Van Riper & Nies Attorneys - Stuart, FL

Van Riper & Nies Attorneys, P.A. — Experienced Florida Trial Lawyers & Worldwide Defense Base Act Advocates

At Van Riper & Nies Attorneys, a veteran-owned Florida law firm, partners Tim Nies, a U.S. Army Ranger Veteran, and Christian Van Riper, a former State Prosecutor and DCF investigator, combine decades of courtroom experience to fight for clients across Florida and around the world. Known as “lawyer warriors,” they represent injured civilian contractors under the Defense Base Act (DBA), longshore and maritime workers, accident victims, and families navigating divorce, dependency, or criminal-defense matters.

With offices in Stuart, West Palm Beach, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, and Boca Raton, the firm provides personal attention, strategic trial advocacy, and direct attorney access—each client receives their attorney’s personal cell number.

Defense Base Act Claims – Worldwide Representation

Attorney Tim Nies leads the firm’s global Defense Base Act practice, representing injured civilian contractors from Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Jordan, Syria, Ukraine, and beyond.

A former insurance company trial lawyer, Tim understands the playbook of DBA carriers like AIG, Allied World, CNA, and Starr Indemnity. He ensures fair average-weekly-wage calculations, prompt medical authorization, and maximum settlements for workers suffering orthopedic, neurological, and psychiatric injuries.

Tim personally prepares LS-7 position statements, LS-18 pre-hearing statements, mediation briefs, formal hearing exhibits and briefs. His experience as both an Army Ranger and insurance defense attorney allows him to counter carriers’ tactics and secure justice for those injured while supporting U.S. operations overseas.

Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)

Van Riper & Nies represents injured longshoremen, harbor workers, and port employees throughout Florida’s coastal communities. The firm manages every phase of Longshore Act claims—from filing LS-203 forms to litigating before the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Administrative Law Judges.

Tim Nies and his team ensure proper wage computation, medical-care authorization, and settlement evaluation, offering free consultations to injured maritime workers nationwide.

Personal Injury & Auto Accident Law

The firm aggressively pursues justice for victims of car, motorcycle, truck, and pedestrian accidents, as well as premises and construction-site injuries from our injury law offices in Stuart, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton and Deerfield Beach.

Because Tim Nies previously represented defendants and insurance companies in defense cases, he knows how to challenge low settlement offers and maximize recovery. Recent DBA and settlements include $850,000 for spinal injuries, $669,000 for training-related injuries, and multiple six-figure results for slip-and-fall and motor-vehicle victims.

Criminal Defense & DUI Defense

Attorney Christian Van Riper brings years of prosecutorial experience to his criminal-defense practice. He has handled hundreds of cases—from misdemeanors and DUIs to complex felonies such as grand theft, arson, robbery, and sexual battery, and argued countless motions and appeals.

As a former Florida Prosecutor, he understands how the State builds its cases and uses that insight to craft strong, proactive defenses. Christian’s background as a DCF investigator adds a vital dimension in cases involving domestic violence or dependency issues, where family welfare and criminal law intersect.

Family & Dependency Law

Christian Van Riper also represents clients in divorce, custody (timesharing), child support, alimony, relocation, and injunction matters.

His DCF experience investigating child-abuse cases gives him unique insight into Florida’s dependency system and child-safety assessments. Whether pursuing or defending dependency petitions, Christian provides steady guidance, compassionate counsel, and a firm understanding of the emotional realities facing families in transition.

Veterans Helping Veterans

As a disabled U.S. Army Ranger Veteran, Tim Nies honors his service by representing fellow veterans and offering a 20% discount on family law and criminal defense fees for honorably discharged service members. The firm supports veterans’ causes and understands the unique challenges facing military families and defense contractors returning from deployment.

Accessible, Client-Focused Representation

Van Riper & Nies believe that communication builds trust. Every client receives their attorney’s direct cell number, ensuring real-time access for questions, updates, or emergencies. The firm’s attorneys pride themselves on being hands-on, proactive, and approachable, whether resolving cases through negotiation, mediation, or trial.

Office Locations & Contact

Stuart Office: 900 SE Ocean Blvd, Suite 140-E, Stuart, FL 34994 | (772) 283-8712

West Palm Beach: 801 Northpoint Pkwy, Suite 375, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 | (561) 948-5588

Deerfield Beach: 10 Fairway Dr, Suite 139, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 | (954) 369-0776

Delray Beach: 55 SE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33444 | (561) 894-9862

Boca Raton: 9825 Marina Blvd, Suite 100A, Boca Raton, FL 33428 | (561) 948-5589