Windsor Boating Accidents Lawyer

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Have you or a loved one been injured in a boating accident?

With nearly 30% of Canadian boating fatalities occurring in Ontario, boat safety is a major concern. If you or a loved one has been hurt, or tragically, lost their life, while on the water, a boat accident lawyer at Greg Monforton and Partners can explain your legal options and provide the representation you require.

Boat Varieties

Over 150 boat varieties exist, but only certain models are used recreationally. Most boaters will be familiar with the types of boats that can be found on Ontario waters.

A few popular types of boats include:

  • Bass
  • Bay
  • Bowrider
  • Catamaran
  • Cruiser
  • Cuddy cabin
  • Fishing
  • Jet-ski, Sea-Doo, personal watercraft
  • Multi-species
  • Pontoon
  • Sailboat
  • Wake & ski
  • Yacht

Red Cross statistics show that among boating fatalities, 62% involved powerboats and 33% un-powered (remainder unknown).  Boats come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and on a busy lake, visibility can be a challenge. For this reason, its very important for an operator to remain alert at the helm and keep an eye out for smaller vessels.

Causes of Boating Accidents

While staying alert is foremost to boat safety, it isn’t the only method to prevent a collision. Many boating accidents are caused by operator negligence. Although a vessel doesn’t have to crash for a passenger to fall overboard, a boat crash could lead to personal injury and wrongful death. The risk for injury and death is aggravated by exposure to the elements.

Some common causes of marine accidents include:

  • Operator inexperience
  • Inattention
  • Passenger and / or water skier actions
  • Poor weather conditions
  • Equipment failure
  • Reckless operation
  • Congested waters
  • Hazardous waters
  • Speeding
  • Operating under the influence
  • Overloaded vessels
  • Poor handling of fuel

Another shocking factor that can lead to a boat accident is carbon monoxide poisoning. It is unwise for a boater to operate under circumstances where passengers may be exposed to engine or generator exhaust, especially on windless days. Much more severe injuries could occur if a passenger loses consciousness on a moving vessel because of carbon monoxide inhalation. If you or someone you know was exposed to this poisonous gas while on a boat, a boat accident lawyer can help.

Boating Collision Injuries

From blunt trauma to propeller injuries, there are plenty of dangers on the water. Rough waters and strong wind can increase the risk of a nautical accident.

Some of the common injuries sustained in boating collisions include:

  • Burns
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning
  • Concussion
  • Dislocations

Victims involved in boating accidents can also suffer from hypothermia or drowning, and sadly, many of these deaths could be prevented. The leading cause of marine deaths is failure to wear a personal flotation device (PFD, or life jacket). (Unfortunately, Ontario has the lowest rate of PFD use throughout Canada.) The second leading cause of boating fatalities is operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol.

Its important for boaters to remember that they are operating a motor vehicle on open water and just as you would not drive drunk or neglect to wear your seat belt, you should wear a life jacket and have a designated captain if you and your companions plan on drinking.

Contact Our Windsor Boat Accident Lawyers Today

Windsor Lawyer Greg MonfortonAs enjoyable as a day on the water can be, what began as fun can quickly become a horrific tragedy in the event of an aquatic accident. Boating injuries can be life-threatening and amount to thousands in medical bills, as well as cause pain and suffering. If you or a loved one has been affected by a nautical collision on the waters of Ontario, our boating accident lawyers can help you make sense of your legal situation. You could be eligible for compensation for the damages you have suffered.

The legal team at Greg Monforton and Partners has experience in representing boating victims like you. Offering decades of combined experience, our law firm has fought successfully for $300 MILLION in verdicts and settlements for our clients. We proudly serve the citizens of Ontario through our office in Windsor, and accept clients in the following areas:

  • Windsor
  • Thunder Bay
  • Oakville
  • Kingston
  • Moosonee
  • Sault St. Marie
  • North Bay
  • Georgina

Call (866) 320-4770 today to find out more about our experience and how we can help you.

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