Boat Accidents

Maritime accidents involve commercial vessels, recreational boats, offshore structures, or accidents that occur on docks, wharves, piers, or in shipyards. Accidents that involve large vessels often include fires, explosions, collisions with land or other boats, and damage to property or the environment. Sadly, victims of a maritime accident can sustain serious injuries, die, or simply disappear in the chaotic aftermath. A maritime law called the Jones Act can help those affected by a boating accident. The act applies to shipping vessels or other free-floating structures and aims to protect seamen injured on the job. If the Jones Act is found to apply to a specific situation, it allows employees to file suit against the owner of the at-fault vessel if negligence caused the accident. Worker's compensation may be the only recourse a seaman has if the Jones Act cannot be applied.

Recreational boating accidents can be caused by collision, capsizing, flooding, sinking, explosion, fire, electrocution, or water sport activities. Although these accidents are on a much smaller scale than maritime accidents, they can be just as tragic to those they affect. If an accident occurs, the operator of the boat is required by law to file a report if lives are lost, the boat causes or sustains damage, a person disappears, or someone suffers from an injury that is not treatable by first aid.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury, illness or death, that seems to have been someone else's fault, call VanDerGinst Law at 1-866-843-7367 or click here for a FREE online case evaluation. The initial consultation is free of charge. If we agree to handle your injury case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if, and when, there is a money recovery for you. In many cases a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. So please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.

• Illinois Boating and Chicago Boating News Article: 'Blagojevich signs law toughening penalties for reckless boating' July, 2004 - Important news for Illinois and Chicago boaters regarding new penalties for those found liable for boat accidents.