Oklahoma City Boating & Maritime Accident Attorney

With an abundance of natural lakes and reservoirs, Oklahoma is home to many recreational boaters, as well as maritime workers. While no one expects to be involved in a recreational boating crash or an on-the-job accident, these things occur far more frequently than many people realize—and the consequences are often catastrophic.

If you or a loved one was involved in a recreational boating accident or suffered a work-related injury covered by maritime law, turn to the team at Fulmer Sill. Based in Oklahoma City, our boating and maritime accident attorneys represent clients throughout Oklahoma and nationwide, offering a highly collaborative and personalized approach to personal injury litigation. We actually take cases to trial and are prepared to aggressively pursue the maximum compensation you are owed.

Common Causes of Recreational Boating Accidents

Recreational boating accidents include collisions between boats, Jet Skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners, and other recreational boats and personal watercraft, as well as single-vessel accidents. Often, these incidents result from inexperienced, careless, or even reckless boaters. Alcohol is also often a factor in these incidents, as many recreational boaters drink while out on the water.

Specifically, some of the most common causes of recreational boating accidents include:

• Boat operator inattention and/or distraction
• Failing to keep a proper lookout
• Inexperienced or careless boat operators
• Excessive speed
• Failure to follow navigational rules
• Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Failing to see objects or people in the water
• Machinery failure
• Hazardous waters or dangerous weather conditions
• Defective watercraft, parts, or safety equipment

Sadly, these accidents often result in catastrophic bodily injury and wrongful death, including drowning deaths. It can be very difficult to manage the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath of a recreational boating accident—but if someone else was to blame, you do not have to simply suffer the consequences of their actions on your own.

Who Is Liable for a Recreational Boating Accident?

To determine who is liable for a boating accident, it is typically necessary for our attorneys to conduct a thorough investigation into how the accident occurred. By identifying the cause of the incident, we can often determine who was at fault.

To prove your claim, our Oklahoma City boating accident attorneys work to prove each of the following elements:

• Another person or party owed you a duty of care, meaning they had a legal responsibility to take certain actions and/or avoid certain actions that could cause foreseeable harm
• The other person or party failed to uphold this duty of care, either by acting negligently, wrongfully, or intentionally
• You were injured and, as a result of your injuries, you suffered measurable damages for which you can be compensated, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
• The other person or party’s negligent, wrongful, or intentional conduct was the direct or proximate cause of your injuries and resulting damages

Because Oklahoma follows a rule of modified comparative negligence, you cannot file a personal injury claim if you are found to be more than 50 percent at fault for the accident.

At Fulmer Sill, we understand how important it is that you receive the full, fair compensation you are owed. We know that this is critical to your physical, emotional, and financial recovery, which is why our Oklahoma City recreational boat accident attorneys fight tirelessly to maximize their clients’ claims. While we strive to resolve cases as quickly and efficiently as possible, we also recognize that some matters must be pursued at trial. If necessary, our team is fully prepared to aggressively advocate for you and your recovery in court.

What Is Maritime Law?

Also known as “admiralty law,” maritime law refers to the various federal laws, rules, treaties, and conventions that govern commercial shipping, private maritime business, and other related matters. Regarding personal injury, maritime law is most commonly applied in cases involving on-the-job accidents and maritime worker injuries.

While maritime workers are not typically covered by workers’ compensation, those who are injured in workplace accidents or who suffer job-related injuries, illnesses, or medical conditions may be entitled to compensation under various maritime laws, such as the Jones Act, the Death on the High Seas Act, and the Longshore Harbor and Workers’ Compensation Act. Typically, these laws allow injured maritime workers to sue their employers or other liable parties when an injury or illness occurs as a result of unsafe working conditions, employer negligence, third-party negligence, and certain other factors.

What Types of Accidents Are Covered Under Maritime Law?

Maritime law covers a wide variety of accidents and injury-causing events, as well as work-related illnesses and medical conditions suffered by eligible maritime workers.

Some examples include:

• Slips, trips, and falls
• Falls from heights
• Machinery and equipment accidents
• Unsafe working conditions
• Dangerous work environment
• Equipment failure
• Defective tools, machinery, and other work items
• Flooding
• Offshore accidents
• Oilrig accidents
• Explosions and fires
• Falling overboard
• Toxic or harmful exposure to chemicals and other substances
• Drowning

Additionally, maritime laws cover a wide range of offshore workers, including (but not limited to) those who work on:

• Container/cargo ships
• Cruise ships
• Tugboats
• Ferries
• Oilrigs and oil tankers
• Jack-up rigs
• Barges
• Crew boats
• Dredging vessels
• Charter boats

Our Oklahoma City maritime accident attorneys understand these complex laws and know how to tirelessly pursue the maximum compensation you are owed. We are ready to fight for you and your family, even if that means taking your case to trial.

Contact Our Boating & Maritime Accident Attorneys for Help with Your Claim

When you need a team you can trust, one that will advocate for you and guide you through the legal process, turn to Fulmer Sill. With decades of combined experience, our Oklahoma City boating and maritime accident lawyers are here to help you navigate the challenges you are facing so that you can begin to heal and move forward with your life.

We are known for our collaborative approach and for utilizing the full experience, resources, and skills of each individual member of our team. Our attorneys offer a personal and compassionate touch; we genuinely care about the people we serve, and we strive to remain approachable, accessible, and available to you throughout the entire legal process. Our goal is to level the playing field and put the power back in your hands, allowing you to effectively fight for a fair settlement or verdict while simultaneously holding liable parties accountable for the immense harm they have caused in your life.