Ontario accounts for nearly a quarter of a million lakes and a large number of rivers and streams, making it home to nearly one-third of the world’s fresh-water! It comes as no surprise that boating and plying other watercraft are popular recreational and commercial activities. But on the flip side, accidents can and do happen, leaving a trail of devastation in terms of physical, emotional and financial distress. If you or a dear one has suffered boating or watercraft accident related injuries, you’re entitled to compensation from those responsible for the accident. Contact a personal injury lawyer for information about filing a compensation claim.

Types of Boating and Watercraft Accidents 

Nearly 1.2 million boats and watercraft are registered in Ontario,  including:

• Fishing/Sailing boats
• Yachts
• Commercial crafts
• Canoes
• Catamaran
• Bowriders
• Cruisers
• Kayak
• Personal crafts
• Open motorboats
• Cabin crafts
• Pontoons

2014 statistics reveal that nearly 41% of Canadians aged 18 and above had participated in recreational boating. This industry is a significant contributor to the Canadian economy. More than one in five Canadian households own a recreational boat, with Ontario holding top position in the list and 40% Ontarians participating in boating. Thousands of people are injured in non-fatal boating accidents, many hundreds are temporarily or permanently disabled while there is a small but significant number of fatalities.

Typical boating and watercraft accidents:

• Drowning
• Boat-related accidents like capsizing, grounding, flooding, sinking, swamping etc
• Slip/Trip and fall inside vessel
• Falling/being ejected overboard
• Fires/Explosions
• Mishaps involving towing device (water-skiing)
• Collision/Striking submerged object
• Being struck by propeller/machinery
• Carbon monoxide inhalation
• Electrocution
• Swimming accidents
• Diving accidents
• Unsupervised children, seniors, people with disability

How Boating Accidents Happen 

Boat-safety is important but accidents do happen because of:

• Operator error/distraction/inexperience/impairment
• Weather conditions
• Equipment malfunction
• Operator behavior: speeding/recklessness/rage/failure to yield
• Water conditions
• Overloading
• Fuel-related accidents

Filing a Compensation Claim 

Accidents are caused by someone else’s fault, intent or negligence and the injuries sustained by victims results in medical expenses, loss of wages/income, disability/disfigurement/death related expenses, pain and suffering, care-giver expenses, continuing medical care/rehabilitation etc. A free consultation injury lawyer can provide a swift, comprehensive and frank assessment of your case and advise you on whether to file a claim or not. This is based on:

• Nature and extent of injuries and damage
• Proving causality
• Proving liability

Our experienced toronto personal injury lawyers can assist victims to file compensation claims to cover their expenses, both present and future. Most personal injury claims are settled out-of-court through negotiations and dispute resolution and our serious injury lawyers can represent you through all stages of the case. Find a personal injury attorney with experience in this sector to ensure your interests are protected. Boating/watercraft accident related legislation is complex, involving several different government and private agencies and insurance companies. The at-fault party may adopt aggressive, manipulative or delaying tactics to minimize the settlement amount. Dealing with insurance companies can be difficult and frustrating. We assist victims to compile a robust, evidence-backed claim, with relevant testimony from experts, eye-witnesses etc. so that victims get their due.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a personal injury claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333 or Text a Personal Injury ‎Lawyer 24/7 and get instant help. (416 931 5015)