Chicago Jones Act Lawyer

Experienced Legal Representation for Injured Seamen in Illinois

If you were injured while working on navigable waters near Chicago, you may have the right to compensation under the Jones Act. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our Chicago Jones Act lawyer team is dedicated to helping seamen injured on vessels such as barges, cargo ships, and tugboats hold their employers accountable.

We focus on proving negligence under federal law and work aggressively to protect the rights of maritime workers who have suffered due to unsafe conditions, faulty equipment, or other employees. Our maritime injury attorneys know what it takes to build a successful Jones Act claim and recover the compensation injured workers need for medical expenses, lost income, and long-term suffering.

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

• $4,000,000 – Ryan, a deckhand, sustained severe burns to his legs and arms when a fire erupted on a cargo ship traveling the Chicago River. Investigators linked the fire to unsafe fuel storage practices. Ryan’s injuries required extensive medical care at UIC Medical Center and left permanent scarring that ended his maritime career. The settlement accounted for his long-term medical needs, pain and suffering, and inability to return to work.
• $3,100,000 – Luis was unloading freight when a cargo rack gave way, crushing him beneath heavy materials and causing permanent damage to his arms and hands. Evidence of faulty equipment and employer negligence supported the Jones Act claim. Statements from other employees and economic loss assessments helped increase the value of the case.
• $425,500 – After years of hard labor aboard barges along the Illinois River, Marcus developed severe shoulder damage from repetitive lifting without adequate safety support. He eventually required joint replacement surgery. The settlement covered medical bills from Northwestern Memorial Hospital, rehabilitation, and the long-term impact on his earning ability.

What Makes Us the Best Jones Act Attorneys in Chicago

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we’re proud to be one of Illinois’ most trusted legal teams for injured maritime workers. 

Our Chicago Jones Act attorney team has recovered over $490 million for clients across the Midwest, including those hurt under the Jones Act and Federal Employers Liability Act. We’ve earned national recognition for our results and maintain a 10/10 rating on Avvo, a reflection of our commitment to client service and outcomes.

With decades of experience in admiralty law, we understand the unique challenges that injured seamen face. From consultation through settlement or trial, your Jones Act lawsuit is backed by a team that takes pride in clear communication, focused legal strategy, and a strong track record of helping clients obtain the compensation they need to recover and move forward.

What Is the Jones Act?

The Jones Act, part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, plays a vital role in protecting the rights of injured seamen. Its intended purpose is to give Jones Act workers the ability to bring legal claims when an employer, vessel owner, or other employees act negligently and cause an injury during employment.

To qualify under the Jones Act, you must spend at least 30% of your work time aboard a vessel operating on navigable waters. In Illinois, this often includes:

• Crews working on cargo ships or tankers on Lake Michigan
• Tugboat and towboat operators on the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers
• Workers aboard dredging vessels, river barges, cruise ships, or supply boats
• Seamen based at ports but assigned to active ships

If you’re injured while working under these conditions, the Jones Act gives you the right to file claims in either state or federal court. You don’t have to face the legal process alone–our Jones Act attorneys are here to protect your rights under this powerful federal statute.

Types of Maritime Accident Cases We Handle

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we represent maritime workers across Illinois who have been injured in a wide range of cases, including:

• Tugboat and barge collisions on Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, or inland waterways often lead to serious injuries for Jones Act workers due to poor oversight or faulty navigation.
• Falls from ladders, gangways, or damaged stairs are common aboard vessels and may result from unsafe maintenance, poor lighting, or failure to follow basic safety standards.
• Winch and crane failures during cargo movement or vessel maintenance can crush limbs, cause head trauma, or throw workers overboard–often linked to mechanical defects or operator error.
• On-deck slip and falls often occur due to wet surfaces, unsecured tools, or poor housekeeping practices, leading to fractures, back injuries, or long-term physical impairment.
• Cargo loading and unloading accidents at docks or aboard ships can involve falling cargo, crushed limbs, or sprains caused by improper procedures or defective handling equipment.
• Injuries on offshore supply boats and dredges often involve heavy machinery, unstable footing, or exposure to hazardous conditions during long shifts on active vessels.
• Wrongful death cases involving seamen may arise when a worker dies in service due to preventable errors, unsafe conditions, or failure to follow reasonable safety protocols.

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

Maritime workers face serious risks every day–many of which are preventable. Our Chicago maritime injury attorneys have handled cases involving a wide range of hazards tied to unsafe practices, employer negligence, and dangerous conditions aboard vessels. Common causes of injury:

• Improper safety procedures or ignored protocols that expose workers to unnecessary risks during routine tasks, especially when employers cut corners or skip standard maritime safety measures.
• Untrained or poorly trained crew members who fail to follow basic procedures or mishandle tools, putting fellow employees at risk of serious injury during operations.
• Negligent vessel maintenance, including worn-out parts, mechanical failures, or ignored repair needs, often leads to accidents that could have been avoided with proper care.
• Defective or poorly maintained equipment, such as winches, cranes, and ladders, that break down during use and cause crushing injuries, falls, or electrocution.
• Slippery decks, missing guardrails, or unsecured walkways, especially in wet or icy conditions, are a leading cause of falls and head injuries on ships and barges.
• Severe weather conditions that employers fail to plan for or monitor, leading to vessel instability, man-overboard incidents, or cargo-related accidents during storms.
• Unseaworthy vessels, as defined by federal law and the High Seas Act, where unsafe design, outdated systems, or crew shortages contribute directly to maritime injuries.

What Are Common Maritime Injuries?

Getting injured while working on a vessel can lead to lasting pain, steep medical bills, and lost wages. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our Chicago Jones Act attorney team represents seamen injured in a wide range of serious accidents on navigable waters. Common maritime injuries include:

• Head trauma and traumatic brain injuries, often caused by falls, falling objects, or blunt force impacts during rough weather or unexpected equipment movement.
• Fractures, crush injuries, and amputations resulting from cargo mishaps, winch failures, or being caught between moving parts on barges or tugboats.
• Chemical burns and fire-related injuries are typically caused by poor fuel storage, electrical issues, or a lack of safety measures during engine room or deck operations.
• Herniated discs and spinal injuries may come from lifting heavy gear, working in awkward positions, or falling from elevated surfaces aboard a ship.
• Joint injuries affecting the shoulders, knees, or back, often occur from repetitive strain, sudden impact, or overexertion during loading and unloading tasks.
• Drowning and near-drowning incidents are frequently tied to missing guardrails, and a lack of safety training, or delays in rescue response after a maritime accident.

What Damages and Benefits Are Available Under the Jones Act?

If you’ve been injured as a maritime worker, the Jones Act gives you the right to seek compensation for a wide range of losses tied to your injury. A successful Jones Act claim allows injured seamen to recover damages directly from an employer, a vessel owner, or fellow employees when negligence played a role in the accident.

A Jones Act lawsuit may provide compensation for:

• Lost wages during recovery and reduced earning capacity if the injury prevents you from returning to your former role or earning the same income
• Medical expenses, including hospital bills, follow-up care, surgeries, medication, and long-term rehabilitation
• Pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of the ability to enjoy life as you did before the accident
• Loss of household services, such as child care or home maintenance, that you can no longer perform due to the injury
• Wrongful death benefits for surviving family members if a seaman dies due to unsafe conditions or employer negligence

In addition to these damages, the Jones Act also includes maintenance and cure benefits. These benefits require your employer to cover basic daily living expenses and all reasonable acts necessary for your medical recovery, no matter who was at fault. It typically includes costs like:

• Rent or mortgage payments
• Food and utilities
• Doctor visits and hospital stays
• Physical therapy, surgeries, and prescriptions

Many employers attempt to cut off maintenance and cure benefits too soon–sometimes before the worker has reached maximum medical improvement. That’s why it’s essential to work with a seasoned Chicago maritime injury lawyer who can protect your rights and make sure you receive the full benefits allowed under federal law.

What Is the Average Jones Act Claim Payout?

According to Law.com‘s VerdictSearch, the average payout in a Jones Act claim is $2,240,000, as well as the median. Compensation varies depending on the specific circumstances of each case, such as:

• The severity and permanence of your injury
• Your total medical costs, including future treatment and rehabilitation
• Lost income and how the injury affects your long-term earning capacity
• Whether your employer failed to provide a reasonably safe vessel or working environment
• The strength of the evidence used to prove negligence, such as accident reports and witness statements
• Testimony from medical experts about the extent of your injuries
• Whether the injury prevents you from returning to maritime work or impacts your ability to enjoy life

Example Case in Illinois

$2.24 Million Verdict for Riverboat Casino Worker Injured by Overloaded Trash Can

Eugene McGregor, 63, was working as a maintenance cleaner aboard Harrah’s riverboat casino in Joliet when he injured his spine lifting an unexpectedly heavy garbage can. Though designed for light waste, the can had been loaded with glass bottles by other employees. McGregor argued that the use of improper containers and unsafe disposal practices caused his injury and required spinal fusion surgery.

Harrah’s denied liability, claiming no employer negligence, and argued McGregor failed to seek lifting assistance. The jury awarded $2.24 million but reduced the amount by 25% for comparative negligence, resulting in a final award of $1.59 million.

Breakdown of the award included:

• $750,000 for disability
• $650,000 for past and $750,000 for future pain and suffering
• $90,000 for aggravation of a pre-existing condition

What Is the Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act?

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) is a federal law that provides wage replacement, medical coverage, and rehabilitation services for certain maritime workers injured on navigable waters or in nearby areas like docks, shipyards, terminals, or wharves.

While the Jones Act covers seamen injured while assigned to a vessel, the LHWCA applies to workers who support maritime operations but aren’t part of a vessel’s crew. This includes longshoremen, dockworkers, crane operators, and harbor construction crews.

Unlike a Jones Act lawsuit, which requires proof of employer negligence, claims under the LHWCA function more like traditional workers’ compensation, meaning benefits are generally available regardless of fault. That said, disputes often arise over:

• Whether a worker qualifies under the Act
• The extent of the injury and the needed medical care
• Wage loss benefits and duration of coverage

If you’re unsure whether your case falls under the Jones Act or the Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, a Chicago Jones Act attorney at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can review your situation and explain your full range of legal options.

Common Defenses in Jones Act Cases

In many Jones Act cases, employers and their insurance carriers work aggressively to reduce or avoid paying compensation. They often rely on common legal defenses that attempt to shift blame onto the injured worker or minimize the seriousness of the injury. One of the most frequent arguments is contributory fault, where the employer claims that the worker’s carelessness or failure to follow safety procedures caused the accident. 

Another common defense is the assumption of risk, which suggests that maritime workers understand and accept the dangers of the job, and therefore, the employer should not be fully liable. Employers also frequently challenge the extent of the injuries, arguing that the condition is exaggerated, unrelated to the accident, or the result of a prior issue.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our Chicago maritime injury attorneys are experienced in countering these tactics. We use detailed accident reports, medical records, expert testimony, and witness statements to establish the facts, prove negligence, and demonstrate the real impact the injury has had on your ability to work and enjoy life.

How to Strengthen Your Claim Under the Jones Act

If you’ve been injured while working aboard a vessel, the steps you take immediately after the incident can significantly affect the outcome of your Jones Act case. Here’s how to give your claim the best possible foundation:

• Get medical attention right away – Even if your symptoms seem mild, certain injuries–especially spinal or head trauma–can worsen over time without proper treatment. Early documentation also supports your claim.
• Report the accident to your employer immediately – Any delay in reporting may be used to question the validity of your claim under the Jones Act or argue that the injury happened elsewhere.
• Document the scene and gather evidence – If possible, take photos of unsafe conditions, damaged equipment, or missing safety features. Get the names of fellow employees who witnessed the incident.
• Be careful when speaking to insurance representatives – Anything you say might be used to challenge your case. Stick to basic facts and avoid discussing your condition without legal help.
• Work with an experienced Chicago Jones Act lawsuit attorney – Having a knowledgeable attorney early in the process helps you avoid common mistakes, preserve key evidence, and build a strong case to seek compensation.

How Our Chicago Maritime Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our experienced Chicago Jones Act lawsuit attorneys handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on your recovery. Whether your claim is filed in state or federal court, we take an aggressive, detail-oriented approach to securing the compensation you deserve. 

Our team thoroughly investigates the maritime accident, examining unsafe conditions, faulty equipment, and any signs of employer negligence. We gather key evidence, including logbooks, inspection reports, maintenance records, and statements from fellow employees. We also work with medical experts and professionals in maritime law to establish the full extent of your injury and how it affects your ability to work and live.

If settlement negotiations fail to produce a fair outcome, we are fully prepared to represent you at trial and fight for your rights under the Jones Act. Whether you’re dealing with lost wages, ongoing medical costs, or lasting pain and suffering, we’re here to help you hold your employer accountable and move forward with confidence.

Secure Your Rights Under Maritime Law

If you’ve been hurt while working on a vessel, you may have the right to seek compensation under the Jones Act. These cases often involve employers looking to avoid responsibility–don’t give them the advantage of delay.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our Chicago personal injury attorneys represent injured maritime workers across Illinois. We charge no upfront fees and only get paid if we obtain compensation for you. Reach out today for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights under federal maritime law.

Our downtown office, near the Richard J. Daley Center, Dirkson United States Courthouse, and the Chicago Workers’ Compensation Commission, offers convenient access from Aurora, Joliet, and Waukegan via I-90, I-94, and I-290.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

225 W Wacker Dr #1660
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (847) 835-8895
Toll Free: (888) 424-5757

We also serve clients from Chicago, Elgin, Schaumburg, Springfield and throughout Illinois.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.