Portland Boat Accident Lawyer
EXPERIENCED BOATING ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS REPRESENTING INJURED PERSONS IN THE GREATER PORTLAND, OREGON AREA
The Pacific Northwest is a great place for boating and Portland is no exception. Whether you’re out on the Columbia River or the Pacific Ocean, there is no shortage of water activities to explore. With all the fun to be had on the open water in and around Portland, boating accidents are unfortunately common.
If you or someone you love suffered an injury in a boating accident, it is important to know that this can be a complex area of law. Personal injury laws and maritime laws may affect your case. For this reason, you need an experienced Portland boating accident lawyer to represent you.
At Schauermann Thayer, our Portland boating accident attorneys will seek to protect your legal rights and financial interests. We believe in holding negligent boat owners and operators accountable for their negligence, and we work tirelessly for our injured clients. You can contact us today by filling out a contact form, or calling now (360) 695-4244 to schedule a free consultation.
Why Do Boating Accidents Occur in Portland?
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 5,265 boating accidents occurred in the United States in 2020. These boating accidents led to 3,191 injuries and over $62 million in damages to property.
Some of the most common causes of boating accidents in Portland include:
- Inexperienced boating operators;
- Boating in inclement weather;
- Boating without navigation lights;
- Overcrowding boats;
- Operating a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
- Operating a boat while engaging in distractions;
- Speeding or reckless boating;
- Failing to provide adequate safety gear, such as life jackets;
- Failing to make proper safety repairs;
- Hiring under-qualified operators and staff; and/or
- Manufacturing defective boats or machinery.
Boat operators have a legal duty to protect those on their vessels. They also have a responsibility to act reasonably for the health and safety of everyone on the water. When they fail to honor this duty, they may face liability for their actions.
Filing a Portland Boating Accident Lawsuit
After a boating accident, you do not likely have a long time to file a personal injury lawsuit. Oregon’s law provides that you must likely file a personal injury
lawsuit within two years of your accident. If you do not file a lawsuit before this deadline, the courts will likely dismiss any legal action you take.
You may want to speak to an experienced Portland boating accident lawyer soon after your crash to avoid missing any deadlines. While two years might seem like a long time, it can pass quickly.
If another boater or boating operator caused your accident and injuries, you can seek to hold them liable for your injuries. In particular, the law holds commercial boat companies and charters to higher safety standards. When they fail to honor their duties, we can help you bring a legal case against them.
Our injury attorneys can help protect your legal rights and help you seek fair compensation after a devastating boating crash.
Collecting Compensation For Boating Injuries
If someone else’s negligence led to your boating injury, you have a right to seek compensation from the “at-fault” party. A severe boating accident can have a devastating effect on your entire life. In addition to the physical and emotional pain and suffering you endured, you and your loved ones may also face significant financial and emotional impacts.
An injury lawyer can help you achieve your goals and recover compensation for damages including:
- Medical bills;
- Rehabilitation expenses;
- Long-term care;
- Lost wages;
- Loss of future earnings;
- Pain and suffering; and/or
- Property damage.
The effects of a boating accident can be long-lasting and may even lead to permanent disability. If you or a loved one got hurt in a Portland boating accident, it may be important to seek legal assistance as soon as possible.
Contact Our Portland Boating Accident Lawyers Today
If you suffered harm in a boating accident anywhere in Portland, it can be critical to know that you are not alone. Insurance companies may try to pressure you into signing a quick settlement after your accident. Do not sign anything without speaking to an experienced boating accident lawyer at Schauermann Thayer.
Our Portland boating accident lawyers can help try and protect you and your future at every turn. We know how to handle a negligented boat and commercial vessel operators and their insurance companies.
Contact Schauermann Thayer to explore your legal options in a free consultation. You can contact us today by filling out a contact form, or calling now (360) 695-4244 to schedule a free consultation.
