Boat Accident Lawyer

Our Award-Winning Boat Attorneys Handle Accidents, Injuries and Assaults at Sea

Our boating accident lawyers at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. are recognized as the nation’s leading personal injury lawyers for recreational boating accidents. No matter where you are located in the U.S., our 16 full-time personal injury lawyers are available to help at one of our eight office locations across the country. We opened our doors back in 1971, and for the last 50 years have fought for the compensation and justice our clients deserve.

Collectively, our attorneys have more than 200 years of experience handling boat accident lawsuits and personal injury claims. We are also regularly recognized for our achievements through numerous awards and accolades, including being selected for “Lawyer of the Year”® in Admiralty and Maritime, four of our attorneys being selected as “Best Lawyers” ® in America, and the firm being named as one of the “Best Law Firms” ® annually since 2016 by US News & World Report.

We have successfully recovered over $450 million for our clients over the last five decades and that number only continues to grow. You can rely on our unmatched success in holding the boat operator and other liable parties accountable for their negligence in your boat accident claim. In fact, our founder Charles Lipcon has helped pave how the country handles maritime accident and boat injury claims. Many of our attorneys often appear on talk shows and national news programs as experts in maritime accidents, boating collisions, and personal injury claims.

When you are feeling intimidated thinking about going up against the liable party, you can rest easier knowing our legal experience is backing you up. Read on to learn more about how our boat accident attorneys can help you demand justice. Do not hesitate to contact us as soon as possible to schedule your 100% free consultation so we can start building a compelling case against those responsible for your injuries.

How is Liability Determined?

Determining liability in boating accidents involves assessing who was at fault for the incident, which can vary based on the circumstances and the state in which the accident occurred. Generally, liability is established by proving negligence, which means demonstrating that a party failed to exercise reasonable care, leading to the accident and resulting injuries.

State laws may play a role in determining liability. Each state has its own set of boating regulations that operators must follow. For example, some states have specific laws regarding age requirements for operators, mandatory safety courses, and equipment standards while others do not. For instance, Florida has no minimum age requirement for operating a boat, while others do. Violations of these laws can significantly impact liability determinations. These local regulations can influence how liability is assessed in the event of an accident. Further, some boating accidents occur on waters which are not capable of supporting interstate commerce and, thus, not subject to general maritime laws. In those cases, state and local laws would apply.

Maritime law may apply if the accident occurred on waters capable of supporting interstate commerce. Maritime law has its own set of rules and standards for determining liability, which can differ from state laws. This can include considerations like the Jones Act for seamen or the Limitation of Liability Act for vessel owners. It’s crucial to work with attorneys who understand just how complex maritime law can really be.

At Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., our experienced attorneys are well-versed in both state and maritime laws. We meticulously analyze each case to identify all liable parties, whether it’s the boat operator, manufacturer, or another entity, ensuring our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

Why Choose Our Firm?

Making a maritime injury claim requires an understanding of the causes of boating and water sports accidents, as well as the laws applicable to noncommercial boating accident claims.

Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. attorneys have been named to Best Law Firms by US News & World Report, and have been featured on national television hundreds of times discussing maritime law and marine accidents. Our firm is prepared to handle recreational boating and water sport claims and we can provide you with the legal representation you need if you or someone you love is hurt or killed.

We Regularly Appear on National Television as Maritime Law Experts 

Our boating accident lawyers are frequently asked by all of the major new outlets globally to comment on maritime and boating-related topics, including CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox News, The Washington Post, BBC, Time Magazine, Good Morning America, and many more. When a major maritime accident or injury occurs, major media outlets seek the expertise of attorneys at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. From cruise ship accidents and sexual assaults to boating accidents and oil spills, our firm helps analyze the legal implications of maritime events.

Locations We Serve

Types of Boating Accident Cases Handled by Our Firm

Typically, a boating or vessel accident involves an accident or injury that takes place on a ship, boat, or another type of water vessel. For instance, an accident that takes place on a ship could involve injuries that were sustained by a passenger due to the negligence of a ship worker. Another type of accident might involve someone who was recklessly operating a boat or other water vehicle.  This also includes jet ski or waverunner injury claims.

To be clear, the U.S. Coast Guard notes that a boat accident has occurred when either an individual on a vessel dies or becomes hurt beyond that which first aid can repair, an individual who is on a vessel disappears and it is presumed that the individual has either died or has been injured, or a vessel incurs damage or causes damage to other property.

At Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., our boat accident lawyers have extensive experience representing passengers and crew members around the country who sustain injuries at sea. The most common types of claims we can assist with include:

• Boating Accidents
• Yacht Accidents
• Jet Ski, Waverunner, and Personal Watercraft Accidents
• Parasailing Accidents
• Cruise Ship Passenger Accidents
• Cruise Ship Rape & Sexual Assault
• Cruise Ship Overboard & Drowning Accidents
• Seafarer and Crewmember Injuries
• Ship Asbestos Claims
• And many more

With a wide array of experience in maritime and admiralty cases, our boat accident lawyers know what it takes to get you the highest possible compensation for your injuries.

Our Results

Since 1971, our firm has settled and tried to verdict thousands of cases involving maritime injuries. With more than $450 million recovered for our clients, our firm has a proven track record of performance protecting victims of maritime accidents. We have over 200 years of combined experience helping victims in a wide array of maritime cases, including boat accidents.

• $25.8 million for seaman burn injuries. A 27-year-old seaman suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns over 80% of his body on a freighter after the engine exploded.
• $3.5 million for an eye injury on a cruise ship. A 38-year-old woman suffered an eye injury after being struck by an elastic exercise band at a cruise ship gym.
• $276,000 for a cruise ship slip and fall injury. A 30-year-old man sustained a lower back injury after slipping and falling down a flight of stairs on a Sky Cruise.
• $120,000 for a back injury on a yacht. A 22-year-old man suffered a herniated disk while working on a yacht.

In addition, our boat accident lawyers have extensive experience with cruise ship rape and sexual assault cases. We have helped clients get justice and compensation from some of the largest cruise lines in the world.

In every case, we serve our clients with compassion and legal excellence. If you sustain injuries on a ship, whether you’re a passenger or crew member, we are here for you.

Common Reasons for Boating Accidents

A day on the water can quickly turn into a tragedy when you are participating in any water sports or engaging in any recreational boating activities. Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. provides representation to injured clients or their families after:

• Boating Accidents
• Yacht Accidents
• Parasailing Accidents
• Jet Ski Accidents

Our boating accident FAQs provide you with some basic information about your rights after you experience recreational boating injuries and we also provide details on types of boating accident injuries that commonly occur. However, every case is different and you need an evaluation of your case by an attorney to understand the laws applicable to your specific marine accident claim.

How Can a Boating Attorney Help Me?

The outcome of your case may depend upon whether your accident is considered to have occurred on navigable waters, which will determine whether maritime rules or state rules apply to your accident. Whether you signed a release form before going parasailing, jet skiing, or participating in other water sports is also going to impact the legal arguments you need to make to obtain compensation. A waiver of liability does not mean you cannot pursue a claim for compensation — you still have legal rights.

Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. is focused on providing assistance in even the most complex recreational boating and water sport accident cases. Whether maritime or state rules apply, and regardless of any liability waivers, we can help you make a compelling legal argument that you are entitled to compensation for losses.

5 Tips for Buying and Operating a Safe Boat

If you’re concerned about your well-being and that of your passengers, you’re probably wondering what the safest type of boat you can buy is. But with so many models on the market, how can you determine the best option to help lower your chances of a boating accident injury? Here are five tips you may want to consider:

• Different vessels are designed for different purposes, so it’s important to purchase a boat designed for your desired activity. Some boats are designed for fishing, others are designed for waterskiing, and others for racing. Buying the right type of vessel for your desired activity can ensure it is used for its intended activity and, therefore, lead to safer boating overall.
• Consider location. Choose a vessel designed for the waterway in which you plan to use it. An airboat will hardly be a good boat to take out into the open ocean, and many fishing boats aren’t designed to support long voyages at sea. Think about the local waterway you’ll want to navigate and find a boat that fits your needs. Many local areas have restrictions on the kinds of boats that can be used in certain waterways. Read up on local laws. You don’t want to make the investment in a boat only to learn that you can’t use it at your local lake.
• Think about size. One of the most common factors that can lead to an injury is vessel overcrowding. It’s important for everyone’s safety to ensure your boat is large enough to hold everyone in your party and never overfill it. Boat size is also important when considering where you’ll be sailing. Smaller waterways require narrower vessels and an oversized boat may not be able to sail in certain areas.
• Understand the boat’s engine. According to Boating Magazine, there are several mistakes a boater can make when it comes to their engine. Without proper care and routine checks, engines can overheat and even catch fire. Before purchasing a vessel, make sure you have a full understanding of the engine’s capacities and maintenance needs to avoid a boat accident injury related to engine mishaps.
• Perform a safety check. Have the boat inspected before you buy. If you’re going for a used boat, you’ll want to make sure your boat is sound. A trained inspector can check everything from the hull to the systems.

There’s no “one-size fits all” answer when it comes to buying a boat. The ideal vessel will be dependent on the kind of waterways you’ll navigate, how many people will join you on the boat, and what kind of activities you’ll be using the boat for. It can’t hurt to speak to family and friends who are boat owners and test out different models before you make a decision. Finally, remember that the best investment you can make in your safety doesn’t involve the boat purchase at all. Invest in a boating safety course and in life jackets.

There have been hundreds of incidents involving capsizing boats, explosions, collisions, and other accidents that have caused passengers to fall overboard. Many of these victims were unconscious. If a victim is wearing a lifejacket, whether they are conscious or not, the lifejacket will do its job and keep them afloat until help arrives. In many instances, a lifejacket is the only line of defense against a maritime disaster.

Compensation for Injuries from Recreational Boating and Water Sport Accidents

Victims of boating or water sports accidents should be fully compensated for losses. Boat operators, boat manufacturers, tour operators, boat mechanics, or water sports instructors are among the many individuals and companies who could potentially be held responsible if you get hurt while doing marine activities.

When you are engaged in any maritime activity or aboard any pleasure watercraft, the injuries you sustain in an accident may be serious. From the risk of spinal cord damage from falling off of a jet ski to the potential for brain damage or death due to drowning, your life could be lost or permanently changed in a second when something goes wrong. You deserve full compensation for medical costs, wage loss, pain and suffering, emotional distress, or other damages. We will help fight for your right to full and fair compensation. Our firm has recovered more than $450 million dollars for clients, including injured boaters*.

A Boating Accident Lawyer Can Help You Make the At-Fault Party Pay for Their Negligence

Our legal team at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. are known for our strong track record of success. We have been recognized as one of the “Best Law Firms” ® in America and several of our full-time boat accident and personal injury lawyers have been selected as “Best Lawyers” ® by US News & World Report annually for nearly a decade. As the nation’s top-rated legal advocates for catastrophic injuries and traumatic brain injuries caused by boat collisions, we are fully equipped to help you and your family hold the liable party accountable. Whether your accident occurred due to the negligence of other boats, malfunctioning safety equipment, or irresponsible maritime workers, for example, our team has the in-depth legal knowledge needed to secure a favorable outcome in your case.

If you or a loved one has suffered catastrophic or fatal injuries in a vessel boat accident, look no further than our team to make the at-fault party pay. Call our office at 877–233–1238 or fill out our quick contact form to schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation and meet with an experienced boat accident attorney.

Boating Accident FAQ

The following information is provided to give accident victims and their loved ones an idea of how the law works with regard to vessel accidents, as well as their rights and responsibilities under the law.