St. Joseph, Michigan Boating Accident Lawyer
St. Joseph, Michigan, offers ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation on the water for visitors and residents alike. Whether fishing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, or taking a rental boat out for a leisurely afternoon, there is no shortage of activities on the city’s lakefront and waterways.
But not everyone is an experienced sailor or boat operator. Not everyone at a vessel’s helm acts responsibly, follows applicable safety rules, or maintains their boat appropriately. And not everyone is prepared for the shifting and sometimes volatile conditions that can arise on Lake Michigan.
The above can and do result in boating accidents that cause serious injuries and even fatalities. When a vessel’s owner or operator’s negligent and reckless actions lead to such losses, victims can hold those parties responsible and seek compensation that can help them recover.
At Sommers Schwartz, we represent those who suffer because of others’ irresponsibility on the water. We know the upheaval that follows a severe injury or loss of a loved one. We understand the physical, financial, practical, and emotional challenges faced by injury victims and fight tirelessly to get our clients the resources and compensation they need and deserve.
Causes of Boating Accidents
Michigan has a robust set of safety laws that apply to operating watercraft on the state’s lakes and waterways. These laws, along with local St. Joseph ordinances, prohibit a broad range of conduct, including speeding, disobeying no-wake zones, and operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Of course, boaters, like vehicle drivers, do not always comply with the laws designed to protect themselves and others.
Whether violating the law or not, a wide range of negligent acts or omissions can lead to a boating accident, including:
- Inexperienced boat operators
- Operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Negligent boat maintenance
- Defective boat equipment
- Inadequate boat maintenance
- Excessive speed
- Distracted boating
- Operating without a license
Types of Boating Accidents
Sommers Schwartz represents boating accident injury victims no matter the cause, nature, or degree of their injuries. This includes seeking compensation for those injured in:
- Propeller Accidents
- Run-over Accidents
- Overboard Accidents
- Drowning Accidents
- Slips and Falls on a Vessel
- Crew Member Accidents
- Water-skiing Accidents
Boating Accident Injuries
In the wake of an accident, the individuals on the boat may suffer injuries. In some boating accidents, individuals in the water or on another vessel can sustain injuries.
The most common injuries sustained in boating accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Fractures
- Head injuries
- Brain injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Amputations
- Disfigurement
- Drowning
Injured in a Boating Accident in St. Joseph? Call Sommers Schwartz Today for a Free Consultation
If a boat accident in or around St. Joseph, Michigan, has caused injuries or the loss of a loved one, Sommers Schwartz can help. With experience, fierce advocacy, and a deep understanding of the unique issues involved in boating accidents, our personal injury attorneys will fight to get you what you deserve after an accident on the water. Contact Sommers Schwartz today at (866) 942-0101 for a free consultation to discuss your case.
We fight hard. And we win.
News & Case Alerts
Read related articles and learn about recently filed cases.
Praise for Albert Asciutto
Shout out to Albert Asciutto for being a fantastic attorney & walking me through the entire process of fighting for my wages! He made the process quick and easy. In the end we won the case!! Thank you again for taking my case on, you are awesome! I would absolutely…
Praise for Jesse Young and Alana Karbal
Alana Karbal and Jesse Young did an excellent job fighting a giant for my wages. They pushed me to get what they needed from me and were amazing at communicating with me at all times. I won my arbitration and was so excited when I got more than what I…
Praise for Wage & Overtime Pay Attorney Jesse Young
Jesse Young worked an employment case for me that ended with almost 700 people getting their unpaid wages back. He and his team are incredible. From the first communication to the last, they never missed a single beat – consistent and clear communication, quickly replying to my communication, and always making…
A Client’s Gratitude for Tad Roumayah
Tad, I want to express my sincere gratitude for your unrelenting advocacy on my behalf throughout this process. It’s a shame that this sort of thing is still happening to new moms in 2023 and at an institution that prides itself on diversity, equity, and inclusion, no less. Knowing there…
Comments about Matthew Curtis from an Appreciative Client
Your efforts have changed my life, Matt. I’m forever grateful. My wife has tons of upcoming medical expenses, and we had both been working hard to make ends meet. I can’t thank you and your staff enough.
Praise for Lisa Esser-Weidenfeller and Matthew Curtis
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your hard work and dedication in handling my case. I appreciate your professionalism, your compassion, and your perseverance throughout this challenging process. You have gone above and beyond to protect my rights, to defend my interests, and to secure a favorable…
A Client Talks about Andy Dragovic
My wife had an accident, tripping over a cable line that wasn’t buried. Andy represented us and were very pleased with the outcome. Andy was very professional, personable, and quick to respond to us, answering any of our questions or concerns. The whole firm was responsive to our concerns, and…
Praise for Dina Zalewski
The lawyers at Sommers Schwartz, P.C. were nothing short of amazing when I came to them with my medical malpractice case! Dina truly helped to put my mind at ease and because of her and her firm, I finally have closure and can begin my healing process! I just want…
Our Clients Say It Best
