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Boating Accident Lawyers

If you have been injured as a result of a boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation. The amount and type of compensation you can claim will depend on the circumstances of your accident.

If you have sustained an injury by another boat, or watercraft that was operated in a negligent manner and the operator of that boat or watercraft could have taken reasonable steps to avoid the accident, then you may be able to make a claim for compensation.

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Industry Experts: 20+ years of experience

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Boating accident compensation claims

Boating accident compensation claims can occur in a number of circumstances and include the following:

  • An injury whilst a customer on a ferry
  • Being hit by a boat which should have seen and avoided you
  • Crush injuries between a boat and a pier
  • Injuries as a result of jet ski accidents
  • Injuries as a result of yachting accidents
  • Slip and falls on ferry or boat

Who is responsible for my injury sustained on a boat?

The boat operator or the person who is in charge of the boat will have responsibility for any personal injury sustained on the boat. The owner of a vessel may also owe a duty of care in some circumstances. It is not compulsory for people who own and operate boats to have insurance that covers them for any injury sustained due to their negligence. Nonetheless, the majority of commercial vessels and most recreational boats and jetskis do have public liability insurance that covers them in case they negligently injure a third party. In those cases, a claim is made against the public liability insurance policy.

What Type of Compensation Could I be Entitled to Receive?

If your injury was sustained as a result of the negligence of the boat operator, you are entitled to claim compensation as allowed under the Civil Liability Act, 2002 (NSW) and may be entitled to the following:

  1. Pain and suffering – this is an amount of compensation for pain and suffering, loss of amenities, disfiguration, loss of life expectancy and loss of enjoyment of life.
  2. Past and future loss of income – if you are employed at the time of the accident and cannot work as the same capacity as before the accident or at all, you are entitled to claim compensation for loss of wages, bonuses, overtime and superannuation.
  3. Past and future out of pocket and medical expenses – if because of your injury you have incurred medical treatment, including travel expenses due to your injuries you are entitled to claim those expenses that you have incurred in the past and are likely to incur into the future. This would include the cost of doctors, physiotherapy, medication and hospital treatment.
  4. Past and future care and assistance – you are entitled to claim any domestic or personal care and assistance such as help with gardening, cooking and washing that you may have needed both in the past and future because of the injuries you have sustained.
Find out more about our boating accident claim amounts
Anthony T.
00:50 16 Apr 24
Thank you Matthew and his team who guided me through the legal process, a truly positive experience with total professionalism.
Mikaele N.
03:01 15 Apr 24
Garling &Co Lawyers were awesome, I called every compensation law firm and was told that I couldn't claim for compensation.The whole experience and process was simple and stress free.Mr Matthew... Garling and Allison deserve an accolades for the very best in client service. I would highly recommend their service to anyone.read more
Tamara L.
02:10 15 Apr 24
I want to thank Garling & Co so much for all the help they have given me and helped with my claim. We got the win last week and it was the best news I have gotten considering how much my life has... been turned upside down the past 2 years. Emma and Rebecca have been incredible to work with and explained everything from the start even when I had hesitation to go ahead regarding how much everything would cost or how fair it could go or even if I had a chance, but they explained everything thoroughly, so I understood it all. Thank you for making this process seamlessly easy and helping me get the win it will make things a little easy for me that's for sure financial thank you for all your help I cannot recommend you and your services enough. Thank you again.read more
Sigrid W.
05:01 11 Apr 24
Utter professionalism from first phone call to final settlement. It was a pleasure to be represented by a firm that actually cares for their clients. From office staff, to paralegal and solicitor... Rebecca, Emma and Matthew thank you for your support and expertise throughout my claim. No wonder your firm has won many awards. I'm extremely happy with my outcome and can confidently recommend your firm.read more
BJ S.
01:09 09 Apr 24
Highly recommend Matthew & Allison at Garling and Co ! Quick response ! helpful every step of the way ! If you want the best compensation lawyer, Matthew @ Garling and co is the bestDoesn’t waste... time. Very informative ! excellent guidance! They get the job done ✅Website is perfect guide5 Star ⭐️ is not enoughI’m so grateful to Matthew, Allison and team for my outcome so far !Thank you 😊 Garling and co are awesome 👏 🤩read more
Jaimie K.
06:11 02 Apr 24
Have had a rollercoaster ride with Garling and Co over the several years we have been battling the system that injured workers are faced with. The wheels of progress are slow within this system.... However Garling and co have always stood by me. Calls are returned and matters are always followed up in a timely manner.read more
Tyson Langanke (Five Star W.
00:30 02 Apr 24
I cannot recommend Matthew highly enough for anyone seeking a compensation lawyer. From the moment I reached out, Matthew went above and beyond to ensure that I felt supported and informed throughout... the entire process. No question was too simple for him, and he patiently took the time to explain every step we were taking, alleviating any stress or confusion I had.He not only provided expert legal guidance but also ensured that I fully understood the intricacies of my case. His clear communication made me feel confident and reassured during what could have been a daunting experience.Thanks to Matthew's exceptional expertise and personalized approach, I was able to navigate the complexities of my compensation claim with ease. His professionalism and genuine concern for my well-being truly set him apart.read more
Shaylee C.
09:54 27 Mar 24
I recently had the pleasure of working with Garling and Co on my case, and I must say that their service was truly outstanding. From the initial consultation to the resolution of my case, they... displayed unwavering dedication and professionalism.The outcome of my case exceeded my expectations, and I am incredibly grateful for the hard work and diligence exhibited by Garling and Co. I have no hesitation in recommending this law firm to my family and friends, knowing that they will receive the same level of exceptional service.- Traceyread more
Simona M.
05:11 26 Mar 24
Emma and Rebecca have looked after my husband's workers compensation claim over the last 3 years now. We have had positive outcomes from these claims and are now pursuing a work injury damages claim.... They have been amazing to deal with. They are genuine and empathetic over what has been a very stressful time for myself and my family over these last 3 years. Nothing is ever too much for Emma and Rebecca and they are always available to communicate with. We would highly recommend Garling and Co! Thank you Emma and Rebecca.read more
Donelle L.
01:16 26 Mar 24
So very happy with the service Garling has provided the care and help has eased a lot of worry I had when going through this process . Many thanks to the entire team

Would you like assistance with your boating injury claim?

Complete our free, no obligation confidential case assessment form and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

Alternatively, we are available to talk by phone and email. Please contact our experienced accredited specialist personal injury lawyers to find out how we can help.

No Win No Fee

You won’t be required to pay any fees until we win your case.

Industry Experts

We’re industry experts with over 20 years of experience.

Maximum Compensation

Our team of expert injury lawyers will help you get maximum compensation.

Anthony T.
00:50 16 Apr 24
Thank you Matthew and his team who guided me through the legal process, a truly positive experience with total professionalism.
Mikaele N.
03:01 15 Apr 24
Garling &Co Lawyers were awesome, I called every compensation law firm and was told that I couldn't claim for compensation.The whole experience and process was simple and stress free.Mr Matthew... Garling and Allison deserve an accolades for the very best in client service. I would highly recommend their service to anyone.read more
Tamara L.
02:10 15 Apr 24
I want to thank Garling & Co so much for all the help they have given me and helped with my claim. We got the win last week and it was the best news I have gotten considering how much my life has... been turned upside down the past 2 years. Emma and Rebecca have been incredible to work with and explained everything from the start even when I had hesitation to go ahead regarding how much everything would cost or how fair it could go or even if I had a chance, but they explained everything thoroughly, so I understood it all. Thank you for making this process seamlessly easy and helping me get the win it will make things a little easy for me that's for sure financial thank you for all your help I cannot recommend you and your services enough. Thank you again.read more
Sigrid W.
05:01 11 Apr 24
Utter professionalism from first phone call to final settlement. It was a pleasure to be represented by a firm that actually cares for their clients. From office staff, to paralegal and solicitor... Rebecca, Emma and Matthew thank you for your support and expertise throughout my claim. No wonder your firm has won many awards. I'm extremely happy with my outcome and can confidently recommend your firm.read more
BJ S.
01:09 09 Apr 24
Highly recommend Matthew & Allison at Garling and Co ! Quick response ! helpful every step of the way ! If you want the best compensation lawyer, Matthew @ Garling and co is the bestDoesn’t waste... time. Very informative ! excellent guidance! They get the job done ✅Website is perfect guide5 Star ⭐️ is not enoughI’m so grateful to Matthew, Allison and team for my outcome so far !Thank you 😊 Garling and co are awesome 👏 🤩read more
Jaimie K.
06:11 02 Apr 24
Have had a rollercoaster ride with Garling and Co over the several years we have been battling the system that injured workers are faced with. The wheels of progress are slow within this system.... However Garling and co have always stood by me. Calls are returned and matters are always followed up in a timely manner.read more
Tyson Langanke (Five Star W.
00:30 02 Apr 24
I cannot recommend Matthew highly enough for anyone seeking a compensation lawyer. From the moment I reached out, Matthew went above and beyond to ensure that I felt supported and informed throughout... the entire process. No question was too simple for him, and he patiently took the time to explain every step we were taking, alleviating any stress or confusion I had.He not only provided expert legal guidance but also ensured that I fully understood the intricacies of my case. His clear communication made me feel confident and reassured during what could have been a daunting experience.Thanks to Matthew's exceptional expertise and personalized approach, I was able to navigate the complexities of my compensation claim with ease. His professionalism and genuine concern for my well-being truly set him apart.read more
Shaylee C.
09:54 27 Mar 24
I recently had the pleasure of working with Garling and Co on my case, and I must say that their service was truly outstanding. From the initial consultation to the resolution of my case, they... displayed unwavering dedication and professionalism.The outcome of my case exceeded my expectations, and I am incredibly grateful for the hard work and diligence exhibited by Garling and Co. I have no hesitation in recommending this law firm to my family and friends, knowing that they will receive the same level of exceptional service.- Traceyread more
Simona M.
05:11 26 Mar 24
Emma and Rebecca have looked after my husband's workers compensation claim over the last 3 years now. We have had positive outcomes from these claims and are now pursuing a work injury damages claim.... They have been amazing to deal with. They are genuine and empathetic over what has been a very stressful time for myself and my family over these last 3 years. Nothing is ever too much for Emma and Rebecca and they are always available to communicate with. We would highly recommend Garling and Co! Thank you Emma and Rebecca.read more
Donelle L.
01:16 26 Mar 24
So very happy with the service Garling has provided the care and help has eased a lot of worry I had when going through this process . Many thanks to the entire team

Frequently Asked Questions

1/ What do I do if I am injured in a boating accident in NSW?

To claim compensation, you must have sustained an injury due to the use or operation of a boat in NSW.

Any kind of user can claim the Act, including; the driver or the passengers.

The system is no longer fault-based; anyone injured by a boat can claim statutory benefits no matter who caused the accident.

To make a claim, you need to do the following –

  1. Seek immediate medical assistance from your local general practitioner or, if necessary, the emergency department of the nearest hospital.
  2. Report the accident to the police within 28 days and obtain an event number.
  3. If you can, get the following information: –
    a. The name, address, licence details, and phone number of any driver of the vehicle involved in the accident.
    b. The make, model, and number plate of any boats involved in the accident.
    c. Contact details of any witnesses.
    d. If possible, take photographs of the accident scene, including the location and damage to any boats.

You then need to make an Application for Personal Injury Benefits through the SIRA website HERE.

If the injury is a result of a boat accident that is also work-related, you will also need to make a worker’s compensation claim against your employer’s worker’s compensation insurer.

You cannot claim if you are charged with a “serious driving offence” in connection with the accident or were the at-fault driver of an uninsured boat.

2/ Report to the police within 28 days

The accident must be ‘verified’ before a claim can proceed – there must be proof that the accident happened. The best evidence is reporting the incident to the police within 28 days.

The police will give you an event number, which you must include in the Application form.

Verification of accidents will prevent people from making exaggerated or false claims and ensure that the scheme supports people in genuine need.

The simplest form of verification is a police event number, so you should report the accident to the police as soon as possible if they did not attend the scene. You can do so by contacting the Police Assistance line on 131 444.

Other forms of evidence could include news reports, photos of the accident scene, or statements from witnesses.

3/ How do I claim compensation?

To make a claim, you must complete an Application for Personal Injury Benefits through the SIRA Website HERE.

You will need the registration number of the vehicle you consider most at fault.

If you don’t know the registration number (license plate), you might be able to get it from the police. Look at your police report, or contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.

You need to take all reasonable steps to find the registration number, but if you can’t, you can still make a claim. Call CTP Assist on 1300 656 919 for assistance.

If you believe you were at fault, you can still make a claim. You will provide the registration number of the vehicle you were driving.

More Faqs
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