Portland Boating Accident Lawyer
Skilled Boating Accident Attorneys Serving Portland, OR
Were
you or a loved one recently injured in a boating accident? Regardless of if the accident happened on a recreational boat, commercial vessel, jet ski, or another water vessel, it may be in your best interest to talk to a Portland personal injury attorney. According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s 2023 Recreational Boating Statistics, there were over 4,000 boating accidents in the U.S., many involving operator error, alcohol use, and lack of safety equipment. The attorneys at Dawson Law Group understand the various legal issues surrounding boat accident claims in Portland and can help give you the guidance and advice you need to successfully win reimbursement for your medical damages and other losses. If you would like to talk to a boating accident lawyer in Portland, give Dawson Law Group a call today for a free and confidential phone consultation.
We take our cases on a contingent basis, meaning that our lawyers’ fees are taken out of your judgment or settlement. This means until we help you win your claim, you will not owe a single dollar in attorney fees. (Learn more about Contingent Fees for a boating accident lawyer in Portland.)
How Can a Lawyer Help?
A boating accident lawyer in Portland will help you to file, pursue, and litigate your personal injury claim. Retaining an attorney takes much of the stress and uncertainty out of the situation; while you focus on recovering from your injuries, your boating accident lawyer in Portland can handle everything else for you, from determining the amount of compensation you should file for, determining the party or parties that should be held liable for your injuries, and helping to choose the jurisdiction that will favor your claim the most. A boating accident lawyer in Portland will launch an investigation into your accident that seeks to uncover information and build the strongest personal injury claim possible.
Boating Accident Compensation
If your personal injury claim is successful, you will be entitled to compensation for the following damages.
- Medical Expenses: Injuries sustained in boating accidents often require extensive medical treatment. Compensation may cover past and future medical bills, rehab, transportation to medical treatment, medical equipment (walkers, canes, wheelchairs, etc.) and other expenses.
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Boating accident injuries often cause victims to miss work. You may be able to collect compensation to recover the amount you would have made had you not been injured. In severe cases, boating accidents can leave victims permanently unable to work, or to be limited in their ability to work as a result of their injuries. In many cases such as these, a boating accident lawyer in Portland will help you pursue compensation for future lost wages.
- Pain and Suffering: Money will not help you and your family’s death with the mental and emotional anguish surrounding the accident, but it can pay for therapy and ease financial worries, which can go a long way in the recovery process.
Portland Negligence Claims
Most of the personal injury claims that a boating accident lawyer in Portland will file are brought under the theory of negligence. For your claim to be successful, your Portland personal injury attorney will have to prove:
- Another party owed you some duty of care
- The duty of care was breached (whether by action or omission)
- An injury was sustained
- The breach was the direct cause of your injury.
Here are some common breaches of duty that have led to boating accidents in Portland:
- Boating in inclement weather or hazardous waters
- Inexperienced or untrained operators
- Boating with insufficient or non-existent navigation lights
- Overcrowding/overloading the boat
- Failing to pay attention to surroundings (includes swimmers and other boaters)
- Operating a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Defective machinery or equipment
- Failing to carry proper safety equipment
Frequently Asked Questions About Boating Accidents in Portland
How is a boating accident defined?
A boating accident is defined by the US Coast Guard as an incident where one of the following conditions occur:
- A person on a boat dies or becomes injured beyond the help of first aid.
- A person on a boat disappears and death or injury is suspected.
- A vessel causes or sustains damage.
What types of watercraft are typically involved in boating accidents?
Most commonly, powerboats such as cabin cruisers or runabouts are involved in boating accidents in Portland. However, personal watercraft (also known as “jet-skis”) are also commonly involved in boating accidents. Sailboats are involved in accidents less often than powerboats and jet-skis.
What causes boating accidents in Portland?
Boating accidents often result from operator inexperience, inattention, speeding, alcohol use, improper lookout, hazardous weather, or equipment failure. The most common contributing factors include:
- Operator Inattention (inexperience, careless/reckless operation, excessive speed)
- Drugs/Alcohol
- Passenger behavior
- Hazardous weather or conditions
- Restricted vision
- Not having a proper lookout
- Equipment or Engine Failure
When do I need to file a boating accident report in Oregon?
The operator (or owner) of a boat is required by law to file a written accident report to the Oregon State Marine Board if any of the following happen as a result of the accident:
- A person dies or disappears from the boat (report within 48 hours).
- A person required medical treatment (report within 48 hours).
- Damage to property as a result of the accident totals more than $2,000 (report within 10 days).
- Passengers are required to submit an accident report if an operator is unable/physically incapable of doing so. That form is can be found on the Oregon State Marine Board’s website.
How long do I have to file a boating accident lawsuit in Oregon?
A Statute of Limitations dictates how much time you have after an incident to file a personal injury claim. The statute of limitations for boating accidents depends on where the accident occurred and whether it is subject to federal or state maritime laws. If you don’t know your potential claim’s Statute of Limitations, it is important to contact a boating lawyer in Portland as soon as possible to ensure that no Statutes of Limitations expire, preventing you from getting the compensation you deserve.
What types of compensation can I get after a boating accident?
The value of your boating accident claim is based on the injuries you have sustained in the accident and their significance on your life moving forward. These are the five factors that usually determine a personal injury claim:
- Past medical bills
- Future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
How much does it cost to talk to a lawyer about my boating accident?
Have questions or want to get a case evaluation from an experienced boating accident lawyer in Portland? Call Dawson Law Group today at 503-656-0400 for a free and confidential case evaluation. Our Portland injury attorneys take boating accident cases on a contingent basis, meaning you won’t be on the hook for any lawyer fees until we win you the compensation you deserve. (Read more about contingent fees on our Contingent Fees page.) Give one of our friendly, experienced, and knowledgeable attorneys a call today, and let Dawson Law Group fight for you!
See more FAQs regarding boating accidents in Portland, Oregon.
Meet Our Lead Attorneys
Meet Bryan Dawson – Principal Attorney
With nearly 30 years of trial experience, Bryan Dawson leads Dawson Law Group with a focus on personal injury, wrongful death, and complex litigation. Known for his deep legal knowledge and client-first approach, Bryan has helped secure millions in compensation for clients across Oregon.
His areas of expertise include car accidents, wrongful death claims, serious injury cases, civil rights violations, construction defect disputes, and patent infringement matters. He has tried over 100 cases to verdict or arbitration and has argued before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Before founding Dawson Law Group in 1999, Bryan was an associate at Cooley Godward in California.
He has received numerous accolades, including being named a Super Lawyer every year since 2018, earning an AV Preeminent rating, and receiving a 10/10 rating on Avvo. He also received the Marquis Who’s Who Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 and frequently serves as a court-appointed arbitrator and CLE instructor.
Bryan holds a J.D. from UC Berkeley (Boalt Hall), a master’s degree from the University of Chicago, and a bachelor’s degree from Claremont McKenna College. He is a member of the Oregon State Bar, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Oregon Association of Defense Counsel. He also maintains inactive membership with the State Bar of California.
Born and raised in Portland, Bryan is actively involved in the Lake Oswego community. He enjoys coaching youth sports, outdoor activities, and commuting to work by bicycle. Outside of work, he values quality time with his family and embracing the Pacific Northwest lifestyle.
Meet Ben Larson
Ben Larson brings a creative and collaborative approach to every case he handles at Dawson Law Group. Since 2009, he has represented clients in a wide range of personal injury and wrongful death matters with dedication and empathy.
Ben focuses on clear, proactive communication with clients, making sure they understand each step of their case and feel confident in the legal process. He is especially skilled at developing case strategies and negotiating favorable outcomes for his clients.
He holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Oregon School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Oregon. Ben is admitted to practice in Oregon state courts and federal court.
Born and raised in Portland, Ben enjoys exploring Oregon’s natural beauty through travel, ski touring, biking, camping, and climbing. He has studied abroad in Israel and Spain and fully embraces the outdoor lifestyle the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
Client Reviews
Below is what some of our past clients have said about their experience working with Dawson Law Group:
Brian is the antithesis of every great lawyer joke I've ever heard. A brilliant keen and thorough mind in service of a giving heart and spirit.
As a small contractor we faced 3 years of frivolous legal attacks and stress. A disappointing reward for helping a homeless former tradesman. No fun having the sheriff knocking at the door with a deposition!
Brian calmly and steadily defended every desperate appeal looking to shake both us and the insurance company down.
I recommend him without reservation.
Don
Integrity, compassion, professional and always thinking!
When you need an attorney, you already feel vulnerable but he took such good care of our son. Grateful to have had him on our side.
The case was difficult. Most attorneys, in the category, look for the easy payout cases. Bryan still took this on. He and his wonderful staff, Michelle and Michael, took great care of me until the very end. I appreciate you, Bryan Dawson! You are definitely my hero!
Contact Our Portland Boat Accident Lawyer Right Away
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a boating accident, we would urge you to call Dawson Law Group today at 503-656-0400 for a free case evaluation. A boating accident lawyer in Portland would be glad to get to know you, listen to your side of the story, evaluate your claim, help you understand your legal options, and answer any further questions you might have. Get answers today- let our Portland personal injury attorneys fight for you!
Related Resources
- Boating Accident FAQs
- Your Lawsuit: What to Expect
- Catastrophic Injuries Overview
- Choosing the Right Portland Injury Lawyer
- Personal Injury Practice Areas
- Wrongful Death Claims
