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February 20, 2025
Boating is a delightful activity. With popular places to dock — like Fairport Harbor, The Flats, and Bay Point Sandbar — it’s not surprising that boating is a popular activity in Cleveland. After all, the city is situated on majestic Lake Erie. But boating can be dangerous, especially when boat owners and operators fail to take the necessary precautions.
If you were injured in a boating accident, contact the Cleveland personal injury lawyers at George Mineff, Jr., Attorney at Law. For over 35 years, our attorneys have been helping people in Ohio. We will investigate the accident and seek compensation to help you get the money you need to recover from your injuries.
George Mineff, Jr., Attorney at Law, has a Distinguished Peer Rating for High Professional Achievement from Martindale-Hubbell, and Super Lawyers recognizes the outstanding service we provide our clients based on peer reviews and independent research.
Call (216) 284-9085 to schedule a FREE consultation with one of our Cleveland boat accident lawyers today.
I’m happy with my outcome and my lawyer Mr. Nick has fought for me and won and I’m very grateful.
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Many Ohio boat accidents stem from operator error. Negligence, such as distracted or inexperienced boat handling, is often a major factor. Despite strict boating under the influence (BUI) laws, alcohol consumption remains a significant cause of boating accident injuries.
Equipment failure, including engine issues or damaged safety gear, can also lead to accidents. That’s why regular boat maintenance is so important. Speeding is another common cause of boating accidents because it reduces the operator’s time to react to obstacles, wakes from other boats, or sudden changes in water conditions.
Environmental factors, like severe weather or choppy waters, can quickly turn a day on the lake into a dangerous situation, especially if the boat is not equipped for such conditions or the operator is ill-prepared.
George Mineff, Jr., Attorney at Law, will file a claim or lawsuit against anyone whose negligent behavior contributed to your injuries. This may include careless or intoxicated boat operators, owners who fail to provide the required safety equipment, and manufacturers of defective equipment.
A Cleveland boat accident injury claim typically covers the following types of damages:
Taking immediate action after a boating accident is critical for reducing injuries and collecting evidence that can be essential for establishing liability. That’s why you’ll want to follow these steps:
Ohio’s boating laws are designed to ensure safety and responsibility on the water. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) mandates that all motorized boat operators carry an Ohio Boating Education Card. This requires taking an approved boating course and passing a proficiency exam approved by the Ohio Division of Watercraft. A person must be 16 or older to operate a boat of 15 HP or greater in Ohio.
Boaters should also avoid alcohol, as it impairs judgment and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents. It is illegal to operate a boat in Ohio with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher, and the legal limit is 0.02 percent for operators under the age of 21.
Practicing safe boating is the best way to prevent accidents and injuries. Always wear a life jacket, regardless of swimming ability, as it greatly increases the chances of survival if thrown overboard. You’ll also want to avoid boating in unsafe weather.
All boats should be equipped with fire extinguishers, flares, and communication devices to call for help in emergencies. A first-aid kit is essential for managing minor injuries until professional medical help arrives. Regular boat maintenance, including engine checks and hull inspections, can prevent malfunctions that may lead to accidents.
It’s crucial for accident victims to receive immediate medical attention. Frequent boating accident injuries include lacerations and contusions caused by impact with equipment or parts of the boat. Head injuries and traumatic brain injury (TBI) occur due to falls or being struck by objects.
Broken bones and crush injuries often result from boating accidents, particularly in collisions or when a boat capsizes. Drowning or near-drowning is a significant risk, especially if individuals are thrown overboard and are unable to swim or get trapped under the water. Hypothermia is a major concern in colder waters. Spinal cord injuries can happen from high-speed impacts and can lead to chronic pain and long-term disability.
Sustaining injuries from a Cleveland boating accident can be difficult. Call George Mineff, Jr., Attorney at Law for professional guidance on the next steps to take. We’ve dedicated our law firm to getting justice for people injured by the careless actions of others — and we want to help you get justice.
We treat every client like you’re our only client. Call us at (216) 284-9085 to schedule a free consultation.
“George and his son Nick are exceptional attorneys. I can’t express in words how much gratitude I have for their patience and compassion…”
– T. Kennedy, Google Review
As strong litigators, we draw on years of experience and skill at negotiating settlements that serve our clients’ best interests. Contact a reputable Ohio injury attorney for a free initial consultation.
Whether you need help for a personal injury or workers’ compensation claim in Northern Ohio, the lawyers of George Mineff, Jr. Attorney at Law have the skills and background to provide the representation you deserve.
George Mineff, Jr. Attorney at Law
Cleveland Office
700 W. St. Clair Ave, Suite 212
Hoyt Block Building
Cleveland, Ohio 44113
Phone: (216) 677-3955
Email: gnmineff@gmail.com
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