Injured? Protect Your Rights.

30+ years of experience protecting injured victims.

Experienced Maritime Lawyer

We Protect the Rights of Maritime Injury Victims

If you have been injured in a maritime accident, the Willis Law Firm is here to help. We have over 30 years of experience protecting the rights of workers and other individuals who have suffered serious maritime injuries. Our firm understands that the legal system can be intimidating and confusing for injury victims. We are here to answer your questions in the strictest confidence and guide you through every step of the legal process.

Maritime injuries and accidents can have catastrophic, life-changing consequences for victims and their families. In addition to your initial pain and suffering, you may experience serious ongoing medical problems that prevent you from reaching a full recovery and returning to work. While your employer may promise to take care of you and find you a new position that accommodates your injuries, these types of promises are often not fulfilled. Far too often employers and their insurance companies deny responsibility and look for ways to limit the amount of compensation they are required to pay injured workers.

Whether you have been injured on a ship, jack-up oil rig, offshore platform, barge, tugboat , fishing boat, or other type of vessel, you need a strong team of experienced Jones Act and maritime lawyers on your side. It is important to remember that your interests and the interests of your employer are not always aligned. At the end of the day your employer will be looking out for its own interests. David Willis, a Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer, can protect your rights and fight for the compensation you need to recover from your injuries and move forward with your life.

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For 30 years we have recovered millions for our clients. See what they say:

When my dad was diagnosed with cancer due to toxic chemicals in some holding tanks, our family talked to many law firms, but chose Mr. Willis as our attorney. He worked tirelessly throughout the legal process and saw to it that our family and our needs were well taken care of. He remains a friend of our family and we highly recommend him to anyone who needs someone to fight for them.- Lindsey C.

"Mr. Willis came highly recommended by a senior partner in a major corporate law firm. Willis battled the chemical companies and won our case. Even 15 years later, he is still a close friend of the entire family."- Melissa C.

"When my husband got seriously injured we interviewed lots of trial lawyers until we met Mr. Willis. Instantly we knew he was the one. He didn’t let us down. His tenacity and fight changed our lives."- Sherry Lynn B.

"As a trial lawyer & former Texas Judge, when my own daughter got seriously injured, I thought of no other lawyer to call to handle my daughter’s injury case except David Willis."- Ben C.

"When my husband was diagnosed with AML Leukemia from benzene exposure, we interviewed numerous attorneys, but choose Mr. Willis. He fought for us every step of the way and his office was always there for us. In fact, Mr. Willis even took my husband on his last deer hunting trip 10 months before he died. We trusted Mr. Willis and he didn't let us down." - Isabel H.

"After I got seriously injured I felt lost and helpless. My father suggested I call Attorney Willis to help. His legal staff was amazing. Extremely patient and always called back when they promised. They were always available for me and helped push my case along fairly quickly. I highly recommend them to anyone I know."- Melvin D.

"After our son was killed in an explosion we needed help. A neighbor had used Willis when his mom died and recommended we do too. Willis was the right choice. Though his law office was 100's of miles away, he was always there for us. Willis always kept his word and fought tirelessly throughout the entire case. Years after the settlement, we still consider Willis a friend we can call upon and have recommended to others too." - Maxine G

"Mr. Willis did an incredible job for us on a lawsuit involving my mom’s death. Over the last 20 years I have proudly recommended him to many close friends when they needed a lawyer. I know for a fact he did agreat job on each of their cases and they all thanked me again for giving them his name. Willis is a one of a kind lawyer. His doors are always open. I can still call him up and “shoot the breeze” with him. Don’t hesitate to call him if you too need help."- J.L.N

Over 30 Years we've recovered Millions, Millions & Millions for our Clients

When my dad was diagnosed with cancer due to toxic chemicals in some holding tanks, our family talked to many law firms, but chose Mr. Willis as our attorney. He worked tirelessly throughout the legal process and saw to it that our family and our needs were well taken care of. He remains a friend of our family and we highly recommend him to anyone who needs someone to fight for them.- Lindsey C.

"Mr. Willis came highly recommended by a senior partner in a major corporate law firm. Willis battled the chemical companies and won our case. Even 15 years later, he is still a close friend of the entire family."- Melissa C.

"When my husband got seriously injured we interviewed lots of trial lawyers until we met Mr. Willis. Instantly we knew he was the one. He didn’t let us down. His tenacity and fight changed our lives."- Sherry Lynn B.

"As a trial lawyer & former Texas Judge, when my own daughter got seriously injured, I thought of no other lawyer to call to handle my daughter’s injury case except David Willis."- Ben C.

"When my husband was diagnosed with AML Leukemia from benzene exposure, we interviewed numerous attorneys, but choose Mr. Willis. He fought for us every step of the way and his office was always there for us. In fact, Mr. Willis even took my husband on his last deer hunting trip 10 months before he died. We trusted Mr. Willis and he didn't let us down." - Isabel H.

"After I got seriously injured I felt lost and helpless. My father suggested I call Attorney Willis to help. His legal staff was amazing. Extremely patient and always called back when they promised. They were always available for me and helped push my case along fairly quickly. I highly recommend them to anyone I know."- Melvin D.

"After our son was killed in an explosion we needed help. A neighbor had used Willis when his mom died and recommended we do too. Willis was the right choice. Though his law office was 100's of miles away, he was always there for us. Willis always kept his word and fought tirelessly throughout the entire case. Years after the settlement, we still consider Willis a friend we can call upon and have recommended to others too." - Maxine G

"Mr. Willis did an incredible job for us on a lawsuit involving my mom’s death. Over the last 20 years I have proudly recommended him to many close friends when they needed a lawyer. I know for a fact he did agreat job on each of their cases and they all thanked me again for giving them his name. Willis is a one of a kind lawyer. His doors are always open. I can still call him up and “shoot the breeze” with him. Don’t hesitate to call him if you too need help."- J.L.N

What Do You Need Help With?

The Jones Act is a federal law that governs the liability of vessel operators and marine employers for work-related injuries or the death of an employee.

Jones Act

Maritime law provides legal rights and remedies for maritime workers who have suffered an offshore or inland waterway injury during the course of employment.

Maritime Law

Individuals who have been injured while on a ship, vessel, offshore platform or other maritime structure are entitled to compensation from employers and other parties responsible for their injuries

Maritime Injuries

Seamen injured while in the service of a vessel are entitled to receive maintenance (compensation for daily living costs) and cure (compensation for medical expenses) benefits from their employer.

Maintenance and Cure

Workers and other individuals who have been injured on an inland waterway, such as a river, canal or lake, are entitled to receive compensation for their injuries.

Inland Waterway Injuries

Individuals who are injured while working on an offshore platform, rig, drilling ship or other seagoing vessel have the right to seek compensation for injuries and accidental death.

Offshore Injuries

Why Choose The Willis Law Firm?

Confidential Free Consultations

If you have questions we are here to help. We offer free initial consultations and everything you tell us will be kept strictly confidential even if you decide not to hire our firm.

Same Day Return
Phone Calls/Emails

We know that the legal system can be confusing. Our firm is here to answer your questions and a lawyer will return your calls and emails the same day.

No Fee Unless We Win

Our firm takes cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will not have to pay any legal fees or expenses unless we secure compensation for you.

Multi-Lingual Staff

We want to make sure that all of our clients understand their legal rights and options. We offer a multi-lingual staff fluent in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Available 24/7/365

Injuries and accidents don’t just happen from 8-5, they can occur at any time of the day. We are here when you need us most – 24/7/365.

30+ Years Experience

If you have a Jones Act or maritime injury claim you have come to the right place. With over 30 years of experience protecting injured workers, David Willis knows the ins and outs of these complex laws.

Companies We've Had Cases Against:

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Learn More About Mr. Willis

Meet David Willis

David Willis is an experienced Jones Act and maritime injury attorney who represents injured seamen and injured workers in negligence and product liability cases nationwide. Mr. Willis has over 30 years of legal experience and is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He is a graduate of Baylor University and received his law degree at the South Texas College of Law. Mr. Willis is admitted to practice law in both Texas and New York and served as a former attorney on the Supreme Court of Texas. Currently, he is a member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, the Texas Bar Foundation and the American Association for Justice. In 2015 he was elected as a member of the Maritime Law Association of the United States (MLA). Mr. Willis is committed to representing victims of serious injuries and accidents. In every case, he builds a strong team of lawyers focused on achieving a fair and just recovery for injured victims and their families.

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You Have Questions, We Have Answers

How are Jones Act Settlements Calculated?

While you may be thinking there is an easy formula you can use to calculate your damages, the reality is that maritime injuries can be are complex. Even if you have a dollar figure in mind, you should consult with an attorney first to see what's reasonable.

How am I going to live without a steady paycheck?

Under the Jones Act, an injured seaman is entitled to receive daily compensation (maintenance) and medical (cure) payments from his or her employer. Your employer is legally required to make these payments to you regardless of who is at fault for your injuries.

Should I continue to speak with my employer about my case?

When you have been involved in a workplace accident, you should try to talk as little as possible about your case to anyone. While it is fine to maintain a friendly and amicable relationship with your employer and co-workers, you should avoid discussing the details of your accident or injuries.

Should I give a recorded statement to an investigator?

Absolutely not. If your employer or an investigator asks you to provide any type of sworn or recorded statement you should never do so until after you have talked with your attorney.

Go To the Jones Act Information Center

News Feed

Common Accidents and Injuries Sustained by Shipyard Workers

Shipyard workers, and other shoreside maritime workers, suffer from serious injuries each year. Sometimes these injuries can be as serious or even more severe than those suffered by crew members working on a vessel. Longshoremen and harbor workers, such as those working on docks, shipping terminals, or shipyards, are covered by special maritime laws such as the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. This federal law can be complicated to understand if you are unfamiliar with legal language. However, the experienced maritime attorneys at Willis Law Firm can advise you of your legal rights under all applicable state and federal laws and help you or your loved one obtain appropriate compensation for the injuries sustained while working in a shipyard or performing other maritime-related work. Our firm fights to protect injured maritime workers. Common Injuries Sustained by Shipyard and Other Shoreside Maritime Workers Shipyards are dangerous places to work, and they expose workers to the risk of serious accidents. One exposure faced by such workers is to toxic chemicals. Some of the common chemicals and toxins that shipyard workers may be exposed to include: Lead Benzene Asbestos Lead Exposure Although the federal government banned the use of lead decades ago, it still exists in some products and ships today. When lead-based paint on ships starts to peel away, it releases hazardous toxins into the air that become dangerous to shipyard workers. Maritime workers who breathe in these toxins or absorb lead through the skin can experience various health issues. According […] •••

December 31, 2020

I’m a Maritime Worker Who Was Hurt While On the Job. What Compensation Am I Entitled to Receive?

Did you know that maritime workers have a higher fatality, injury, and illness rate than other categories of workers in the United States? Maritime-related injuries and accidents occur on and off vessels for various reasons, such as owners and operators failing to maintain a safe and seaworthy vessel, slips and falls from oily deck surfaces, falling off defective ladders, and exposures to toxic chemicals, among other things. Some maritime workers are even injured while working aboard a vessel in untraditional manners. For example, several years ago, a crew member was wounded by a bread trolley in the galley of Celebrity Cruises’ Eclipse (a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Cruises). The ship’s sudden movement caused the trolley to roll, fall over, and then strike the worker in the back. The worker was awarded several million dollars for spinal injuries. There are many more stories out there where vessel workers were seriously injured. The Willis Law Firm is here to help you or a loved one obtain compensation for the damages you sustained while at work. What Laws Protect Maritime Workers? Maritime law is a niche area of law that protects maritime workers injured on the job. The protections and compensation available depends on several factors, such as the type of worker injured, where the injury occurred, and the specific details of the accident and injuries sustained. Some of the more common laws that protect maritime workers include: Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA): This applies to maritime workers injured near navigable […] •••

December 24, 2020

Common Injuries Sustained by Maritime Workers When a Vessel Capsizes or Sinks

Having a vessel capsize or sink is a dangerous scenario that could happen to maritime workers performing their duties while in navigable waters. For many, such incidents never happen. However, others have dealt with the trauma and tragedy associated with a capsized or sinking vessel. For example, in early September of 2019, a 656-foot vehicle carrier ship known as the Golden Ray overturned off the coast of Brunswick, Georgia, with crewmembers initially trapped inside of the overturned vessel. The ship had 24 people onboard, including 23 crew members and one pilot. Fortunately, the trapped crew workers were rescued after the Coast Guard’s intense rescue efforts. The rescuers performed taps on the ship’s hull to try and find the crew’s location. Finally, once they received return taps, rescuers could drill a hole into the hull and eventually rescue the crew. Although their lives were spared, some crew members sustained injuries. In another example, a cruise ship on the Yangtze River overturned during a severe storm. It was carrying over 450 people. Many passengers were injured, died, or went missing. Unfortunately, there are other stories like this one and the Golden Ray where maritime workers were hurt. The experienced maritime attorneys at Willis Law Firm help fight for the rights of injured crew members and their families like the ones injured aboard those vessels. Common Injuries Sustained By Workers Aboard a Capsized Vessel Some common injuries that a crew member could sustain from a distressed vessel that capsizes or sinks include, but […] •••

December 17, 2020

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Willis Law Firm, Offshore & Maritime Lawyer

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