Boating Accident Lawyer Chicago

Drunk boaters, inexperienced operators, and recklessness can cause serious boating injuries.

What would you do if you or a loved one sustained serious personal injury in a boating accident in Chicago? What if you could not work for weeks, months, or even longer? What if your loved one could not function normally ever again? How would your family pay its bills? How would your family survive? If you need a Chicago boating accident lawyer, you have come to the right place.

Give the legal team at Paul Padda Law a call today or get in touch with us through our website if you have been injured in a Chicago boating accident.

Put Your Trust in a Boating Accident Lawyer in Chicago

Boating accidents can be tragic. A defective part on the boat may be grounds for a defective products lawsuit. Boating accidents can have many contributing factors. Negligence caused by other boaters, such as a drunk boat operator, or engine failure can spell catastrophe. At Paul Padda Law, we are committed to helping the victims of boating accidents and their loved ones by providing aggressive and experienced legal representation. We treat every client with the dignity and respect they deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, you deserve to be fully and fairly compensated, receive the best available medical care, and benefit from the highest quality legal representation.

Knowing what to do after a boating accident can be confusing. Even knowing where to start can be overwhelming. Luckily, you do not have to deal with your accident on your own. We can help. We know what to do because we have been fighting for justice for people just like you for decades. Before we founded Paul Padda Law, two of our lawyers were federal prosecutors. Such valuable experience provided us with unique insights you will not find at many other law firms. We know how the legal system works from the inside.

Common Types of Boating Accidents in Chicago

When most people think of Chicago, they may not immediately think of boating as a common recreational activity. However, Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, Des Plaines River, Fox River, Illinois River, Chain O’Lakes, and numerous smaller waterways throughout the Chicago area provide abundant opportunities for water recreation. During warmer months, these waterways become popular destinations for boating and watercraft activities. Among the most common types of boating accidents in Chicago are the following:

• Jet Ski accidents
• Boat collisions
• Water taxi accidents
• Parasailing accidents
• Kayaking accidents
• Capsizing incidents
• Dock and marina accidents

Each of these types of activities, especially where negligence,recklessness, or wrongful conduct is involved, can lead to serious injuries and, in some cases, even death.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Chicago

According to reporting from the United States Coast Guard, some of the most common causes for boating or recreational water activity accidents include the following:

• Operator Inattention: Failing to pay attention to surroundings, other vessels, and water conditions
• Improper Lookout: Not maintaining adequate visual surveillance
• Operator Inexperience: Lack of training or familiarity with vessel operation
• Excessive Speed: Operating at unsafe speeds for conditions
• Alcohol Use and Intoxication: Operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Equipment Failure: Mechanical malfunctions and inadequate maintenance
• Overloading Passengers: Exceeding safe carrying capacity
• Violation of Navigation Rules: Failure to follow right of way and other boating regulations
• Reckless Operation: Dangerous maneuvers and disregard for safety

If you have experienced injuries from a boating accident involving any of these factors, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. It is important to contact an experienced boating accident lawyer to ensure your legal rights are protected.

The statistics concerning boating accidents can be sobering. For example, did you know that approximately 4,000 or more boating accidents occur in the United States each year? For the latest reporting year, there were more than 600 fatalities resulting from boating accidents. Alcohol use is among the most common causes of boating accidents.  While most people recognize that drinking and driving a motor vehicle is both improper and illegal, when it comes to boating there seems to be an attitude that anything goes on the water. That mentality and misguided thinking can lead to serious accidents and injuries.

Common Injuries Arising from Boating Accidents in Chicago

Boating accidents can result in various types of injuries ranging from minor to catastrophic. Common injuries include:

• Lacerations and contusions
• Hypothermia and cold water exposure
• Organ damage and internal injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures
• Drowning and near drowning
• Propeller injuries
• Death

What Type of Compensation Is There for a Boating Accident in Chicago?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, you can seek the following types of compensation depending upon the situation:

• Medical Expenses: All past, present, and future medical costs including emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost during recovery, both past and future earnings
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain and emotional distress
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for inability to participate in activities previously enjoyed
• Compensation for Disfigurement: Damages for permanent scarring and physical appearance changes
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for damaged boats, equipment, and personal property
• Wrongful Death Damages: When fatal accidents occur, surviving family members may recover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support
• Punitive Damages: In cases involving egregious misconduct or recklessness

What Is the Law in Illinois on Boating Safety?

Illinois law establishes comprehensive boating safety regulations under the Boat Registration and Safety Act (625 ILCS 45). These regulations are designed to promote safety for people and property in connection with the use, operation, and equipment of vessels. Key Illinois boating safety requirements include:

Operating Under the Influence

• It is illegal to operate a boat or watercraft while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• A blood alcohol content of 0.08% or more creates a presumption of intoxication
• Operators involved in accidents resulting in serious injury or death must submit to chemical testing
• OUI violations can result in suspension of watercraft operating privileges for 1 to 3 years

Life Jacket Requirements

• All vessels must be equipped with US Coast Guard approved life jackets for each person on board
• Children under the age of 13 must always wear life jackets while on vessels under 26 feet in length the boat is underway
• Anyone operating a personal watercraft or Jet Ski must wear a life jacket regardless of age
• Properly fitting flotation devices must be readily accessible

Age and Education Requirements

• No person under 10 years of age may operate a motorboat
• Children ages 10 to 11 may operate boats over 10 horsepower only under direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or designated person at least 18 years old
• Anyone born on or after January 1, 1998, must have a valid Boating Safety Certificate to operate motorboats over 10 horsepower
• Children aged 12 to 17 must complete a boating safety course and possess a
• Boating Safety Certificate accepted by the DNR or be under direct supervision of a qualified adult

Accident Reporting Requirements

• The operator of a vessel involved in a collision has a duty to render assistance to others involved in the collision or who are affected by it
• Boat accidents must be reported to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources within specific timeframes:
  • Death or injury requiring medical treatment: 48 hours
  • Disappearance of person or property damage exceeding $2,000: 5 days
• Failure to report accidents can result in criminal charges

Additional Safety Requirements

• It is illegal to overload a vessel beyond its safe carrying capacity
• It is illegal to operate a vessel in areas marked or designated for swimming
• Boats must be properly titled and registered
• Careless or reckless operation that causes danger to any person or property is prohibited

What Is a Boating Accident Case in Chicago Worth?

This question gets asked a lot by clients, but it is impossible to answer with any specificity. Why? Because each situation is different. The value of a boating accident case will depend upon several factors, including the manner in which the accident happened, the severity of injuries involved, and whether you or a loved one was partly to blame for the accident.

Boating accident cases are no different than other types of personal injury lawsuits insofar as they require proving that someone did something wrong and is responsible under the law for their actions, and that the person affected by the wrong has been damaged in some way.

Given the complexity of every personal injury situation, it is essential to consult with a good personal injury lawyer to get proper advice about the value of a case.

Illinois Statute of Limitations for Boating Accidents

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including boating accidents, usually requires that a lawsuit be brought within two years from the date of the incident. While this may seem like a long time, the time can go by very quickly, especially if you are dealing with the catastrophic aftereffects of a boating accident. Additionally, because of the complexity associated with most boating accidents, a significant amount of time may be required to investigate the accident.

Given these points, it is essential to consult with a Chicago boating accident lawyer following an incident to understand your legal rights and ensure all deadlines are met.

Do I Need a Boating Accident Lawyer?

Yes. The average person does not have the resources or knowledge to take on a corporation or insurance company and win. Boating accident cases require hiring expert witnesses who can investigate, examine, and ultimately testify in cases. These experts come with a significant price. Having the expertise and professional judgment of a good lawyer to help you is essential. Do not try to go it alone and forfeit the true value of your case.

At Paul Padda Law, we do not charge victims of boating accidents anything unless we win a settlement or verdict in court. What this means is that you do not pay us anything out of pocket. Instead, we advance the costs to successfully prosecute your boating accident case with the understanding that we will be compensated only if we are successful in obtaining a resolution on your behalf. You should not have to stress out because of legal bills and costs. We want you to focus on your recovery and leave the rest to us. Call Paul Padda Law today at (312) 702-7000 or via our online form to schedule a free, no risk consultation.