A boat accident can have a major effect on you and your family. At Hall Law P.A., our attorneys can help you with navigating a boating accident injury claim. We have been representing clients in the region for more than 30 years. Call (800) 292-1979 today for your free consultation.
Common Types of Boat Accidents in St. Cloud
Taking a boat, pontoon, jet ski or another type of watercraft out should not end in tragedy. Unfortunately, negligent owners, operators and others contribute to dozens of accidents in St. Cloud each year. Recognizing the most common types and causes of boat accidents in Minnesota could help you prevent a disaster on the water. Common causes include:
- Boat-to-boat collisions
- Boat-object collisions
- Boating under the influence accidents
- Stranded at sea
- Capsized boats
- Slip and falls on board
- Electrocutions
- Dock and marina accidents
- Fires and explosions
The most common causes of boat accidents in St. Cloud are operator error, equipment failure, and an unsafe or unmaintained boat. Depending on who or what caused your boat accident, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. An injury claim seeks reimbursement for your related losses, including serious injuries, from the at-fault party.
Common Injuries Suffered in Boating Accidents
A boat or another type of watercraft accident could cause life-threatening injuries. In 2018, Minnesota reported 14 boating fatalities and 64 nonfatal boating accidents, according to the Department of Natural Resources. Our attorneys at Hall Law P.A. represent clients with many different types of injuries related to boat accidents, including:
- Collision injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Electric shocks
- Drowning
- Brain damage
- Back and spine injuries
- Neck injuries
- Fatal injuries
A boat accident injury could cost you thousands of dollars in lifelong medical expenses, vessel repairs and lost wages. You may qualify for compensation for these losses from an insurance company, depending on the circumstances. Otherwise, you may have grounds to file a liability lawsuit.
Do You Have a Claim? Who Is Liable?
If a day on the water turns into a tragedy, the person or party at fault for the boat accident may owe you financial compensation. Minnesota’s boating accident liability laws state that the party that breached a duty of care with a negligent act or omission will be responsible for losses. In other words, if you do something a reasonable person would not have done in the same circumstances, resulting in the boat accident, you could be held liable for the losses.
Liable parties could include:
- The boat manufacturer for a defective part or piece of equipment.
- The owner of the boat for failing to properly maintain the vessel.
- The boat repair company for improper repairs or installations.
- The operator of the vessel for negligent, careless or reckless acts.
- The boat rental company for lapses in judgment.
Many different actions by these parties could result in a boat accident in St. Cloud, such as alcohol impairment, inexperience and distraction. Even if inclement weather caused your boat accident, hire a lawyer to look into possible liability. The operator of the boat or tour company could be liable for failing to assess the weather or going out in a storm. A lawyer from Hall Law P.A. can listen to your story to tell you if you have a claim and who may be liable.
Contact Hall Law P.A. Today
If you were injured in a recent St. Cloud boat accident, talk to the lawyers at Hall Law P.A. for a comprehensive review of your case. We offer free, no-obligation initial consultations at our local law office. Call (800) 292-1979 or contact us online to schedule yours.