Boating Accident Lawyers | Daly & Black, P.C.
855-682-3090
Home / Practice Areas / Personal Injury / Boating Accidents

Boating Accidents

Whether zipping across a reservoir with family and a pair of water skis or floating lazily along with a fishing pole and time to kill, boating enthusiasts love being on the open water. However, the unsafe operation of a boat or jet ski can transform a fun or relaxing day into a tragic experience for you and your family. At Daly & Black, P.C., our team of boating accident lawyers is well equipped to help you with it.

Types of Boating Accidents

Reckless boat and jet ski operators can severely injure innocent people who may be fishing, canoeing, water skiing or swimming. Our boating accident lawyers have the knowledge, experience and passion you need when determining who is at fault for your injuries and evaluating the maximum compensation you deserve.

We help clients who were injured in boating accidents caused by:

  • Unsafe marinas or docks
  • Defective life jackets
  • Defects in a boat’s design or performance
  • Boating under the influence (BUI)
  • Unlicensed or inexperienced boaters
  • Excess speed

Tragically, many boating accident cases can be fatal for swimmers who were struck by a reckless boat operator. In these difficult situations, you can trust our boating accident lawyers to provide you and your family with compassionate assistance while aggressively working to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Damages in a Boating Accident Case

We always hope that the thousands of boat and jet ski owners nationwide take the necessary precautions to ensure our common safety. Unfortunately, many boat owners and operators aren’t aware of their responsibilities or fail to adhere to appropriate regulations and laws. These negligent oversights can have several devastating consequences, including wrongful death by drowning or life-ending injuries.

You may be eligible to recover compensation for other damages, including:

  • Destruction of personal property
  • Mental anguish
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost wages and earning potential
  • Lifestyle accommodations for mental or physical disability
  • Medical care costs

In some cases, families may be able to recover punitive damages if the person who caused the injuries or death committed gross negligence or performed a willful bad act. Punitive damages “make an example” of a defendant by punishing them with additional compensation for the victim’s family.

Common Questions

  • How long after a boating accident can you sue?

    In many states across the U.S., you have up to two years to file a lawsuit following injury in a boating accident. However, waiting to take action is not a good idea.

    Establishing liability can become increasingly difficult when a significant amount of time has passed. This can impact everything from your settlement to your ability to file at all. It is best to take action as soon as possible to help avoid unnecessary complications.

  • What is the maximum settlement for a boating accident?

    The best way to determine what your claim is worth is through a one-on-one consultation with an experienced boating accident lawyer as some states have no upper threshold for economic damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and other objectively verifiable damages.

  • How is a boating accident settlement paid out?

    In most boating accident claims, the insurance company of the liable party will be responsible for making payment. This may be done as a structured settlement, where you are paid over a period of time or as a lump sum payment, made all at once following a settlement or verdict.

    Your lawyer can help you determine which scenario makes the most sense for your needs.

  • How much does the lawyer get in a boating accident settlement?

    A majority of boating accident attorneys work on a contingency basis. This means that you will pay your lawyer a portion of your final settlement or verdict. This amount should be agreed to prior to hiring an attorney. It does not include court fees, which you will be responsible for regardless of the outcome of your claim.

    Unlike several personal injury firms, we do not charge interest on contingency fees. With us, there are no hidden fees, no buried costs, and no surprises.

  • How long does it take to get money from a boating accident settlement?

    It typically takes around six weeks to get compensation following a boating accident settlement. Depending on the specifics of your case, your compensation may come sooner or take a bit longer.