Jones Act Settlements

Jones Act settlements provide a critical path to financial recovery for maritime workers injured on the job, but securing a fair outcome is rarely straightforward. 

The Jones Act—a federal law protecting seamen injured due to negligence or unseaworthy vessels—allows these workers to pursue compensation, but the legal basis is complex and the value of each claim depends on many moving parts. 

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our experienced Chicago Jones Act lawyers have handled countless maritime injury cases and understand what it takes to calculate and negotiate full-value settlements. Book a free consultation and learn how to protect your rights after a maritime injury. 

Settlements We’ve Recovered on Behalf of Injured Seamen

• $4,000,000 for a deckhand who suffered severe burns to his limbs when a fire broke out on the vessel’s deck due to improperly stored fuel.
• $3,100,000 for a crewmember who sustained serious injuries to his shoulder and arm when a cargo rack collapsed during routine loading operations. 
• $1,500,000 for a ship captain who slipped on an oil-slicked deck. 
• $630,000 for a laborer who lacerated his leg on exposed metal near a doorway aboard the vessel. 
• $425,500 for a barge worker with chronic overuse injuries that eventually required shoulder replacement surgery. 

Why Calculating Jones Act Settlement Amounts is Complex

Unlike a personal injury claim or one filed under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305/), Jones Act cases operate under federal law and focus on seamen—not land-based employees. That difference creates complexity. 

Maritime workers face dangerous environments, and injuries often have long-term effects. Under the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the Jones Act (46 U.S.C. § 30104) allows injured seamen to sue their employers for negligence—an option not available in standard workers’ comp cases.

Valuing a Jones Act claim requires weighing short-term damages and long-term losses. There is no “average” Jones Act settlement—each is based on specific medical evidence, earning history, and future impact. 

Because maritime work involves high physical demands and often remote environments, these cases require detailed projections of future losses medical needs.

How Are Jones Act Settlements Calculated 

Several key factors determine what your case may be worth:

• Severity and permanency of injury – Long-term or disabling injuries significantly increase settlement value.
• Past and future damages – Including medical costs, lost wages, and future earnings.
• Proof of negligence or unseaworthiness – Strong evidence makes your claim harder to deny.
• Insurance company limits and coverage – Many maritime employers are self-insured or carry commercial maritime policies subject to federal and Illinois contract interpretation rules.
• Experience of your attorney – An experienced maritime lawyer can significantly increase the value of your claim by building a solid case and negotiating with confidence.

Damages Included in a Jones Act Claim Settlement

A successful Jones Act settlement includes multiple damage categories:

Maintenance and Cure

Under maritime law, all employers must provide maintenance (a daily living stipend) and cure (reasonable medical treatment) until the seaman reaches maximum medical improvement. These benefits are owed regardless of fault. 

Lost Wages and Future Earning Capacity

A major part of any Jones Act lawsuit involves lost income—both past and future wages. If an injured seaman can’t return to their previous role, or can’t work at all, this affects future earning capacity. Calculating this requires experts who analyze promotions, retirement benefits, and total work-life expectancy.

Present and Future Pain and Suffering 

Jones Act settlements include compensation for both physical and mental pain and suffering, including emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life. While subjective, these damages often represent a large part of the total recovery—especially in cases of chronic pain or future suffering.

Coverage for Past and Future Medical Expenses

Ongoing treatment is common in maritime injuries. Settlements must anticipate costs for occupational therapy, surgeries, long-term medication, durable medical equipment, and any other future medical needs. Skipping this step can leave you undercompensated. 

The Danger of Accepting Early Settlement Offers

After a maritime accident, employers and their insurers often make fast settlement offers—usually before the full impact of the injury is clear. 

These offers are often far too low and rarely account for future medical expenses, future pain and suffering, or permanent work limitations. Accepting too early means signing away your right to seek further compensation—even if your condition worsens.

How Insurance Companies Undervalue Jones Act Claims

Insurance companies aren’t on your side. In Jones Act claims, they routinely:

• Minimize injury severity
• Question the need for future treatment
• Undervalue earning capacity loss
• Pressure workers to sign away rights quickly

These tactics aim to limit payouts, not to provide full and fair compensation. That’s why negotiating without legal support is a risk no injured seaman should take.

The Role of an Experienced Jones Act Lawyer in Negotiations

An experienced attorney understands the nuances of maritime law and how to accurately calculate damages. We coordinate expert evaluations, analyze wage history, and push back against lowball settlement offers. A lawyer also knows the pressure points that shift negotiations in your favor—something that can lead to higher settlements.

Settlement vs. Trial in Jones Act Lawsuit Cases

Most maritime accident cases resolve before trial. A settlement brings faster resolution and guaranteed payment—but might be lower than a trial verdict. A Jones Act lawsuit, by contrast, can lead to higher awards but takes longer and carries more risk. A good attorney will guide you through the legal process and help you decide when it makes sense to settle or push for court.

Estimating the Value of Your Specific Jones Act Case

Every case is different. A qualified attorney will evaluate:

• Your medical records
• Your job and wage history
• Reports from medical and economic experts
• Similar case outcomes

These factors help narrow down a realistic potential settlement range tailored to your specific circumstances.

Importance of Documenting All Losses for Your Claim

Strong documentation leads to stronger cases. You should keep all medical bills, receipts for other expenses, time-off records, and notes on mental anguish, physical limitations, and the impact of the injury on daily life. These details support the value of your claim and help ensure you recover compensation for everything you’ve lost.

Protecting Your Right to Full Compensation

Signing a final settlement agreement without understanding its full implications can cost you thousands—if not more. Once you sign, you waive the right to any additional compensation, no matter what happens later. Make sure the settlement truly reflects the full value of your damages before agreeing to anything.

Secure Expert Legal Counsel

If you were injured in a maritime accident, don’t navigate the legal process alone. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we understand the stakes of your Jones Act lawsuit. We fight to make sure you recover compensation that reflects the true cost of your injury—past, present, and future.

Call (888) 424-5757 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Chicago. 

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.