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.
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Ken Watkins and the lawyers at Sommers Schwartz did an excellent job.
Ken Watkins and the lawyers at Sommers Schwartz did an excellent job, were responsive to my emails and telephone calls, and I was very satisfied with their performance in court and the result.
You are a phenomenal attorney.
You are a phenomenal attorney. I wanted to thank you for doing such a great job regarding this case. I have a new love for law and all that it includes. Thank you for one of the best experiences of my life.
I appreciate the team effort provided.
I would like you gentlemen to know that for those of us that have been violated and need legal assistance, we must often wait for justice in quiet desperation. As such, the words I used above “confidence and comfort” came only from you and your team.
I’m speechless!
I’m speechless! I never expected to receive the settlement that you guys worked so hard for! Thank you so much!
Mr. Watkins exceeded my expectations.
Mr. Watkins and his team were excellent to work with. Mr. Watkins is a very competent and trustworthy attorney. I am very pleased with the outcome of my case. I highly recommend attorney Kenneth Watkins.
Your ability, understanding, and compassion are truly remarkable.
Your ability, understanding, compassion and at time dispassionate way of speaking for those who no longer can speak for themselves are truly remarkable.
Mr. Thompson gave me excellent advice.
Mr. Thompson consulted with me about a specific legal issue and gave me excellent advice as always. He also represented my son after he was hit by a car and also did an excellent job.
“When I first retained Lisa, I felt like I was trusting her with my life.”
After I was injured, a family member who practices probate and trust law promised to help me find a great attorney to take my case. After doing some research, he called Lisa Esser-Weidenfeller and proceeded to have me do the same. Within a couple of weeks, I retained her for my…
Rick Groffsky – Master of His Craft
My wife and I wanted to send you our deepest gratitude for your work on our family’s behalf. Even though it doesn’t change our daughter’s condition, it will make going through some of the challenges she will face less burdensome from a financial perspective. We appreciate your professionalism – you…
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