you were injured as a result of your own actions. However, Illinois allows you to sue as long as you were not more than 50% responsible.
• Assumption of Risk: Maritime employment is inherently dangerous, and defendants can use this as a defense to discharge their responsibility. We’ll demonstrate that the risk you faced went beyond normal occupational danger.
• Severity: A defendant could argue that you were not hurt as badly as you say, so you deserve less. We’ll use strong evidence to refute this.

How to Strengthen Your Jones Act Case in Illinois 

To ensure that you have the best possible chance of compensation, follow these steps as soon as possible:

• Get immediate medical treatment, such as at North Shore Hospitals
• Inform your employer that you were injured
• Gather evidence, such as witness statements, photos, and videos
• Do not speak to insurance companies without your attorney present
• Contact a maritime lawyer as soon as possible for an initial consultation

How a Maritime Injury Attorney Can Help

We will assist you in every aspect of your case, from consultation to trial representation. Our nationally recognized attorneys can help with the following needs:

• Evaluating your damages and writing a demand letter
• Filing paperwork with the Circuit Court of Cook County
• Gathering evidence, including maintenance records and incident reports
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Pushing for maximum compensation based on evidence
• Representing you in court

Consult an Illinois Jones Act Attorney Near You!

Our top-rated attorneys work on a contingency fee basis for all maritime employees, ensuring they receive fair compensation. Contact us to book a free consultation.