Boat injury compensation claims
If you have been injured in a boating accident you may be eligible to access compensation.
A day on the water is a quintessential Aussie experience, but if something goes wrong due to the negligence of a boat operator and you suffer an injury or loss as a result, then you may be eligible for damages through their insurance.
To prove negligence, it must be established that the boat operator breached the duty of care it owed to you by behaving unreasonably, lacking regard for safety measures or manoeuvring the boat in a dangerous manner, thereby resulting in injury.
Check if you have a claim with our simple, free online tool.
What we will ask:
Details about the accident and injuries that may have happened to you or your loved one
Basic personal information that is relevant and necessary for your claim
What happens next:
Either book a no-obligation appointment with a compensation law expert right away or,
Speak with our team about your options
If you are experiencing persistent symptoms after being injured, and another person, business or organisation is responsible, you may be able to make a public liability claim.
To help you make a successful claim, we recommend collecting evidence as soon as possible after your injury.
This evidence may include:
Taking photographs of the injury, and the location where the injury occurred.
Writing down what happened to you. Recording the contact details of any witnesses.
Sharing with your lawyer a record of the report you made of your injury and any response you received from those responsible.
Keeping any medical record of your injury. This includes appointment dates, medical certificates and x-rays.
Recording any expenses or lost wages due to your injuries.
Common causes of boating injuries
Here are a few examples where negligence may have been the cause of a boating injury:
Dangerous boating
Driving under the influence
Failure to properly maintain the vessel
Failure to have safety equipment on board
Failing to comply with maritime rules
Knocking someone overboard
Collisions
Failing to keep a lookout
Water sports injuries due to improper care or equipment when tubing, wakeboarding water-skiing, kayaking, scuba diving, canoeing and parasailing
What should I do if I'm injured on a private or commercial boat?
If you’re injured on a fishing boat, private boat, party boat or during water-sports because of someone else’s negligence, it’s important that you follow these steps once you are safe from harm:
Ensure a police report is prepared;
Contact the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and notify them of the accident;
Get medical advice; and
Contact a personal injury lawyer
Find out more about your entitlements if you’re injured on a cruise.
What can I claim compensation for?
Boating injuries can have serious consequences including:
broken bones
long term psychological injuries
devastating spinal injuries
brain injuries, and more
Therefore, what you will be able to claim compensation for will be specific to your situation and requirements.
Each claim is different, but compensation is generally available for:
Past and future medical expenses
Past and future loss of earnings
Pain and suffering as well as the loss of enjoyment of life
Care and help provided by friends, family or any other individual
How Shine can help
We have helped thousands of Australians right wrong and access more than $1 billion per year in entitlements and compensation through our expert services.
95% of the cases we represent are settled without the stress of going to court.
We offer access to affordable legal advice including on a No Win, No Fee* basis and an obligation-free initial consultation so you can understand your rights and know where you stand.
*Conditions apply
We are ready to take action against those at fault for your injuries and right wrong.
Public liability FAQs
Are there any Shine public liability lawyers near me?
With more than 40 branches across Australia and 1000+ team members, location is no barrier when it comes to accessing Shine Lawyers legal advice and support.
If you’d like to speak to our public liability team in person, you can see our full list of locations here.
If you aren‘t able to find a location near you, we can easily arrange an obligation-free virtual appointment or discuss the option to meet at a location that’s comfortable and convenient for you. No matter where you are located, we will always provide the same, expert advice and manage your claim with the same level of quality and commitment.
Can I represent myself, or do I need a public liability lawyer?
It is possible to legally represent yourself when making a claim however, doing so successfully will likely require a thorough understanding of the law, your legal rights and entitlements, and a commitment to actively pursue the case to move it forward.
Without an experienced public liability lawyer in your corner, it can be difficult to identify and highlight the strength of your case.
Without the right legal advice and support, you then may not receive the compensation you deserve.
Why trust Shine to be my public liability lawyers?
At Shine Lawyers, we put your first. We’ve been standing up for the rights of everyday Australians for over 45 years. As one of Australia’s largest litigation law firms, we are here to help you get the justice you deserve.
Our empathy, understanding and expertise is why we’re ahead of the pack. We’ll stand with you and guide you through every step of the way.
