Chicago Boat Accident Lawyer

Compensation for Victims of Boating Accidents  

A Chicago boat accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal and insurance challenges that follow a serious boating incident on Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, or the Des Plaines River. 

Whether cruising downtown or enjoying a weekend on the lake, accidents on the water often result in severe injuries—drowning, fractures, hypothermia, or carbon monoxide exposure—due to the lack of safety features like life jackets. 

These cases are further complicated by murky liability laws and boat insurance disputes, making it difficult to recover the full compensation you’re owed.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we help victims of boating accidents across Chicago and the surrounding waterways hold negligent operators accountable and secure maximum settlements for their injuries.

Boat Accident Settlements We’ve Won For Our Clients

Our law firm has successfully represented clients in a wide range of boating accident cases, securing substantial settlements for those injured due to negligence on the water. Below are just a few examples of the results we’ve achieved on behalf of our clients.

• $3,250,000 — Full policy payout for a fatal incident where a passenger was ejected from a vessel and drowned during a boating trip.
• $2,333,333 — Award granted to a young man who sustained a closed head injury and ruptured eardrum after being struck by a boat while riding a waverunner.
• $2,000,000 — Settlement for multiple injured passengers following an alcohol-fueled crash where the boat operator slammed into an abandoned dock.
• $1,000,000 — Compensation for a waterskier who was hit by a privately-owned fishing boat, resulting in serious injuries.

You Have a Limited Time to File a Claim After a Boating Accident in Chicago, IL

If you’re injured in a boating accident, don’t wait to take legal action. Under Illinois law, you have just two years from the date of the incident to file a claim for personal injury (735 ILCS 5/13-202). Claims filed after this deadline are almost always dismissed. 

The sooner you contact a Chicago boat accident lawyer, the better. We’ll make sure your claim is filed on time and begin building a strong case for full compensation. Timing is critical—don’t risk losing your right to compensation.

Chicago Boating Accident Statistics

• Illinois reported 70 boating incidents in FFY 2023—a 37% jump from the previous year. Injuries rose to 37, up 3%, and fatalities doubled to 12, equating to about six deaths per 100,000 registered recreational boats.
• The majority of boating accident fatalities happened in calm, clear conditions with light winds and good visibility. Seven of the fatalities occurred on weekends, and the majority of operators lacked formal boating safety training. Two incidents involved alcohol or drug impairment.
• 75% of fatalities occurred from drowning and 25% from trauma. 92% of those who died were not wearing life jackets.

Where Do Most Boating Accidents Occur in Northern Illinois?

While boating accidents can happen anywhere in the state, data by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources reveals the majority of boat accidents in Northern Illinois happen on heavily trafficked waterways like Lake Michigan and the Fox River. These areas draw large numbers of recreational boaters, increasing the likelihood of collisions and other incidents.

Counties such as Cook and Lake consistently report the highest number of boating accidents. This is likely due to their access to major lakes and rivers, along with dense population centers and frequent boating activity during warmer months.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Chicago Boating Accident Lawyers 

The Chicago boat accident lawyers at our firm have more than two decades of experience winning major settlements in difficult personal injury cases, including commercial and recreational boating accidents, such as:

• Collisions – Crashes between boats or with stationary objects, often causing serious injury and property damage.
• Jet Ski Accidents – Loss of control by inexperienced riders can lead to sideswipes and significant impact injuries.
• Flooding or Sinking – Impact or structural failure can submerge a vessel, especially without proper safety gear.
• Boat Fires – Electrical faults or fuel issues may lead to sudden fires and severe burns.
• Defective Equipment – Malfunctions in steering, electrical, or engine systems can cause preventable accidents.
• Commercial Boating & Barge Injuries – We also represent maritime workers under the Jones Act and related claims.

The Most Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Chicago

Boating accidents in Chicago often stem from operator error and rule violations. The most frequent causes include:

• Inattention – Distracted or unfocused operators can miss sudden hazards, leading to collisions or other accidents.
• Mechanical Failure – Equipment issues like engine or steering malfunctions can quickly create dangerous situations.
• Intoxication – Alcohol use remains a major factor in many boating crashes, impairing judgment and reaction time.
• Speeding – Excessive speed, especially in No-Wake Zones, often results in loss of control and serious accidents.
• Adverse Weather Conditions

The Basis of Boat Accident Lawsuits

Personal injury lawsuits following boat accidents are typically based on negligence. To hold the at-fault party legally responsible, you must show they breached a duty of care—such as violating navigation rules or other boating laws—which led to your injuries.

Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. You can recover compensation if you’re less than 51% at fault, but your award will be reduced by your share of the blame.

Working with a skilled personal injury lawyer ensures the strongest case for proving fault and maximizing recovery.

Legal Liability for Chicago Boating Accidents

Liability for a boat accident isn’t limited to the operator. Several parties may be legally responsible, including:

• Boat Owners/Operators – Liable for poor maintenance, unsafe operation, or failure to follow safety laws.
• Boat Passengers – May share blame if they interfered with the safe operation of the vessel.
• Boat Manufacturers – Can be held accountable for defective equipment or concealed product flaws.
• Marinas/Harbors – May face liability for unsafe conditions or failure to enforce safety precautions.

Proving Fault in a Boat Accident Case

Under Illinois’s at-fault system, the party responsible for a boat accident is liable for damages. To prove fault, you typically show negligence in one of two ways:

• Common Law Negligence – You must prove the at-fault party owed you a duty of care and breached it, directly causing your injuries.
• Negligence Per Se – A party is automatically considered negligent if they violate a law meant to protect safety. For example, Illinois law (625 ILCS 45/5-12) prohibits operating boats in a No Wake Zone at speeds over 5 mph. If someone violates this law, they will automatically be deemed negligent.

The Jones Act or Merchant Marine Act of 1920

This maritime law allows seamen injured on the job to sue their employer for negligence—a right not available before the law’s passage. It applies to both ships at sea and staffed docked vessels, offering protections like maintenance and cure, and the right to pursue legal action.

If you’re a maritime worker hurt while working aboard a vessel, our Chicago Jones Act lawyer team can help you file a claim in federal or district court under this law.

What to Do After a Boat Accident in Chicago

If you’re a boat operator, you’re required to report the accident to the Coast Guard. Do this as soon as possible. If you or other people in the boat are injured, it would be wise to seek medical attention immediately. Your next steps are important as they can influence how solid your claim is for compensation. Here’s what you should do:

• Wait for the Authorities: Stop your vessel after an accident and remain at the crash site until the responding authorities come and take your statement. If possible, remove the vessel from the path of other watercraft.
• Report the Accident: Boat operators are also required to report the accident to the Coast Guard, which can also be done through their website, if the accident resulted in a loss of life, if treatment beyond first aid was required, or if total property damages are greater than $2,000. 
• Take Information and Evidence: You’ll want to take the information of all parties involved and record any evidence that can help support your claim for compensation later.

Don’t leave the accident site before giving your statement to the responding authorities. It will prove to be very useful when evidence is required to support your claim. Never accept any fault for the accident and it’s best not to discuss matters with the other parties in the absence of your boating accident lawyer.

Financial Compensation We Can Secure in Boating Accident Claims

The Chicago boating accident attorneys at our firm are committed to helping you recover all of the damages you’re entitled to. 

These include economic damages to cover your medical bills, medications, lost wages, property damage, and future medical expenses. Compensation for non-economic damages includes pain and suffering, emotional trauma, loss of income potential, and loss of mobility.

If your loved one was killed in a Chicago boat accident, you can also claim damages through a wrongful death case. You’re eligible to receive compensation for all of the funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, as well as loss of consortium.

How much an injured party actually receives depends on many different factors as there are no fixed settlement amounts paid out to all boat accident victims. 

Factors Affecting Boat Accident Settlement Amounts

The circumstances surrounding a boat accident largely influence the settlement amounts. Some of the factors presented during negotiations or in jury trials before deciding on a settlement amount include:

• Amount of Losses: If you’ve suffered major financial losses due to the accident, you may be entitled to sue for and recover the entire amount of the losses, such as damage to your boat and other personal property.
• Injury Severity: Settlements are typically on the higher side in cases where the victim suffered severe injuries. 
• Insurance Coverage Available: Any limits on the insurance coverage the defendants have purchased may also restrict how much you win in damages after filing insurance claims. Our Chicago boat accident lawyers will push for maximum compensation utilizing all legal options.
• Evidence and Witnesses: Your claim needs to be supported by solid evidence and witness statements to clearly establish negligence and fault.

The Most Common Boat Accident Injuries

Boating accident victims are at a great risk of suffering catastrophic injuries that may leave them with a lifelong disability. There’s added risk as these boating accidents happen out on the water. Some of the injuries commonly seen in many boating accidents include:

• Drowning
• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Broken Bones
• Amputation
• Burns and Lacerations
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Emotional Distress and PTSD

Filing a Boat Accident Lawsuit With Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

We understand a boat accident is a traumatizing experience, and our goal is to make the recovery process as effortless as it can be for you. Our law firm has put together a process enabling us to deliver big settlements for our clients without placing any burden on them. 

• Free case evaluation: Our lawyers will understand the facts of your case, advise you on the best way to proceed and provide an idea of how much you could potentially win.
• Accident Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to independently verify all facts and collect every piece of evidence to help you win a big settlement.
• Settlement Negotiations: Our expert negotiators will try their best to get you a favorable settlement from the insurance provider, backed by solid evidence of the at-fault party’s negligence.
• Going to Trial: If a settlement can’t be reached, our lawyers start preparing to take the case to trial. They’ll rely on their decades of trial experience to get you a favorable jury verdict.

The Time It Takes to Settle a Chicago Boat Accident Case

The settlement for your Chicago boat accident could come in a couple of months if there are no unnecessary delays from the insurance company. 

However, if it proves to be a complicated case involving several defendants and insurance companies, you could be looking at anywhere between six months to several years, particularly if the case ends up going to trial.

It can’t be emphasized enough why you should quickly hire a lawyer after your boat accident. Time is of the essence when it comes to seeking compensation. 

The sooner you get the ball rolling, the higher your chances of securing a favorable outcome that adequately compensates you for the injuries you’ve suffered.

The Cost of Hiring an Experienced Boating Accident Attorney

We firmly believe affordability should never get in the way of professional legal representation. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we’ll handle your boating accident lawsuit on a contingency fee basis. Our lawyers will take care of everything, including the trial if needed, without you having to pay us anything upfront.

There’s no obligation for you to pay unless you win. We take a percentage of your confirmed settlement offer as our fee once the claim is decided in your favor. 

Our commitment to securing maximum compensation for you will never waver as we’ll utilize every available option under the law to get you the justice you deserve.

Consult a Chicago Boating Accident Lawyer Near You!

As a top personal injury law firm in Chicago, we’ve developed a formidable reputation as lawyers who come through for their clients. So far, we’ve helped our clients recover more than $450 million in damages, and we’ll leverage all of our experience to help you as well. Take advantage of our free consultation to understand how much your claim might be worth. We’ll take up your case on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless you win. 

Give us a call at and our boat accident lawyers will be by your side every step of the way.

Our downtown office, near the Richard J. Daley Center, Dirkson United States Courthouse, and the Chicago Workers’ Compensation Commission, offers convenient access from Aurora, Joliet, and Waukegan via I-90, I-94, and I-290.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

225 W Wacker Dr #1660
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (847) 835-8895
Toll Free: (888) 424-5757

We also serve clients from Chicago, Decatur, Naperville, Springfield and throughout Illinois.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.