Boating and Maritime Injuries

Injuries on the water are governed by a unique mix of state law and federal maritime law. Recreational boaters, cruise passengers and maritime workers each face different rules — and missing one of them can affect your claim.

We represent people injured in boating collisions, personal watercraft accidents, marina and dock incidents and cruise ship accidents, and we evaluate maritime worker claims that may fall under specialized federal statutes.

Case Types We Handle

Our Boating and Maritime Injuries practice includes 12 case types. Select one to learn more.

• Recreational Boating AccidentsRecreational boating accidents involve collisions, falls overboard and capsizing, often caused by operator inattention or impairment.
• Jet Ski / Personal Watercraft AccidentsPersonal watercraft accidents involve high speeds, inexperienced operators and rental businesses.
• Boat Collision AccidentsBoat collision accidents occur when operators fail to keep a proper lookout or follow navigation rules.
• Boat Passenger InjuriesBoat passenger injuries can result from sudden maneuvers, wakes, collisions and unsafe vessel conditions.
• Marina and Dock AccidentsMarina and dock accidents involve slippery surfaces, broken boards, poor lighting and unsafe boarding areas.
• Ferry AccidentsFerry accidents involve passenger vessels operated by public or private carriers held to high safety standards.
• Cruise Ship Passenger InjuriesCruise ship passenger injuries include slips, medical negligence and assaults, and tickets often impose short deadlines.
• Commercial Fishing InjuriesCommercial fishing injuries happen in one of the most dangerous occupations and may involve maritime law.
• Offshore Worker InjuriesOffshore worker injuries on platforms and vessels may be governed by specialized federal maritime laws.
• Jones Act Seafarer Injury ClaimsJones Act claims allow qualifying seamen injured through employer negligence to seek compensation under federal maritime law.
• Longshore and Harbor Worker Injury ClaimsLongshore and harbor worker claims involve federal compensation rules for workers on docks, terminals and shipyards.
• Maritime Wrongful DeathMaritime wrongful death claims may be governed by federal maritime law and statutes that differ from state wrongful death law.

Common Causes of Boating and Maritime Injuries

• Operator inattention and excessive speed
• Boating under the influence
• Inexperienced or untrained operators
• Defective vessels and equipment
• Unsafe docks, gangways and marinas
• Inadequate safety equipment or crew

Injuries and Losses We See

• Drowning and near-drowning injuries
• Propeller injuries and lacerations
• Head and spinal injuries
• Fractures from falls on deck
• Fatal injuries

Maritime Law and Specialized Claims

Federal maritime law can apply to accidents on navigable waters, and cruise ship tickets often include strict notice and filing deadlines and forum requirements. Seamen, longshore and harbor workers may have rights under specialized federal laws that are different from ordinary workers' compensation. We review these issues at the outset of every case.

How We Investigate Boating and Maritime Injuries Claims

Strong cases are built on evidence gathered early. Depending on the facts, we work to obtain:

• Coast Guard and incident reports
• Vessel maintenance and safety records
• Crew training and staffing records
• Weather and navigation data

Who May Be Responsible

More than one party may share responsibility, which can increase the insurance coverage available. Potentially liable parties include:

• Boat operators and owners
• Cruise lines and ferry operators
• Marina and dock owners
• Vessel employers and equipment manufacturers

What to Do After an Incident

1. Call 911 and get medical attention, even if you feel fine
2. Report the crash to police and get the report number
3. Photograph the vehicles, scene, road conditions and your injuries
4. Exchange insurance information and collect witness contact details
5. Avoid giving recorded statements to the other driver's insurer
6. Speak with an attorney before signing anything

Compensation You May Be Able to Recover

Depending on the facts and the law that applies, a claim may include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain, suffering and emotional distress
• Rehabilitation, long-term care and home modification costs
• Property damage and other out-of-pocket losses

Why Acting Early Matters

Every state sets deadlines for filing injury claims, and claims involving government entities can require formal notice within a much shorter time. Video footage, records and physical evidence can be lost quickly. Speaking with an attorney early protects your options.

How Our Attorneys Can Help

We investigate what happened, deal with the insurance companies, document the full extent of your losses and pursue a fair settlement — and we are prepared to go to court when an insurer will not be reasonable. Personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis: you pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you. Consultations are free and confidential.