Average Jones Act Settlement Amounts
Jones Act settlements vary widely based on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and case details. There is no single average amount. Settlements range from roughly $100,000 for milder injuries to $6 million or more for severe ones. Some extreme cases have reached tens of millions.
Settlement Ranges by Injury Type
Moderate injuries such as back or neck problems, fractures, and shoulder tears commonly settle between $250,000 and $1.2 million. More severe injuries, including spinal cord damage and traumatic brain injury (TBI), often fall between $1 million and $6 million or higher.
Here is a breakdown of typical median settlement ranges drawn from recent disclosed results and federal court data (2020–2026):
- Spinal cord / paralysis: $2.0 million – $6.0 million
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): $900,000 – $3.0 million
- Amputation / crush injury: $750,000 – $4.8 million
- Burns / chemical exposure: $500,000 – $4.0 million
- Back / neck injury: $300,000 – $1.2 million
- Shoulder / rotator cuff: $250,000 – $575,000
- Fracture / broken bone: $200,000 – $500,000
- Hearing loss / occupational disease: $120,000 – $340,000
Jury verdicts are frequently higher than settlements in the same categories.
What Affects the Amount
Several factors drive the final figure. Injury severity and the need for surgery or long-term care play a major role. Lost past and future wages, especially for younger workers with high earnings, also increase the value. Strength of the negligence or unseaworthiness evidence, age of the seaman, and jurisdiction (Gulf Coast cases often resolve higher) further influence outcomes. In addition, maintenance and cure benefits (daily living allowance plus medical care) are paid separately and regardless of fault.
Important Notes
Most cases settle rather than go to trial. Early settlements tend to be lower because insurers have less leverage pressure. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, and every claim depends on its specific facts. These figures are reference points only. They come from publicly reported law firm results, federal filings, and aggregated data; many settlements remain confidential.
This information is for general educational purposes and is not legal advice. An injured seaman should consult a qualified maritime attorney for an evaluation of their individual case.