Practice Areas

Boating Accidents

Out of more than twelve million registered boats in 2005, there were 4,969 boating accidents reported and 697 reported fatalities involving boating accidents. Approximately 70 percent of boating fatalities were victims that drowned.

As in any other personal injury claim, the pivotal aspect of whether or not there is a case is whether someone else was at fault for the injury, damage or death. Boating accidents may result from any number of causes, including driver negligence, drunken drivers, new and inexperienced drivers, boat malfunction, unsafe waters, disregard of speed limits, violation of waterway rules or ignored signal horns. Fires, explosions, capsizing, sinking or flooding as well as boat disappearance all fall under the category of boating accidents.

When boating laws are violated, damage to boats, docks, watercourse walls and other waterway structures may result. When boat passengers are knocked overboard, cut by boat propellers, or impacted in boat collisions, any of the serious injuries occurring in other types of accidents, such as traumatic brain injury, amputation, or spinal cord injury can occur. However, the greatest threat is always drowning.

The operator of a vessel is and has traditionally been held responsible for the safety of his boat and welfare of his passengers. Boating accidents that involve death, injury or damage to the craft or other property as well as disappearance of the boat must be reported.

At Norrid & Robertson, our attorneys have successfully handled boating accidents with lawsuits against boat owners and operators of private as well as commercial crafts. We investigate and present cases involving complex legal and safety issues and effectively strive to see that our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

Please contact our law firm at 417-865-2828 today to arrange a free consultation to discuss your case.