Boat Accidents

There are few activities enjoyable as being out on the open water in a boat with the sun shining down and a gentle breeze flowing through your hair (and keeping the mosquitos and blackflies at bay). Whether its fishing, sailing, paddling a canoe, or cruising in a motorboat, each year tens of thousands of Canadians converge on lakes and rivers for recreation, transportation or their occupation.

But if a boating accident occurs, serious injury or even death can occur; and dealing the with physical, emotional, and legal aftermath of such an incident can be overwhelming.

A complex subject

Although there are many similarities between driving a car and a motorboat – licensing, safety regulations, laws governing movement and traffic – unlike motor vehicle accidents on land, victims of boating accidents are not eligible for certain protections. A boating accident victim cannot claim no-fault benefits under Ontario’s statutory accidents benefits schedule.

Instead, if you are injured in boating accident you can seek to make a claim for damages against the at-fault party. Moreover, the Marine Liability Act limits the total award for an accident causing loss of life or personal injury to $1,000,000 regardless of the number of people making claims.

In the aftermath of an accident, as you and your family navigate the medical system, rehabilitation services, and grieve if there has been a catastrophic injury or loss of life, you will need support, guidance and advocacy as you move forward and seek justice.

Let us be your advocates

At HSH, our personal injury lawyers have years of experience helping people who have been involved in these types of accidents. We carefully review the circumstances of your accident, thoroughly examine accident reports, medical records, and other relevant information, and work tirelessly to put together strong case designed to get you the compensation and damages you deserve.

Among the best in Canada

Since 2011, our peers have consistently voted for us as one of Canada’s top personal injury firms in Canadian Lawyer magazine’s annual rankings of the top personal injury boutiques in Canada.

Howie, Sacks & Henry LLP – Personal Injury Law – Canadian Lawyer Magazine 2023
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