Injured in a Minnesota Boating Accident? We Can Help

Minnesota is not called the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” for no reason. Our state is known for its water sports, fishing, and boating. With so much to do out on the water, it is inevitable that accidents will happen – and when they do, you need an experienced attorney on your side to help.

At Olson, Poole & Envall, we understand that a boating accident can do more than take a physical toll on you – it can take an emotional and financial toll as well. That is why, if you are in a boating accident, you need compassionate and knowledgeable attorneys to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Olson, Poole & Envall Handles All Types of MN Boating Accidents

There are many causes of boat accidents in the state, but the most common are:

  • Sinking, capsizing, or flooding of the boat due to a collision with an object in the water, including another boat
  • Passengers falling overboard
  • Passengers falling or slipping on the boat
  • Accidents caused by explosions or fire on board the boat
  • Poorly maintained equipment on the boat
  • Insufficient safety equipment on board, such as life jackets

Sometimes, these accidents are caused by negligent behavior. In other instances, they are the direct result of product failure on board. That is why any time you are involved in a boating accident that leads to injury, you need to ensure your rights are safeguarded.

The knowledgeable attorneys at Olson, Poole & Envall can make sure the parties at fault are held accountable.

No Matter Your Boating Injury in Minnesota, Our Attorneys Will Fight for You

There are several common injuries that can result from a boating accident, injuries that can change the trajectory of your life forever. In general, common injuries sustained during boating accidents include:

  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Fractured bones
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Bruising, strains, and sprains
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries

Some of these injuries can be very serious. This is why medical attention is strongly advised to anyone who is involved in a boating accident – no matter how minor you initially believe they may be.

How Olson, Poole & Envall Determines If You Have Strong Case for Negligence

Injury claims are all about negligence. Our attorneys can help guide you through the processes used to determine if you have a strong case against the responsible parties in your case. 

To hold someone accountable in court you will have to establish each element of negligence:

Duty of Care

Parties who are at fault for a boating accident have a legal obligation, or duty, to act reasonably to prevent harm to other people.

Breach of the Duty of Care

If the party who is at fault failed to uphold their duty of care, then they have breached that duty.

Causation

Because the duty of care was broken, the actions of the party at fault caused the injury.

Damages

The injuries suffered by you, as well as the emotional and financial damages, are the direct result of the failure to uphold the duty of care.

These elements of negligence can be demonstrated to the court in a variety of ways. You will have to work with your attorney to show the court each element and ultimately have a successful case.

Minnesota Boating Injury Attorneys Who Understand How These Types of Cases Work

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?

In our state, those who are injured in boating accidents have two years from the date of the accident to bring a lawsuit. If you fail to meet this deadline, also referred to as the statute of limitations, then you will no longer be able to pursue a settlement.

There are exceptions to the statute of limitations. Your attorney can help you to understand what statute of limitations you must operate under in your specific circumstances. However, it is always best to meet with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident. Do not wait.

How Much Is Your Case Worth?

One of the questions the attorneys at Olson, Poole & Envall receive the most in boating accident cases is what the value of the case is. Every single case brought before the court is different, which is why you should contact an attorney to understand more about the value of your particular claim.

In cases where there is a valid path to bring a lawsuit, different forms of compensation can be pursued for the victim, including:

  • The cost of medical bills in the past, present, and future
  • Medical equipment needed for assistance
  • Loss of enjoyment from life
  • Loss of wages
  • Property damage
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Physical therapy

This is not an exhaustive list, but does give you some idea of what types of compensation a person can receive from a boating accident case.

Who Can Be Held Liable For Your Accident?

There are many people who could potentially be at fault for a boating accident, but the circumstances of the case make a difference when determining who is liable for your injuries. 

Some parties that may be responsible for a boating accident include:

  • The owner of the boat
  • The manufacturer of the boat
  • The company that rented you the boat
  • Other passengers on the boat

Even if it is determined that you are partially at fault for your accident, that does not mean you cannot get compensated for your damages if negligence can be proven. It is vital to understand, however, that compensation cannot be pursued from a party who is less responsible for the accident than you are.

Get the Compensation You Deserve – Contact Olson, Poole & Envall Today

Boating injury victims who work with personal injury lawyers like those found at Olson, Poole & Envall are far more likely to receive the compensation they need and deserve. 

Our experienced boating accident attorneys understand well how complicated and confusing the legal system can be, and they are ready to manage every aspect of your complicated legal case. 

We can put our team of legal investigators to work in your case to collect evidence and support the claim, as well as handle all the legal paperwork involved. Any negotiations with another party’s lawyer or insurance company can also be spearheaded by our well-informed legal team.

Start fight for the compensation you deserve right now – contact us today.