Practice Areas
Boating & Maritime Accidents
The boating & maritime accident attorneys at Brett & Coats know the unique laws governing maritime accidents. Bill Coats graduated from a special program at Tulane Law School with a concentration on this type of claim (Admiralty and Maritime). Whether a maritime accident occurred because of human error, dangerous equipment or vessels, collisions, fires, falls overboard or explosions, the lawyers at Brett & Coats can help recover prompt, fair and just compensation.
In 2002, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) reported more than 750 recreational boating fatalities, 4,062 injuries and over $39 million in property damage. This includes open/cabin motor boats, personal watercraft (PWC), canoes/kayaks, pontoon boats and rowboats. Open motorboats and PWCs account for more than one-third of new boat sales and the highest incident of injury and death. The PWC is unique since it is the only type of recreational vessel for which the leading cause of fatalities is not drowning, but blunt force trauma.
States have responded to boating safety concerns with legislation governing minimum age requirements, stringent criteria and guidelines for reporting accidents, and standards for vessel manufacture and operation. Manufacturers’ errors can contribute to boating accidents and design/build defects have included problems with motors, electrical systems, navigational lights, ignitions, carbon monoxide, fuel systems, Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) and ventilation.
WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU
Our goal is help clients receive prompt, fair and just compensation for their injuries.
The attorneys at Brett & Coats have the experience and training to effectively counsel injured seafarers and their families. Our firm has successfully handled claims involving injuries to crew members, passengers and longshoremen. We also help families who have lost a loved one on the high seas.
In addition to representing injured passengers on private and commercial boats, Brett & Coats helps seamen who are hurt from working on-the-job. We fight to ensure that crew receive the benefits to which they are entitled including maintenance, cure and unearned wages.
Do not wait until it is too late to seek legal advice. If you have suffered an injury in a boating or maritime injury, contact our office today. We offer a free initial evaluation of your claim. You may be entitled to compensation. Our attorneys will negotiate a prompt, fair, just settlement or fight aggressively to ensure that you receive full maximum compensation in accordance with the law.
At Brett & Coats, our lawyers give proactive attention to the needs of each client. We help by coordinating medical payments, organizing documentation and supporting each client through the sometimes difficult claims process. Since insurance companies know our firm’s determination to litigate cases when a settlement offer is inadequate, we are usually able to resolve most personal injury claims through negotiation. Call the attorneys at Brett & Coats PLLC today at 1-800-925-1875, 360-714-0900, or contact us via our online form.
Frequently Asked Questions about Boating and Maritime Accidents.
