Nationally Recognized Boat Accident & Injury Lawyers
The maritime lawyers at BoatLaw, LLP (formerly Anderson Carey Williams & Neidzwski) have decades of experience litigating personal injury and death claims after boating accidents. When you work with us, you can expect competent-but-compassionate care from top-rated attorneys focused solely on injury cases involving boating injuries and accidents at sea.
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 Boating Injury Case Results
We are known for the compassionate care we give our clients and our long history of successful offshore injury cases:
| 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 ->
How Injury Lawsuits Work for Boating Accidents
How to File a Boating Injury Case
- Make sure you qualify for a claim by consulting a maritime injury 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 claims are resolved in 12 to 36 months
Contact us for a free consultation with an expert boat accident 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 Boating Injury and Accident Cases
The attorneys and legal team at BoatLaw, LLP are ready to assist boat accident victims in Washington, California, Oregon, Alaska, and Florida.
| 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 | Boat accident lawyers serving Alaska |
|
| Florida | Boat accident lawyers serving Florida |
Boat Injury Legal FAQ
Who may be liable after a boating collision?
In boat collision cases, the ship’s owner is usually liable, particularly if the collision resulted from inadequate maintenance or safety guidelines. Crew members, including the captain, can also be held liable if their negligence or errors contributed to the incident. Additionally, the company operating the ship might be responsible if they failed to comply with safety standards or properly train their crew.
The Jones Act allows crew members to seek compensation from their employers for injuries suffered in a collision due to the employer’s negligence.
Unseaworthiness claims target a ship’s owner if the vessel’s condition caused the accident. Showing negligence by the employer is not necessary in an unseaworthiness claim.
When a recreational boat operator or a passenger is involved in a collision at sea, resulting in personal injuries, they also may have the right to pursue a general maritime personal injury claim against the party responsible for the accident.
Additionally, the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) is relevant, particularly in tragic circumstances where fatalities occur because of boat collisions. DOHSA covers deaths that occur beyond the country’s territorial waters, typically more than 3 nautical miles from its shoreline. DOHSA covers seamen, fishermen, and other maritime workers, as well as passengers on ships. This act allows family members to seek compensation for deaths caused by negligence occurring on the high seas.
Potential damages after a boating injury
Under Jones Act claims and general maritime unseaworthiness claims, injured crew members can get compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and future earning capacity in cases of negligence. Maintenance and cure claims cover the victim’s medical treatment and living expenses during recovery, regardless of fault.
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act allows injured maritime workers like dockworkers to claim medical benefits and compensation for lost wages.
In a general maritime claim involving a non-employee passenger victim or a victim harmed by a third party, damages can include compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In cases of wrongful death under the Jones Act, the family of the deceased can seek compensation for their loss, including financial support the deceased would have provided and funeral expenses.
Partial fault of the victim, known as comparative negligence, can affect the amount of damages received in certain Jones Act claims and general maritime injury claims. Under this rule, if the victim is partly at fault for the collision or their injuries, the compensation can be reduced proportionally to their amount of fault.
Steps to take after a boat accident
After a boat collision, victims should:
- Ensure safety and seek medical attention for any injuries.
- Report the incident to the appropriate authorities, including the Coast Guard and employer, if applicable.
- Contact a maritime lawyer.
A lawyer plays a major role in helping victims. They offer legal advice, helping victims understand their rights under maritime laws. The lawyer can investigate the collision, gather evidence, and identify liable parties. They help file claims, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent the victim in court if necessary. A boat collision lawyer aims for the victim to receive the most compensation possible for their injuries, losses, and other damages resulting from the collision. They can manage the legal process, making it less overwhelming for the victim.
Boat injury case deadlines
There are strict deadlines for filing legal claims.
| Case Area | Statute of Limitations |
| Negligence under Jones Act or Unseaworthiness | 3 years |
| Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) | 3 years |
| LHWCA Claims | 1 year |
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!
