Chicago Boating Accident Lawyer

Enjoying the waterways of Chicago, whether Lake Michigan or the Chicago River, is a beloved activity for many. However, with such enjoyment can come risks, and unfortunately, boating accidents are a reality. When you or a loved one has been involved in a boating accident, you need a dedicated and experienced Chicago Boating Accident Lawyer to navigate the legal process and fight for your right to compensation.

At Conboy Law, we have seen countless boat accidents in the local area, and we understand that even a minor boat accident can lead to serious injuries. After seeking medical care, contact our Chicago boat accident attorney for guidance. Our Chicago boating accident attorneys have unparalleled experience in this area, and we can also help you.

Look at our services below, and reach out to us to schedule a consultation with our Chicago boat accident lawyer.

How Our Chicago Boating Accident Lawyer Can Help You After a Boating Accident

The aftermath of a boating accident can be confusing and overwhelming. In addition to dealing with physical injuries, you may face a complex legal process to receive compensation for your damages. That’s where our Chicago Boating Accident Lawyer at Conboy Law steps in.

Our team provides comprehensive support from the moment you reach out to us. We help gather essential evidence, liaise with medical professionals to understand the extent of your injuries, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent you in court. Our aim is to ease your burden during this challenging time and help you secure the financial compensation you deserve.

Most Common Causes of Boating Accidents

Recreational boating accidents occur due to various reasons. Understanding these causes can help prevent accidents and is crucial for establishing liability when an accident occurs. Some of the most common causes of a watercraft accident in the local area include:

Operator Inattention

One of the most common causes of boating accidents is boat driver inattention. Accidents are more likely to happen when the person in charge of the vessel is not paying sufficient attention to their surroundings. This could include not noticing other boats, swimmers, or changes in weather conditions.

Operator Inexperience

Many boating accidents occur due to a lack of experience with the craft. Operating a boat requires specific knowledge and skills. When a boat operator lacks experience, it can lead to accidents. This could involve needing help understanding navigational rules, not knowing how to handle the boat in different weather conditions, or not responding appropriately in an emergency.

Excessive Speed

Excessive speed is a frequent contributor to boating accidents. Like on roads, speed limits on waterways are there for a reason. Boating at high speeds reduces the operator’s reaction time and increases the chance of collisions and other accidents.

Common Types of Injuries in Boating Accidents

Like any other type of accident, boating accidents can result in a wide range of injuries. These injuries vary based on several factors, such as the speed at which the accident occurred, the size of the vessels involved, the weather conditions, and the presence and use of safety equipment. The nature of the water body (ocean, lake, river) can also impact the types of injuries. A few of the most common types of injuries sustained in boating accidents include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These are among the most severe injuries one can sustain in a boating accident. They occur when a sudden trauma, such as a hit or jolt to the head, causes damage to the brain. Symptoms can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, resulting in long-term or permanent disabilities.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: When a boating accident victim sustains a blow to the spine, it can lead to a spinal cord injury. Depending on the severity, these injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis.
• Broken Bones: The force involved in a boating accident can easily break bones. Common fractures involve the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone. Severe fractures may require surgical intervention and extensive rehabilitation.
• Lacerations: Glass, metal, and other debris from the boat can cause deep cuts or lacerations. These injuries can lead to significant blood loss and may require stitches or other medical interventions.
• Drowning: In severe cases, especially when victims are thrown overboard or trapped in a sinking boat, the accident may result in drowning or near-drowning incidents, leading to possible brain damage from lack of oxygen and, in tragic instances, death.

The medical consequences of boating accidents can be severe, often requiring substantial medical treatment and a lengthy recovery period. That’s why seeking immediate medical attention following a boating accident is critical, even if you think you’re not seriously injured. Symptoms of some injuries may not be immediately apparent but can still be serious, if not life-threatening. Following medical treatment, seeking legal advice to understand your rights and potential compensation avenues is wise.

A Chicago boating accident lawyer at Conboy Law is here to provide you with the help and guidance you need during this challenging time.

The Steps You Need To Take After a Boating Accident in Chicago

When you’re involved in a boating accident in Chicago, it’s understandable that you may feel overwhelmed. However, your actions during these critical moments can significantly impact your ability to secure compensation later. A few steps to follow after a boating accident:

• Ensure Safety: The priority in any accident, including boating accidents, should always be safety. Make sure everyone involved is safe. If anyone is in immediate danger, for example, if someone has fallen overboard, take necessary steps to mitigate the danger.
• Report the Accident: Any boating accident that results in death, injury, or significant property damage should be reported to the authorities as soon as possible. Be sure to provide a detailed and accurate report.
• Collect Information: Gather as much information as possible from everyone involved in the accident. This includes names, contact information, and insurance details. In addition, collect information about the vessels involved, such as their make, model, and registration number.
• Document the Scene: Take photos or videos of the accident scene from different angles if it’s safe. This should include any visible injuries and damage to the vessels involved. These images can serve as powerful evidence when proving your claim.
• Seek Medical Treatment: You might feel fine after a collision, but seeking medical attention immediately after the accident is crucial. Some injuries may not present symptoms immediately but can have severe consequences if left untreated. A medical examination will also provide documented proof of your injuries, which can be valuable in your claim.
• Contact a Boating Accident Lawyer: It’s advisable to consult with a boating accident lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can guide you throughout the legal process, help preserve critical evidence, and protect your rights.

Experiencing the aftermath of a boating accident can be overwhelming and confusing. However, these steps can help protect your legal rights and increase your chances of obtaining a fair settlement. Remember, you don’t have to navigate this process alone – the Chicago boating accident lawyers at Conboy Law are here to provide compassionate, professional legal support every step of the way.

People That Can Be Held Responsible for a Boating Accident in Chicago

A variety of people could be held responsible following a boating accident in Chicago. They include: 

The Owner or Operator of the Boat

If the boat owner or operator was negligent in their actions leading to the accident, they could be held liable. This could include reckless operation, failing to maintain the boat, or not providing appropriate safety equipment.

The Person Who Rented or Leased the Boat

The rental company could be liable if the accident involved a rented or leased boat. This could occur if they rented the boat to an unqualified operator or failed to provide adequate safety instructions.

The Manufacturer of the Boat

The boat manufacturer might be held liable if a manufacturing defect contributed to the boating accident. This could involve a flaw in the boat’s design or manufacture that made it unsafe.

Proving Negligence in Chicago Boating Accident Cases

In boating accident cases, proving negligence typically involves demonstrating that the defendant owed a duty of care and breached that duty. This breach directly resulted in the injuries and damages suffered.

Statute of Limitation in Filing a Boating Accident Claim in Chicago

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including boating accidents, is typically two years from the accident date. It’s crucial to consult with a legal professional to understand how this timeline applies to your case.

Damages You Can Claim in a Chicago Boating Accident Lawsuit

When you’ve been involved in a boating accident in Chicago, the consequences often go far beyond the initial physical injuries. Financial burdens can add to the stress and pain of your recovery. Thankfully, you can recoup some of these losses through a successful boating accident lawsuit.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are the tangible costs associated with an accident. They represent actual financial losses that you can calculate and verify with bills, receipts, or wage statements. A few key types of economic damages include:

• Medical Expenses: These can include ambulance fees, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and any other costs related to the treatment and ongoing care for your injuries.
• Lost Wages: If your injury caused you to miss work, you could claim compensation for your lost wages. This also covers reduced earning capacity in the event that your injury limits your ability to work in the future.
• Property Damage: If the boating accident damaged your personal property, such as your boat or personal belongings, you can include the repair or replacement costs in your claim.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are designed to compensate you for the non-tangible impacts of the accident. While they don’t come with exact dollar amounts like economic damages, they are nonetheless real and significant losses. They may include:

• Pain and Suffering: This includes both physical and emotional suffering you’ve endured due to the accident and your injuries.
• Emotional Distress: This refers to the psychological impacts of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities or hobbies you once loved, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are not awarded in every case, but when they are, it is because the defendant’s actions were deemed particularly negligent, reckless, or intentional. Rather than aiming to compensate the victim, punitive damages punish the wrongdoer and deter others from engaging in similar conduct.

Navigating the complexities of these damages can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. A Chicago boating accident lawyer from Conboy Law can help you identify all the damages you’re entitled to and fight to ensure you receive full and fair compensation.

Contact Conboy Law for a Free Consultation With Our Chicago Boating Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has suffered due to a boating accident in Chicago, reach out to Conboy Law. Our experienced and compassionate Chicago Boating Accident Lawyer will guide you through this difficult time and fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation.