Many Chicago residents may take to the Chicago River to enjoy a day out on a boat. While this is a great way to make the most of the warm months, those operating watercraft still need to be attentive to what they’re doing. When someone navigating a boat acts recklessly, they can cause a devastating accident. If you or a loved one has been harmed because of a negligent boat operator, a Chicago boat accident lawyer from Thomas Law Offices can help you get the justice you deserve.
Our lawyers can help you through the legal process and find out who was responsible for your injuries. When a boating accident occurs, finding out why the accident happened can be a complex process. There may be multiple parties involved, which can make seeking compensation complicated. It takes an experienced attorney to investigate what happened and find out who was involved in the accident, the events leading up to the accident, and how you were harmed as a result of the accident.
Let’s begin by looking at how negligence can contribute to boating accidents.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources Boating Report 2017 showed that the state had 6,019 total accidents. Out of those accidents, there were 3,702 injuries and 1,337 fatalities. The report also breaks down the primary causes of accidents.
Even if you don’t recognize the reason why your accident happened, you should still get in touch with a Chicago boating accident lawyer. While it’s possible for the operator of the other boat to be at fault for your injuries, there’s also a chance they experienced an issue with their boat that caused them to lose control. If they have a defective part on their boat that malfunctioned when they were on the water, the company that manufactured that part could be responsible for your injuries.
This is why it’s vital to have a trained expert on your side who will review the facts and reports and find out exactly what happened and why. When you have all the information, you can proceed to seek compensation for the injuries you suffered.
You have enough on your plate. Get a free case evaluation and clear answers from our experienced attorneys today — we’ll take it from here.
To determine how the opposing party caused your boat accident, your lawyer will want to figure out what type of accident you were in. The most common types of boat accidents that warrant personal injury claims include the following:
If you’ve been injured in a boating accident, it’s important to see medical attention as soon as possible. There are a variety of injuries you could sustain–some of which could be severe.
If a medical mistake harmed you or your newborn, we’ll investigate what went wrong and fight for funds for lifelong care. Start with a free case evaluation today.
A head injury can change everything. We pursue negligent drivers, companies, and providers to seek compensation for treatment, lost income, and long-term needs. Get a free case evaluation now.
Exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune (1953–1987)? This page explains what happened and potential harms—note the firm is no longer taking these cases. Explore the details and see other options.
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Hurt on someone else’s property? We pinpoint unsafe conditions, prove negligence, and pursue damages for medical bills and lost time. Don’t wait—get a free case evaluation.
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Benefits can be hard to win alone. If a condition keeps you from working, we’ll guide you through the SSA process and strengthen your claim. Start with a free case evaluation.
Spinal trauma can bring lifelong care needs and huge costs. We fight for compensation that reflects the full impact on your mobility, work, and future. Request a free case evaluation.
Crashes with semis are complex and high-stakes. We investigate drivers and trucking companies and pursue the recovery you need after serious injuries. Get a free case evaluation now.
Injured at work in Kentucky? We help Louisville workers fight delays, denials, and lowball benefits so you can get medical care and wage support. Request a free consultation.
When negligence takes a life, accountability matters. We help families pursue a wrongful death claim and seek financial stability during an impossible time. Start with a free case evaluation.
Boating accident injuries can occur in many ways and can be potentially life-threatening. If someone is on the boat and they are involved in a collision, they can be thrown from the boat and into the water. If they are hit by the boat itself, they can sustain injuries like head trauma, broken bones, and cuts. When someone is dazed and in the water, they may not have a life jacket to keep themselves afloat. Drowning is a potential concern at that point.
If someone is left in the water for too long and the water is cold, the person could be in danger of hypothermia. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, slowed breathing, confusion, and overall weakness.
Some of these injuries can be incapacitating. If you’ve been in the hospital for your boating accident injuries, you may be looking at a long road to recovery. While treating these injuries can take time and will result in hospital bills, our attorneys will fight for your compensation to cover these costs.
Your time missed from work, past hospital bills, and future expenses for the care you’ll need to continue are monetary damages that you can recover. If any of your property was damaged, we’ll also fight for you to recover those losses as well.
Additional damages you can seek compensation for include pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages deal with the unseen consequences of sustaining injuries, such as not being able to live your life as you did before the accident.
When you’re going out on a boat, you may want to keep these safety tips in mind so you can make sure you’re doing everything you can to stay safe while you’re on the water. The National Safety Council recommends the following:
While you can refer to these safety tips when you’re boating, a negligent boater can still cause an accident and injure you and others on the boat. That’s where our law office can help you find the way forward.
The devastation that a boating accident can cause can be overwhelming, but we will help you stand up for your rights. A Chicago boat accident lawyer from our firm is ready to evaluate your situation and determine the best way to proceed to ensure you receive the compensation you need to move past the accident and get on with your life. While filing a claim can seem complicated, our attorneys will be by your side every step of the way. Get in touch with Thomas Law Offices today so we can start going over your legal rights and options.
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