Tennessee Boating Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a boating accident, you need experienced and dedicated legal representation that can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Watercraft injuries can range from broken bones and spinal injuries to brain damage. We also handle wrongful death cases involving boating accidents. Our firm is dedicated to standing by you throughout the entirety of your case.
For more information about boating accidents, please feel free to review the content below or contact our office today. We provide a free consultation to all personal injury clients. Let us help you better understand the legal aspects of your case today.
The attorneys of Ball & Scott, A Professional Association skillfully represent clients located in Knoxville, Tennessee, the communities of Knox County, Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Sevier County, Norris Lake, Ft. Loudon Lake, Douglas Lake, Cherokee Lake, Tellico, Loudon, Lenoir City, Athens, Loudon County, Oak Ridge, Greenville, Maryville, Clinton, and all of the surrounding areas.
Ball & Scott
A Professional Association
550 Main Avenue, Suite 750
Knoxville, TN 37092
Phone: (865) 525-7028
Fax: (865) 525-4679
E-mail
Boat Accidents and Injuries - An Overview
According to the United States Coast Guard, in the past decade, there has been an increase in registered boats and personal watercraft (PWC) in the United States. In particular, the use of personal watercraft, such as Jet-Skis and other brands, has exploded since the 1990s. Not surprisingly, the United States Coast Guard also reports that each year there has been an increase in boating accidents that have resulted in serious injuries and sometimes death.
If you have been injured on a boat, while boating or while engaged in other water sport activities, contact an attorney in your area to learn more about your legal rights. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
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The Jones Act
The Jones Act is a federal statute that provides a remedy for injured workers. According to this act, 46 U.S.C.A. § 30104, “A seaman injured in the course of employment or, if the seaman dies from the injury, the personal representative of the seaman may elect to bring a civil action at law, with the right of trial by jury, against the employer.” An injured crewmember may have a claim against his or her employer (ship owner) for negligence if the vessel is unseaworthy. It is the duty of the ship owner to maintain a vessel that is seaworthy. This includes the vessel, gear and appliances. This duty is absolute and not based on the fault of the ship owner.
According to the Jones act, “A defective condition of the vessel which proximately causes the seaman's injury makes the ship unseaworthy as to him.” This does not mean that the entire vessel is unfit or unseaworthy. The crewmembers remedy applies only against the owner of the vessel, gear or appliances. If you are a crewmember that has been injured while employed on a seagoing vessel, contact a maritime law lawyer to discuss your legal rights.
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Maritime Law
Maritime law, often called admiralty law, is a set of legal rules and practices governing the business of employment and transportation of people and goods over or near navigable waters. If you have been injured while employed by a vessel or while you were a social guest on a vessel, it is important to consult an attorney to help you understand what conditions must be met to apply maritime law.
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Cruise Ship Accidents
An injury that occurs on a cruise ship is suffered by either a crewmember or a passenger. Crewmembers may have a claim for compensation under the Jones Act, while passengers may have a claim for compensation against the vessel owners for negligence. Whether a ship is considered a “vessel” is to be determined in court. The vessel status affects which law may be applicable and the damages that may be recoverable. Once the vessel determination has been made, jurisdiction must be determined. Federal law may be applicable if your injury occurred on a vessel while on navigable waters and federal law protects cruise ship passengers against injuries caused by negligence. If you have suffered and injury while aboard a cruise ship, call a maritime law attorney to discuss your possible remedies under federal law.
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Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act
The Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act (33 USCA 18) is a federal statue that protects maritime employees who are accidentally injured or killed during the course of employment. According to the statute, employee refers to an individual, longshoreman or harbor-worker (ship repairman, shipbuilder, shipbreaker) engaged maritime employment. An individual must be performing a ship’s service to be considered an employee or an agent of the employer. The employee must also have a substantial relationship to the vessel, which contributes to the mission or function of the ship. An employee injured or killed over navigable waters is protected under federal workers compensation laws and the employer is liable for compensation of their employees’ injuries, or for paying wrongful death compensation to their loved ones. A vessel owner is also liable for injuries to the crewmember (or loved ones of the crewmember) if they knew or should have known of the dangerous condition that caused injury or death. If you or your loved one was injured while an employee of a seagoing vessel, it is important to contact an attorney knowledgeable in the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act to discuss your possible claim for compensation.
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Boat Accidents and Injuries Resource Links
US Coast Guard Home Page
Statistics, facts and history related to safety, boating information and the US Coast Guard.
US Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety
Provides information about accident prevention, safety, regulations, recalls and statistics about accidents and fatalities on US waterways.
US Coast Guard Marine Safety, Security and Environmental Protection
US Department of Homeland Security website containing news and information on the US Coast Guard. Information includes organizational charts, directory, programs and services
US Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration
Contains a compilation of federal maritime laws, including the Merchant Marine Act, Documentation of Vessels, the American Fisheries Act and the Shipping Act.
International Organization of Masters, Mates, and Pilots
The International Marine Division of the International Longshoremen's Association, AFL-CIO. Contains information on membership, future plans, maritime professionals' links and resources.
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