Boating Accident Injury & Wrongful Death Lawyers

Serving Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota & Nationwide

If you or someone you love was seriously injured or killed in a boating accident, the first days can bring grief, medical uncertainty, insurance pressure, and urgent questions about what happened. Pritzker Hageman represents people and families in catastrophic boating injury and wrongful death cases throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and across the United States.

Our cases include collisions between recreational boats, pontoon and propeller injuries, drownings, fires and explosions, carbon monoxide poisoning, defective vessels, and crashes involving commercial barges or towing vessels on navigable rivers. These cases may require immediate preservation of boats, navigation electronics, AIS and radar data, video, operator records, and corporate safety documents. Managing Partner Eric Hageman obtained a $5 million recovery for a young woman who suffered a permanent propeller injury after an intoxicated operator ran over her. Every case is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome, but our firm has the resources to investigate complex boating cases and prepare them for trial.

Common Types of Boating Accidents

Commercial Barge, Towboat, and Recreational-Boat Collisions

Collisions involving a commercial barge or towing vessel require a different investigation from an ordinary recreational-boat crash. The towing vessel may be pushing a long, heavy group of barges, and the operator’s view, stopping distance, maneuverability, lighting, and lookout duties may depend on the tow’s exact configuration.

Federal maritime law and the Inland Navigation Rules may apply on navigable waters such as the Mississippi River. Important evidence can include Automatic Identification System data, radar, electronic charts, GPS tracks, VHF communications, tow diagrams, navigation-light records, crew work-rest histories, post-casualty testing, maintenance records, and the towing company’s safety-management documents.

A commercial vessel owner may also file a federal Limitation of Liability Act proceeding and ask a court to set a short deadline for all claims. Families should not wait for an official investigation to end before preserving evidence and monitoring federal court filings.

• Recreational boats struck by a barge or towboat
• Pontoon collisions with commercial tows
• Crashes near locks, terminals, fleeting areas, bridges, or navigation channels
• Nighttime collisions involving tow lighting or visibility

Claims involving lookout, radar, AIS, fatigue, speed, or tow configuration

Injuries and Fatalities in Boating Accidents

Boating accidents can lead to severe, life-altering injuries or death. We have represented clients and families affected by:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
• Amputations from propeller strikes
• Internal injuries
• Severe burns from fuel explosions
• Hypoxic or anoxic brain injuries from near drownings
• Wrongful death

Tragically, some accidents are fatal. These cases are emotionally devastating, but our team is skilled at pursuing justice with compassion.

Causes of Boating Accidents and Potentially Responsible Parties

A serious boating case begins with the evidence, not an assumption about who was at fault. Our lawyers investigate the vessel movements, operator decisions, visibility, weather, mechanical condition, safety equipment, alcohol or drug use, training, corporate practices, and applicable navigation rules.

Common contributing factors include operator inattention, an inadequate lookout, unsafe speed, impaired operation, inexperienced operation, failure to yield or maneuver, defective lights, poor navigation, overloading, equipment failure, improper maintenance, dangerous rental practices, and violations of federal or state boating rules.

When a commercial vessel is involved, the investigation may also address radar and AIS use, tow configuration, navigation-light compliance, crew fatigue, watch schedules, voyage planning, communications, safety-management systems, and company knowledge of prior deficiencies or near misses. Potentially responsible parties may include a boat operator or owner, rental company, marina, tour or camp operator, manufacturer, repair contractor, alcohol provider when a dram-shop law applies, commercial towing-vessel operator, barge owner, charterer, crew employer, cargo interest, or another company that controlled the operation. The correct defendants are identified through records and operational control, not merely the name painted on a vessel.

At-Fault (Liable) Parties May Include:

• Boat operators
• Boat owners
• Rental companies
• Tour companies
• Manufacturers of defective boats or parts
• Marinas or event organizers

There may be other liable parties, as well. In Minnesota, for example, “dram shop” liability may apply if an alcohol-serving establishment overserved the boat operator. Our attorneys investigate every avenue for holding negligent parties accountable.

Each state has its own laws governing recreational and commercial boating. Understanding the differences is vital to building a strong case. Our firm understands and navigates these state-specific rules to your advantage.

Boating-Crash Evidence Can Disappear Quickly

Electronic navigation data and physical evidence should be preserved before routine business practices, repairs, salvage, weather, or automatic deletion change the record. In a serious case, a preservation demand may need to cover the boats, engines, steering, navigation lights, GPS or chartplotter data, phones, photographs, 911 records, marina video, AIS, radar, electronic charts, VHF communications, crew logs, tow diagrams, maintenance files, and post-casualty testing. Do not authorize destructive testing, repair, disposal, or transfer of a vessel or component without first obtaining legal advice. An experienced boating accident lawyer can coordinate inspections so that all parties have notice and the evidence remains admissible.

Types of Claims and Damages

Personal Injury Claims

If you were injured in a boating accident, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability

Wrongful Death Claims

Family members of those killed in boating accidents can seek compensation for:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of financial support
• Emotional anguish

In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the at-fault party acted with gross negligence or willful disregard for safety (for example, operating while intoxicated).

What to Do After a Boating Accident

1. Call 911 and seek medical help immediately.
2. Report the accident to authorities (local law enforcement or Coast Guard).
3. Document the scene with photos and videos if possible.
4. Get names and contact info of all witnesses and parties.
5. Preserve evidence — do not repair or alter the boat.
6. Avoid speaking to insurance companies without legal counsel.
7. Contact a boating accident lawyer at Pritzker Hageman for a free case evaluation.

Why Choose Pritzker Hageman

• Decades of experience handling serious injury and wrongful death boating cases
• Track record of major verdicts and settlements, including: $5 million for a propeller injury victim and multi-million dollar recoveries in wrongful death and injury cases related to reckless driving and boat safety defects
• No fees ever unless we win for you
• Compassionate client care and prompt communication

Our team will handle all the legal complexities while supporting you and your family in your recovery journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue if I was injured on a friend’s or family member’s boat?

Yes. Liability insurance often covers these claims. While we want to get justice for our clients, a case can be just about getting you compensation for your injuries and not about blame.

Many people are hesitant to pursue legal action after being injured on a friend or family member’s boat, fearing it may harm their relationship. However, personal injury claims are typically paid through the boater’s insurance policy, not out of pocket. Filing a claim can help cover your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering, without financially burdening the person who caused the accident.

In fact, most responsible boaters carry liability insurance precisely for situations like this. Holding someone accountable doesn’t mean holding them personally responsible in a punitive way—it simply ensures that your rights and recovery are prioritized. Speaking with an experienced attorney can help you navigate this process with sensitivity and care.

What if the operator was intoxicated?

You may have a stronger claim, including for punitive damages.

Boating under the influence is illegal in all 50 states and is a leading cause of accidents on the water. When an operator is intoxicated at the time of a crash, it can significantly strengthen your case. Courts often view this type of negligence as particularly egregious, which can lead to higher settlements and even punitive damages.

Additionally, Minnesota and some other states have dram shop laws that may apply if the intoxicated operator was served alcohol at a bar, restaurant, or private event. In such cases, the establishment that provided the alcohol can also be held liable. Our legal team investigates every possible source of liability to maximize your compensation.

What if I signed a waiver with a boat rental company?

Waivers do not always hold up in court, especially in cases of gross negligence or safety violations.

Many people assume that signing a liability waiver with a boat rental company means they have no legal recourse if injured. That is not always the case. Courts often invalidate waivers when serious negligence or misconduct is involved—for example, if the rental company failed to maintain the vessel, did not provide proper safety equipment, or allowed an unqualified person to operate the boat.

Even if a waiver is found to be enforceable, it may not cover all potential claims or damages. The specifics depend on the waiver language and the laws of the state where the incident occurred. Our attorneys are experienced in challenging waivers and holding rental companies accountable for unsafe practices.

Can I file a claim if the accident happened in another state?

Yes. Our attorneys handle boating accident cases nationwide.

Boating accidents often occur on vacation or while traveling, and it’s common for victims to live in a different state than where the accident happened. Fortunately, you can still pursue legal action across state lines. Our firm has attorneys licensed in multiple states and extensive experience handling cases involving jurisdictional issues.

We also work with trusted local counsel when necessary to ensure your case complies with the legal requirements of the state where the accident occurred. Don’t let geographic distance stop you from getting the legal help you need—contact us to find out how we can assist, no matter where your accident took place.

Is there a time limit to file a legal claim?

Yes, it varies by state and more than one deadline may apply. State personal-injury, wrongful-death, survival, probate, dram-shop, product-liability, or government-notice deadlines can differ. For maritime personal-injury or death claims, federal law generally provides a three-year limitations period, but that rule does not resolve every claim arising from a boating accident. A commercial vessel owner may file a federal Limitation of Liability Act case and obtain a much shorter court-ordered deadline for claims. Contractual provisions and government claims can also require early notice. Evidence may disappear long before any lawsuit deadline, so families should seek advice promptly rather than assume they have years to act. Contact us as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Each state also has statutes of limitations that determine how long you have to file a claim after a boating accident. These time limits vary widely—some states require you to file within two years, while others allow up to six years. If you miss the deadline, you could permanently lose your right to pursue compensation.

There are also exceptions and nuances, such as discovery rules, wrongful death timelines, and special deadlines for claims against government entities. Because the clock starts ticking right away, it’s critical to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Our legal team can determine the applicable deadlines and take immediate action to protect your rights.

What if a commercial barge or towing vessel was involved?

Commercial-vessel collisions may be governed by federal maritime law and the Inland Navigation Rules in addition to state boating law. The investigation may require AIS, radar, electronic-chart, crew, tow-configuration, maintenance, and company-safety evidence. A towing-vessel owner may also seek to limit liability in federal court. Contact counsel promptly so these records and deadlines can be protected.

What if more than one boat operator was at fault?

Boating and maritime cases can involve shared responsibility. Comparative-fault principles may allocate percentages of responsibility among vessel operators, owners, companies, manufacturers, or other parties. Partial fault by one operator does not automatically excuse a second operator whose lookout, speed, lighting, maneuvering, equipment, or safety practices also contributed to the injury.

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a boating accident, we are here to help. Contact the attorneys at Pritzker Hageman for a free, confidential consultation. You can call us at 1-888-377-8900, text us at 612-261-0856 or just fill out the form below.

We represent clients in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and across the United States.

Boating Accidents our Legal Team is Following:

Lake Pepin Pontoon-Barge Crash

July 12, 2026 – Three people died after a pontoon reportedly collided with a commercial barge near Pepin, Wisconsin. Our detailed investigation guide explains the maritime rules, commercial-vessel evidence, and federal deadlines that may affect the families’ legal rights. Read our Lake Pepin crash analysis.

10-Year-Old Child Loses Life in Wisconsin Boat Collision

June 7, 2025 – A boating accident occurred on Little Muskego Lake at Idle Isle Park in Muskego, Wisconsin, on Saturday morning. First responders including the Muskego Police Department and Tess Corners Fire Department were called to the scene after a boat being piloted by a 74‑year‑old man with one other adult aboard collided with a stationary boat holding three passengers—a 10‑year‑old child among them. The child received immediate medical attention on-site before being transported to a local hospital, where they sadly succumbed to their injuries. This marks the fifth boating-related fatality in Wisconsin for 2025.

13-Year-Old Boy Dies in Boating Accident at Frazee Summer Camp

June 22, 2023 – Thirteen-year-old Benjamin Rennie died in a tragic boating accident at North Central Camp Cherith in Frazee, Minnesota. According to the Otter Tail Sheriff’s Office, Benjamin was inner tubing on Lake Six with another camper. The boat, driven by a camp employee, accidentally struck Benjamin when it turned around to pick the campers up after they fell off the tube. Sadly, Benjamin died at the scene.

Boating Accident in Red Wing Injures Child

June 3, 2022 – A boating accident on the Mississippi River near the Ole Miss Marina in Red Wing sent a child to the hospital with critical injuries. A preliminary investigation shows that the accident happened when the boat stalled after having mechanical problems. Unable to move out of the path of an oncoming barge, the boat was struck and capsized. When emergency crews arrived, Jeremy Koenig (45) and four children were found in the water. All of the children were wearing life jackets. Life-saving measures were performed on Koenig’s 5-year-old son Vincent, who was taken to the Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Mary’s Campus in Rochester. Vincent’s mother wrote on a Caring Bridge page that his prognosis is positive.