Minnesota Boating Accident Attorney
Boating is a popular pastime in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Unfortunately, negligent boat operators often cause serious accidents. If you or a loved one were injured in a boating accident, the experienced boating accident attorneys at Sieben Polk P.A. are here to help.
Based in Eagan, our law firm has deep roots in Minnesota and an extensive understanding of its legal landscape. With decades of combined experience under their belts, our personal injury lawyers have the knowledge and resources needed to seek the full and fair compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Do not wait to take legal action. Call (651) 437-3148 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation with a skilled boating accident lawyer.
Boating Accident Attorneys in Eagan
Sieben Polk is a full-service personal injury law firm dedicated to fighting for the rights of injury victims throughout Minnesota. Over the years, we have recovered millions in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
Our attorneys have been widely recognized for the high quality of their services. For example, founding partner John P. Sieben has been recognized as a “Rising Star” in the Minnesota Journal of Law and Politics on three separate occasions.
Our boating accident lawyers have strong ties to the communities we serve throughout the Upper Midwest, including Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. We combine the resources and expertise of a large national firm with the personalized attention and care of a localized practice.
Our lawyers always take an individualized approach to ensure our legal services are uniquely tailored to the unique circumstances of your case. Learn more by exploring our client testimonials.
Boating Injury Lawsuits in Minnesota
Minnesota has numerous laws and regulations governing water safety and watercraft within the state. Violations may lead to liability. If another party’s negligence led to your boating accident injury, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
In Minnesota, boating accident claims are also subject to the state’s comparative fault laws. Under this system, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault for the accident. However, you may still recover damages as long as your percentage of fault is less than the defendant’s.
Acting quickly is crucial. Minnesota’s personal injury statute of limitations sets a strict deadline for filing a claim. In most cases, you have six years from the date of the accident to take legal action. However, if the accident resulted in fatal injuries, the wrongful death statute of limitations gives three years to file a claim.
While several years may seem like a long time, you should not wait to take legal action. In part, this is because gathering evidence becomes more difficult the longer you wait. Our knowledgeable boat accident lawyers can gather all available evidence to build a strong case on your behalf and ensure that it is filed on time to protect your right to compensation.
Compensation Options for Boating Injury Victims
Negotiating with insurance companies and litigating in court can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to recover from your injuries as insurance companies are not always on your side. Our compassionate boating accident lawyers have the experience and resources to handle every aspect of your claim, allowing you to focus on healing and moving forward with your life.
Boat accident victims in Minnesota may be entitled to a wide variety of compensation for their injuries and losses. The types of damages available in these claims include economic, non-economic, and, in rarer cases, punitive damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are designed to compensate injury victims for quantifiable financial losses stemming from an accident. These may include:
- Medical expenses – This covers the cost of all medical treatment related to the boating accident, including ambulance rides, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages – If a victim cannot work due to their injuries, they can seek compensation for the past and future income they lose.
Non-economic Damages
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, compensate victims for the intangible impact an accident has on their lives, including:
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress – This compensates victims for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by an accident. For example, in addition to pain, traumatic accidents can lead to anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Victims may be entitled to compensation for these emotional impacts.
- Loss of enjoyment of life – Victims can also receive compensation for changes in their day-to-day well-being and inability to participate in activities they previously enjoyed.
- Loss of consortium – This compensates the victim's spouse for the loss of love, care, society, companionship, and sexual relations caused by an accident.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are monetary awards granted in a legal case to punish the defendant for egregious conduct and deter similar behavior in the future. Unlike the compensatory damages discussed above, which aim to compensate plaintiffs for their losses, punitive damages go beyond compensation and serve as a form of punishment. They are typically awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions are deemed particularly malicious, reckless, or intentionally harmful.
Our Boating Accident Attorneys Are Ready To Help
At Sieben Polk P.A., we understand the profound impact a boating accident can have on your life and well-being. Our skilled attorneys have extensive knowledge of Minnesota’s legal system and a proven track record of success. We take a client-first approach to legal representation, carefully listening to your story to understand your unique needs and goals.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident in Minnesota, don’t wait to seek legal help. Call (651) 437-3148 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation with our knowledgeable and compassionate boating accident attorneys. We work on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we secure compensation on your behalf.
