Boating Accidents Foster Law Injury Trial Lawyers

Portland Boating Accident Attorney

Accountability for Negligent Boaters in Maine

While boating can be a fun and rewarding pastime for many Maine residents, it isn't without risks. Many people are injured in boating accidents every year due to negligence, making it important to know what steps to take after a wrongful boating injury.

If you or a loved one was injured in a boating accident due to negligence, securing experienced representation is imperative to seeking justice and compensation. Our Portland boating accident lawyer has over 22 years of experience advocating for the wrongfully injured.

With a proven track record of results and thousands of cases handled, Attorney Christian Foster is committed to serving each client’s unique needs by thoroughly preparing every case for trial and working tirelessly to maximize the value of their claim. If you were harmed by someone else’s negligence, turn to Foster Law for the high-quality representation you need to take back your life.

Boating accidents can lead to severe injuries. Our firm can fight to hold negligent parties accountable. Call (207) 305-3854 to schedule a free consultation.

When Can Negligence Lead to Boating Injuries?

Boating negligence can result in a wide range of injuries, from broken bones and lacerations to electrocution to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). In serious cases, negligent boaters can even lead to wrongful death, making it all the more vital to know and exercise your rights accordingly.

Seeking sound counsel from a qualified attorney is crucial to obtaining the fair compensation you deserve after boating negligence. Our experienced boating accident lawyer can fight to recover damages to cover your medical costs, lost earnings, and other financial losses to support your recovery, allowing you to prioritize your health and well-being during this difficult time.

Like any motor vehicle accident, boating accidents can occur for various reasons. Common causes of boating accidents due to negligence include:

Operator error: Insufficient training or experience can result in boating accidents.
Safety violations: Failure to follow appropriate safety regulations increases the risk of boating accidents and can lead to severe injuries.
Malfunctioning machinery: Engine failure and other equipment failures can occur due to a lack of regular maintenance. If the boat's owner is responsible, they can be held liable. On the other hand, if the boating injury occurs due to faulty manufacturing or product defects, the manufacturer may also be liable.
Reckless boating: Boaters who operate their vessels recklessly or unlawfully, such as excessive speeding, can cause accidents and injure fellow boaters, leading to liability in a boating accident lawsuit.
Boating under the influence: Operating a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol can have serious consequences and lead to wrongful injuries.

Who Is Liable in a Portland Boating Accident?

Depending on the circumstances, various parties can be liable for negligence in Maine boating accidents. Common examples include:

Boat operators: The person operating the boat is responsible for safely navigating the waterways. If their negligence or reckless behavior contributes to the accident, they may be held liable.
Fellow boaters: Other boaters on the water may also be liable if their actions or negligence contribute to the accident. For example, if a boater fails to follow navigation rules or operates their vessel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may share liability.
Boat owners: The boat's owner may be held liable if they entrusted their vessel to someone they knew or should have known was inexperienced or unfit to operate it safely. The owner may also be responsible if the accident was caused by a defect in the boat that they failed to address.
Rental companies: If the accident involves a rented boat, the rental company may be liable if they provided an unsafe or defective vessel, failed to maintain the boat properly, or did not adequately warn the renter about potential hazards.
Manufacturers and sellers: In cases where a defect in the boat or its components contributed to the accident, the manufacturer or seller may be held liable for producing and distributing a faulty product.
Government entities: In some cases, government entities responsible for maintaining navigable waterways may be held liable if their negligence contributes to the accident, such as failing to mark hazards or maintain proper signage.

Foster Law has protected the rights of the injured for 22 years, making our firm well-equipped to represent your best interests, negotiate effectively on your behalf, and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.

Continue Reading Read Less

5-Star Client Reviews

See the Difference An Experienced Attorney Makes

At Foster Law, we give your case the time and attention you deserve. Read some of our client testimonials below, or call us at (207) 305-3854 today to get started.

"Christian Foster is a rare species among personal injury lawyers."
Despite formidable delays and obstacles created by COVID and the insurance company, Christian persevered in creative ways, always with the highest integrity and my unique interests and concerns in mind.

- Lucille M.
"He Changed My Mind About Lawyers"
He did a wonderful job. This experience completely changed the way I feel about attorneys. He is a testament to his profession which all attorneys should strive for.

- Former Client
"I Felt Protected"
Because he took his time, he was able to represent me very well resulting in a fair settlement.10 out of 10 experience!!!

- Rebecca T.
"Compassionate and Knowledgable"
His knowledge of the law and his guidance left me feeling like I was really being taken care of and he settled my case quickly... he's a five-star attorney who gets the job done.

- Lisa
"Thrilled With the Outcome"
Christian Foster went above-and-beyond the call of duty in what was very complex litigation. I was thrilled with the outcome of my case.

- Adam C.
"He Cares About Justice"
He took time to answer all questions and if needed he would repeat until we all understood. We feel honored and grateful that Mr. Foster was our attorney.

- Carlo & Denise G.
"Better Than "Best Case""
He knows what he's doing but beyond that, his personality has a great calming effect. I prepared myself for the worst case and got me better than the "best case".

- John
"He Assuaged My Fears"
Christian was incredibly friendly, yet straightforward. I appreciated his pragmatism as well as his sense of optimism. He was extremely knowledgeable.

- Anonymous

View More Reviews

Proving Negligence in a Boat Accident Lawsuit

The mere act of sustaining a boating injury isn’t enough to recover damages in a boating accident lawsuit. In any personal injury case, proving negligence is often the most challenging part of collecting fair compensation. It’s important to consult with a qualified attorney who can thoroughly evaluate your case and help you establish liability.

The plaintiff is responsible for establishing negligence in a boating accident, meaning the victim bears the burden of proof in lawsuits. To prove liability, the injured party must prove these core elements:

Duty of Care: First, the plaintiff must show that the defendant owed a duty of care. In boating accidents, this means showing that the defendant had a legal obligation to operate their boat responsibly and safely while considering the well-being of others on the water.
Breach of Duty: The second element involves proving that the defendant breached their duty of care. This means demonstrating that the defendant failed to act reasonably or negligently, such as not following boating regulations, operating the boat recklessly, or engaging in behaviors that put others at risk.
Causation: The third element requires showing a causal connection between the defendant's breach of duty and the plaintiff's injuries or damages. The injured party must show that the defendant's actions or negligence directly caused the boating accident, resulting in harm.
Damages: The final element involves demonstrating the actual harm or damages suffered by the plaintiff due to the boating accident. This can include physical injuries, medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other losses directly caused by the accident.

Boating Accidents vs. Premises Liability

If passengers are injured on someone else’s boat, this can fall under premises liability in Maine. Like property owners, boat owners owe passengers a duty of care to keep the premises (e.g., the watercraft) safe for use. If a passenger is injured due to negligence, such as maintenance oversights or falling on slick decks without a warning sign in place, the boat operator can be liable.

Fortunately, our Portland trial attorney has extensive knowledge of Maine law to investigate your case, fortify your claim with strong evidence, and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf. Our compassionate team can guide your steps with wisdom and clarity after a wrongful injury to help you recover damages and focus on healing.

Reliable Representation for Injured Boaters

For over two decades, Attorney Christian Foster has provided sound counsel to the wrongfully injured. From car accidents to commercial trucking accidents, our nationally acclaimed trial lawyer has recovered millions of dollars for our clients in Portland and beyond. At Foster Law, we’re committed to maximizing damages by offering dependable, down-to-earth advocacy and effective legal strategies.

While we prepare every case for trial and never shy away from a fight, we’re known for putting our clients first. Regardless of your claim’s value, you can count on our team to deliver high-quality representation to make your recovery as swift and comfortable as possible. If you were wrongfully injured, turn to a firm you can trust to restore your agency and peace of mind.

Wrongfully injured? Turn to a firm that will treat you like a human being, not a case number. Contact us online to consult with our Portland attorney.

Continue Reading Read Less

Contact Us

Your Beacon in the Storm

Ready to get started? Get your free consultation by filling out the form below.

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy

Experienced Trial Lawyers

With over 22 years of experience in the courtroom for our clients, we are prepared to take your case to trial - and we fight to win.
We Have Won Tens of Millions

With a highly-skilled trial attorney and dedicated legal team, we have a long track record of success - both in and out of the courtroom.
Personalized Service

We really get to know our clients, making sure to give you all the information you need to make truly informed choices.
Digging Deeper in Each Case

We listen carefully, investing the time you deserve; interviewing witnesses, making house calls, and immersing ourselves in your case to give you the best shot at winning.