Maritime Injury and Jones Act Lawsuit Loans
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Life on the water can be demanding. Whether you work on a cargo ship, tugboat, offshore oil rig, cruise vessel, or commercial fishing boat, one accident can leave you seriously injured and unable to earn a living.
Maritime laws like the Jones Act were created to protect maritime workers and other parties, giving them the right to seek compensation through civil action. However, these cases often take time to resolve, leaving plaintiffs in tough financial positions as they wait for their day in court.
That’s where pre-settlement funding, also known as lawsuit loans, can help. It’s a cash advance that can keep you financially afloat as you wait for your case to end.
Apply for pre-settlement funding today or read on to learn more about maritime lawsuit loans.
Key Takeaways
- Maritime laws like the Jones Act, DOHSA, and LHWCA protect workers who are injured on navigable waters and may allow you to seek compensation for your losses.[2][3][4]
- Jones Act lawsuits let qualifying seamen sue their employers for negligence, which can include claims for lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.[5]
- Jones Act settlements can range from thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the severity of your injuries and the strength of your case.[7][8]
- These lawsuits often take months or longer to resolve, which can create serious financial pressure while you wait.[11]
- Maritime lawsuit loans can give you access to cash now, with no repayment required unless you win your case.
What Is a Maritime Lawsuit?
A maritime lawsuit is a legal claim filed under federal law when you are injured on or near navigable waters. Maritime law, also called admiralty law, extends to any navigable waters within the United States, including oceans, rivers, and offshore platforms. It applies to both commercial and non-commercial (recreational) activity.[1]
Some maritime law applies to civilians, such as passengers injured in cruise accidents or people hurt in recreational boating accidents.[1] For example, the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) applies when a person dies due to any wrongful actions on the high seas, which is beyond three nautical miles from U.S. shores.[2] In these cases, certain family members may file a claim for financial losses related to the death.
There are also specific laws that apply to workers. One of the most well-known maritime laws is the Jones Act. The Jones Act allows injured seamen to sue their employers for negligence if unsafe conditions caused their injuries.[3] We’ll discuss Jones Act Lawsuits in more detail below.
If you work on docks, in shipyards, or at ports rather than on a vessel at sea, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) may apply to you. This federal law provides benefits to injured maritime workers who are not considered seamen under the Jones Act.[4]
What Is a Jones Act Lawsuit?
The Jones Act is a federal law that protects maritime workers who spend more than 30% of their time working on a vessel in navigable waters. In general, you must contribute to the function of the vessel and have a substantial connection to it to qualify as a seaman under the law.[5]
Under the Jones Act, you can file a lawsuit against your employer if their negligence, such as unsafe conditions, poor training, or defective equipment caused your injury. This gives you the opportunity to seek damages for full lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.[5]
Jones Act compensation is unlike traditional workers’ compensation, which is not based on fault and only covers partial wage replacement and medical bills.[6]
Common injuries in Jones Act cases include:[5]
- Broken bones
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Loss of limbs
- Hearing loss
- Vision loss
- Death
These are serious injuries that can result in high medical bills, inability to work, and both physical and emotional trauma. If you qualify, a Jones Act lawsuit can help you recover money for medical bills, lost earnings capacity, pain and suffering, and loss of ability to enjoy life.[5]
Maritime and Jones Act Average Settlement Amounts
How much compensation can you expect from a maritime lawsuit? This is one of the most frequently asked questions, but the truth is that settlement amounts can vary widely.
Jones Act settlements can range from $100,000 to more than $10 million, depending on the severity of the injury and long-term impact on your ability to work.[7][8]
For cases brought under the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA), damages are limited to financial losses suffered by surviving family members, such as lost income and funeral expenses.[4] This tends to limit compensation more than the Jones Act.
Under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), benefits are based on your average weekly wage and the extent of your disability, since it’s a wage-replacement system rather than a traditional lawsuit.[4]
Several factors can affect your settlement. These include the seriousness of your injuries, your lost wages and future earning capacity, your medical costs, the strength of the evidence, and whether your employer clearly acted negligently.[10] In general, the more severe and long-lasting your injuries, the higher your potential compensation may be.
How Long Do Maritime and Jones Act Lawsuits Usually Take?
Maritime injury claims can take more than a year to resolve, especially cases filed under the Jones Act. This is because these cases are complex, and are typically heard in state or federal courts, which often have longer wait times than local courts.[11]
The timeline depends on the severity of your injuries, the amount of evidence involved, how clear liability is, the court’s schedule, and whether your case settles or goes to trial. A maritime lawsuit settled outside of court often moves faster, while full litigation can take longer.[11]
When a Jones Act or Maritime Lawsuit Loan Might Make Sense
Your lawyer tells you that you have a strong Jones Act or maritime case. You may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, medical costs, and pain and suffering. The problem is that maritime lawsuits can take years to resolve. And right now, you need money to keep your household running.
You could be facing surgery, physical therapy, or long-term treatment. Meanwhile, your regular bills—rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, and insurance—are still due.
You may be receiving workers’ compensation. However, those payments are often limited and may not fully replace your lost income.
If this sounds like your situation, a Jones Act or maritime lawsuit loan could help. Pre-settlement funding is a cash advance based on your expected settlement. It can give you financial breathing room while your case moves forward. And because this funding is nonrecourse, you only repay it if you win your case. If you do not recover compensation, you do not owe us anything.
Think You Have a Case?
Call us toll-free at (877) USClaims to speak with a friendly funding specialist today.
Who Qualifies for Pre-Settlement Funding?
You may be eligible for pre-settlement funding if you meet the following criteria:
- You’re working with an attorney on a contingency basis. In most maritime and Jones Act cases, lawyers work on contingency, which means they only get paid if you win your case.[12]
- You have an active personal injury claim. This could be a Jones Act lawsuit, a maritime negligence claim, or another qualifying injury case tied to an accident on navigable waters.
- You have a strong case with supporting evidence. The strength of your claim—such as proof of employer negligence, unsafe working conditions, or serious injury—plays a role in approval.
At USClaims, we do not base our decision on your credit score. Instead, approval is based on the merit of your case. If your attorney believes you have a solid claim, you may have options for funding while you wait for your settlement.
Jones Act and Maritime Lawsuit Loan Process
If you’re ready to explore pre-settlement funding, the process is simple and designed to move quickly. Here’s how it works:
- Hire an attorney on a contingency basis: Many personal injury lawyers work on contingency, which means they only get paid if you win your case.[12] You must have legal representation before applying for funding.
- File your maritime or Jones Act claim: Your attorney will investigate your accident, gather evidence, and formally file your claim. This step is important because funding is based on the strength and value of your active case.
- Apply for pre-settlement funding with your attorney’s help: You and your lawyer will submit basic case information to us. We review the details, including liability and potential damages, to determine approval.
- Receive your funds: If approved, you can receive money in as little as 24 business hours.* You can use the funds to cover rent, mortgage payments, groceries, medical bills, or other living expenses while your case moves forward.
- Resolve your case: If you win or reach a settlement, you repay the advance in one lump sum from your proceeds. If you lose your case, you do not need to repay us. Because funding is nonrecourse, there is no personal risk to you.
Benefits of Lawsuit Loans for Maritime Cases
When you’re hurt at sea, the financial stress can feel just as heavy as the injury itself. Pre-settlement funding can ease that pressure and give you room to focus on healing while your maritime lawsuit moves forward.
Pay Your Bills on Time
When your paycheck stops, your bills do not. Rent or mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, and insurance premiums are still due each month. Falling behind can damage your credit score and lead to collection actions.[13]
Pre-settlement funding can help you stay current. With USClaims, funding typically ranges from $500 to $1,000,000, depending on your case. That cash can help you avoid high-interest credit cards or loans while protecting your credit score as you wait for your settlement.
Wait for a Fair Settlement
Maritime lawsuits, including Jones Act settlements, can take months or even years to resolve. During that time, insurance companies may offer low settlements in hopes that you feel pressured to accept.
With pre-settlement funding, you’re not forced to settle early just to pay your bills. Instead, you can work with your attorney to pursue a fair and accurate settlement that reflects your medical costs, lost wages, and long-term impact.
It’s Nonrecourse
Pre-settlement funding is nonrecourse. That means you only repay the advance if you win or settle your case. If you do not recover compensation, you owe nothing. There are no personal guarantees and no risk to your savings, home, or other assets.
No Restrictions on How You Use the Money
Once your funds are deposited, the money is yours to use as you see fit. We do not require receipts or limit how you spend it. Many injured maritime workers use the funds for rent or mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, medical travel, rehabilitation costs, car payments, or childcare. Your situation is unique, and the choice is yours.
No Monthly Payments
Pre-settlement funding isn’t a traditional loan. You do not make monthly payments while your case is ongoing. If you win, you repay the advance in one lump sum from your settlement proceeds. If you lose, there is nothing to repay. That structure can give you peace of mind during an already stressful time.
See How Pre-Settlement Funding Has Helped People Like You
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with USC in the past. USC does not control the content of such reviews.
with USC in the past. USC does not control the content of such reviews.
Where USClaims Provides Funding
There are many states where we provide funding—in fact, we provide funding in 45 out of 50 states in the U.S. Because state laws differ, we’re not able to provide funding in Arkansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Montana, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Get the Financial Support You Need During Your Maritime or Jones Act Lawsuit
A maritime injury can leave you facing medical bills, lost income, and a lawsuit that may take months or longer to resolve. While the Jones Act and other maritime laws protect injured workers, financial pressure can build quickly.
You don’t have to face this chapter alone. If you have an active maritime or Jones Act injury claim and are working with an attorney, pre-settlement funding can give you the financial breathing room you need while your lawsuit progresses.
If you qualify, you can receive funds quickly, use the money for any expense, and repay nothing unless you win your case. Apply now or call us today at 1-877-USCLAIMS to learn more.
Maritime & Jones Act Lawsuit Loan FAQs
Are Jones Act lawsuit loans different from other maritime lawsuit loans?
Jones Act lawsuit loans are a type of maritime lawsuit loan specifically designed for injured seamen who qualify under the Jones Act. While the funding process is similar to other maritime injury cases, Jones Act claims often involve unique legal standards, employer liability rules, and stronger protections for workers.[5]
How long does it take to get approved for a maritime lawsuit loan?
At USClaims, you could receive approval in as little as 24 business hours.*
How much are maritime injury settlements worth?
Maritime injury settlements can vary widely depending on the type of accident, severity of the injury, and whether the worker qualifies under laws like the Jones Act. Some cases may settle for tens of thousands of dollars, while serious injuries involving surgery, long-term disability, or lost earning capacity can reach six or seven figures.[7][8]
Have Questions?
Our pre-settlement funding experts will walk you through our entire process.
Sources
- Legal Information Institute (Cornell Law School). “Admiralty Law.” https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/admiralty
- Legal Information Institute (Cornell Law School). “Death on the High Seas Act.” https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/46/subtitle-III/chapter-303
- Legal Information Institute (Cornell Law School). “Jones Act.” https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/jones_act
- U.S. Department of Labor. “Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act.” https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/dlhwc
- Maritime Injury Guide. “Jones Act Lawsuit.” https://www.maritimeinjuryguide.org/jones-act/jones-act-lawsuit/
- U.S. Department of Labor. “Workers’ Compensation.” https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/workcomp
- O’Bryan Law. “Jones Act Settlements.” https://obryanlaw.net/settlements/
- Boat Law LLP. “Notable Jones Act Claim Results.” https://www.boatlaw.com/admiralty-maritime-law-firm/jones-act-attorney/
- Justia.com. “The Death on the High Seas Act & Lawsuits.” https://www.justia.com/admiralty/the-death-on-the-high-seas-act-and-fatal-maritime-accidents/
- Maritime Injury Guide. “Compensation Covered Under the Jones Act.” https://www.maritimeinjuryguide.org/jones-act/compensation-jones-act/
- Maritime Injury Guide. “Jones Act Lawyer.” https://www.maritimeinjuryguide.org/jones-act/jones-act-lawyer/
- Legal Information Institute (Cornell Law School). “Contingent Fee.” https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/contingent_fee
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “What Is a Credit Report?” https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-credit-report-en-309/
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “Lawsuit Settlement Advances.” https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-lawsuit-settlement-advance-en-1801/
*Funding subject to approval. We typically fund within 24 business-day hours after we receive a fully-executed contract. Additional restrictions may apply. Contact for details.
**2X CAP may not be applicable for all types of cases and/or jurisdictions.
Disclaimer
Throughout this website, the term “loan” may be used for convenience to describe pre-settlement funding. However, such transactions are not loans in the legal sense. Repayment is strictly contingent upon the successful resolution of your case. If your case is unsuccessful, no repayment is required. Common terms like “lawsuit loan” are used colloquially but misrepresent the nonrecourse nature of pre-settlement funding.
