Our Boating Accident Lawyers Fight for Justice for Injury Victims Enduring Catastrophic Injury

Photo of a Speed Boat

At Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., we are proud to be recognized as one of the nation’s leading maritime law firms. With over 50 years of experience, our team has dedicated itself to protecting the rights of boating accident victims in Florida and across the country.

Whether you’ve been involved in a recreational boat accident in Florida, a commercial charter boat accident, a jet ski accident, or any other maritime incident, our experienced Florida boating injury lawyers are here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Since our founding in 1971, Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. has focused exclusively on maritime law and personal injury cases. Since that time, our attorneys have handled many of the landmark cases that exist within maritime law in the United States. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of the unique challenges that come with boating injury claims, particularly in Florida, where waterways are a central part of life. With a proven track record of success, including recovering over $500 million for our clients, we have earned a reputation as trusted advocates for victims of boating accidents.

Collectively, our legal team brings more than 200 years of combined experience in handling boating accident lawsuits and personal injury claims. Our dedication and success have earned us numerous accolades, including two of our lawyers being named “Lawyer of the Year”® in Admiralty and Maritime Law in 2020 and 2025, four of our attorneys being recognized as “Best Lawyers”® in America, and our firm being consistently ranked among the “Best Law Firms”® by U.S. News & World Report within our specialty of Admiralty & Maritime Law, every year since 2016.

Our founder, Charles Lipcon, has been instrumental in shaping the way maritime and boating injury claims are handled across the country. Many of our attorneys are frequently featured as experts on national news programs and talk shows, offering insights on maritime accidents, boating collisions, and personal injury cases. You can trust our team to bring unparalleled experience and commitment to your boating accident claim.

Further, our lawyers include Board Certified Maritime lawyers, as well as experienced recreational boaters, fishermen, and jet-ski and wave runner operators.

Why You Need a Florida Boating Injury Lawyer

Boating accidents can have devastating consequences, leaving victims with serious injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. In the aftermath of an accident, it’s crucial to have an experienced Florida boating injury lawyer by your side to protect your rights.

Understanding Maritime Law: Boating accidents often fall under maritime law, which is distinct from state laws. An experienced maritime attorney can help you understand how these laws apply to your case and ensure that your claim is handled correctly.

Determining Liability: Boating accidents can involve multiple parties, including boat operators, manufacturers, and rental companies. A maritime lawyer can investigate the accident, identify the responsible parties, and hold them accountable for their negligence.

Maximizing Compensation: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts to victims. Our attorneys can negotiate on your behalf to secure fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Navigating the Legal Process: From filing a claim to negotiating settlements or pursuing litigation, a boating injury lawyer will handle every aspect of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Florida

Florida’s waterways attract millions of boaters each year, but they also see a high number of boating accidents. Some of the most common causes of these accidents include:

Operator Negligence: Reckless, inexperienced, and inattentive boat operators are a leading cause of recreational boating accidents. This includes speeding, operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and failing to follow navigational rules, such as failing to keep adequate lookouts.

Equipment Failure: Poorly maintained or defective equipment, such as engines, steering systems, or safety gear, can lead to serious accidents.

Weather Conditions: Sudden changes in weather, such as high winds or storms, can create hazardous conditions for boaters.

Collisions and Allisions: Accidents involving collisions with other moving vessels; or allisions with stationary objects such as docks or submerged objects are common and often result in severe injuries.

Lack of Safety Precautions: Failure to provide life jackets, emergency equipment, or proper training can increase the risk of injury or death.

Understanding the cause of your accident is critical to building a strong legal case. At Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., our attorneys conduct thorough investigations to determine liability and gather the evidence needed to support your claim.

Florida Laws and Boating Injury Compensation

Florida has specific laws governing boating safety and liability, which play a key role in boating injury cases. For example:

Boating Under the Influence (BUI): Operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and a common cause of accidents. Victims of BUI-related accidents may be entitled to additional compensation.

Negligence Laws: Florida law allows victims to seek compensation if their injuries were caused by another party’s negligence. This includes boat operators, manufacturers, and rental companies.

Statute of Limitations: In Florida, the statute of limitations for boating personal injury and wrongful death claims is generally three years. However, for accidents occurring on commercial passenger vessels, such as cruise ships, there are often shortened statutes of limitations inserted by the commercial ship operator into the passenger ticket – and can be as short as one year.Understanding these nuances is part of the reason bringing in an expert maritime law attorney is so important.

Our team has extensive experience navigating Florida’s boating laws and will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Trust Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. To Help You Get the Justice You Deserve

Our firm has consistently been recognized as one of the “Best Law Firms”® in America, with several of our dedicated boating accident and personal injury attorneys earning the title of “Best Lawyers”® by U.S. News & World Report year after year for nearly a decade.

As leading advocates for victims of catastrophic injuries and traumatic brain injuries resulting from boating accidents, we are fully prepared to help you and your family seek justice. Whether your accident was caused by negligent boat operators, defective safety equipment, or careless maritime workers, our team has the expertise and legal insight necessary to achieve a successful resolution in your case.

If you or a loved one has experienced life-altering or fatal injuries in a boating accident, our team is here to hold the responsible party accountable. Contact us today at 877–233–1238 or complete our simple online form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced Florida boating accident attorneys. Let us help you pursue the compensation you deserve.