Ottawa Boating Accident Lawyer
Each year across Ottawa and Eastern Ontario thousands of people enjoy spending time in the summer months on recreational boats, yachts and jet skis. Unfortunately, many people suffer serious injuries or death when these activities are carried out in an unsafe manner.
When another party’s negligence causes your boat accident injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. However, pursuing your case may be more complicated than you previously thought. Get help throughout the claims process when you contact a reputable Ottawa boating accident lawyer at SG Injury Law for a free consultation.
Why Choose to Work With SG Injury Law?
After your Ottawa boating accident, you need a boat accident lawyer you can count on. Here are some of the benefits of choosing SG Injury Law:
- We have recovered millions in settlements and verdicts
- We offer free, no-obligation consultations
- We only take on a limited number of cases which allows us to give each individual case the attention it deserves
- We understand the issues surrounding boating accidents and can help you build a strong case.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Ottawa
If a boating accident was the result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Examples of possible negligence include the following:
- Failing to pay attention to other boats and swimmers.
- Operating a defective boat.
- Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs or while lacking sleep.
- Boating with restricted vision.
- Operating a boat without a valid license.
- Failing to have life jackets available.
- Boating at excessive rates of speed.
- Operating a boat with too many people or an excessive load of cargo.
Liability for Ottawa Boating Accidents
One of the primary reasons why boating accident claims in Ottawa can be so complex is because there are multiple parties who may share liability for your injuries. Depending on the type of boating accident you were involved in, there are several individuals and entities who could share culpability, including:
- The boat operator
- The owner of the boat
- Government agencies
- Municipalities
- Passengers on the boat
- Other on-occupants
- Boat parts manufacturers and designers
- Boat dealerships
By reviewing reports from experts, police reports, safety reports, forensic evidence, photographs of the scene and your injuries, video footage of the accident, and witness statements, your lawyer will piece together who is responsible for causing your injuries and therefore responsible for covering your damages in full.
Limitations Period for Ottawa Boating Accident Claims
To pursue your Ottawa boat accident claim in civil court, you will need to make sure your claim is filed before the limitations period expires in your case. Under the Ontario Limitations Act, boating accident victims will generally only have two years from their accident to file the claim.
However, the deadlines for the limitations period can often be confusing, especially in instances where an injury victim may not have been diagnosed with a boat accident-related injury Related until days or weeks after the initial accident.
Failure to file your claim before the limitations period expires means you will no longer have the opportunity to recover the compensation you may otherwise deserve through the Ottawa civil court system. Fortunately, your lawyer will ensure that all necessary deadlines are met so you can proceed with your personal injury tort claim.
What Damages Can Boat Accident Victims in Ottawa Recover?
We will investigate your case and determine who was at fault and what compensation is available. The damages you might receive include lost wages, pain and suffering, housekeeping expenses and medical or rehabilitative treatment. While no-fault benefits do not apply in boating accidents, there may be other avenues available to pursue compensation.
Find out what your Ottawa boat accident claim could be worth when you contact your lawyer to discuss your damages further.
Contact an Ottawa Boat Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one were injured in a boating accident, the Ottawa boat accident lawyer at SG Injury Law can help. When you are ready, call (613) 518-2416 or a free consultation or make an appointment through our convenient contact form.