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.
Our attorneys have been featured on local and national media outlets, including:
A Client’s Praise for Dina Zalewski
My experience with Dina Zalewski and the Sommers Schwartz team was nothing short of incredible. The way that they showed genuine concern throughout this ordeal made me feel increasingly confident. I highly recommend Dina and her team for any of your legal pursuits.
Working with Tad Roumayah
I can’t say enough good things about working with Tad Roumayah. From our very first conversation, he was attentive, straightforward, and genuinely invested in getting the best outcome for my case. He took the time to explain everything clearly, answered my questions (even the ones I asked more than once)…
Praise for Alexis Amy and Tad Roumayah
I am very happy with the settlement Sommers Schwartz obtained for me in my age and disability discrimination case.Tad Roumayah and Alexis Amy explained every step of the process and answered all my questions along the way.I highly recommend this law firm!
I Cannot Say Enough Good Things About This Law Firm and My Attorney, Matthew G. Curtis.
I cannot say enough good things about this law firm and my attorney, Matthew G. Curtis. From the very beginning, their professionalism, communication, and attention to detail stood out immediately. They kept me informed throughout the entire process, answered my questions promptly, and always made me feel like a priority…
From a Wayne State Medical School Student About Judy Susskind
Law & Medicine was truly one of my favorite rotations – seeing a trial and learning from you was a privilege. Medical students are so lucky to have such an incredible preceptor for this experience. Your firm, colleagues, and clients are lucky to have you. (From a Wayne State University…
Praise for Tad Roumayah and Nathan Robbins
Tad Roumayah and Nathan Robbins are very professional and knowledgeable. They took charge from beginning to end with my employment case. I highly recommend them.
A Recommendation for Matthew Curtis and David Black
I highly recommend Matthew Curtis and David Black. They represented me in a legal malpractice case and did an outstanding job. They were very responsive, organized, efficient, and easy to work with throughout the entire process. What I appreciated most was that they were willing to take my case when…
Thank You, Jason Thompson
I just wanted to say thank you, Jason. The amount of work that you have done is astronomical, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. We’ve always felt that you do what you say, take responsibility for your actions, even when you’re wrong, and that your word is your bond. (We found…
Our Clients Say It Best
