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Awards & Affiliations

  • American Association for Justice
    As members of the AAJ, we are committed to promoting a fair, effective justice system that allows for victims of misconduct or negligence to obtain the justice they deserve.
  • Rhode Island Association for Justice
    Members of the Rhode Island Association for Justice follow the organization’s mission: Working together to ensure equality.
  • Rhode Island Bar Association
    The Rhode Island Bar Association has been working to uphold and protect federal and state laws since 1898, with an emphasis on maintaining a democratic government and honoring the justice system.
  • DC Bar
    Membership with the DC Bar provides us with access to legal research materials, professional service providers, and more that can be used for the benefit of our clients.
  • Super Lawyers
    Only 2.5% of attorneys in a given state are selected for inclusion on the Rising Stars® list. Members must be aged 40 or younger, or be in practice for 10 years or less.
  • Distinguished Martindale Hubbell
    Distinguished® attorneys are peer-review rated and selected based on their honorable professional achievements.
  • Brain Injury Association
    Our work with the Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island is designed to provide information and services to survivors.
  • Brain Association of America
    As members of the Brain Injury Association of America, we are the voice of awareness, and we are here to help survivors.
  • Expertise Best Personal Injury Lawyers
  • Southern New England Brain Injury Law Center
    Southern New England Brain Injury Law Center
  • NABIS
    This is a society of multidisciplinary brain injury professionals who come together to discuss issues concerning brain injury and bring the science behind brain injuries into practice.
  • Melvin M Belli
    Lawyers are initiated into the Melvin M. Belli society by invitation-only and are considered to be distinguished trial lawyers.

Rhode Island Boat Accident Lawyers

Handling All Types of Watercraft Accident Claims from Providence to Aquidneck Island

Recreational boating is one of the most popular activities in Rhode Island, with approximately 40,000 boats registered in 2020. With that many boats on the water, not to mention the number of swimmers, divers, kayakers, and other personal watercraft, it's no wonder that boating accidents are on the rise.

If you or a loved one is the victim of a boat accident, it's important to understand your right to compensation. The Rhode Island boat accident lawyers at Karns & Kerrison can evaluate your case during a free consultation and help you determine your next steps.

If you or your loved one was injured in an accident involving a recreational watercraft, contact Karns & Kerrison.

Who Can Sue for Damages in Boat Accidents?

People injured as a result of negligence on recreational boats, including powerboats and sailboats, have the right to sue and recover damages from the negligent party. This includes:

  • Passengers in a personal watercraft who is injured as a result of the operator's negligence;
  • Passengers who are injured when another watercraft strikes their vehicle;
  • Or the operator of the personal watercraft if he or she is injured as a result of another party's negligence.

Boat accidents involving recreational swimmers are also covered under this law. Swimmers, snorkelers, or scuba divers who are injured when struck by boats or due to another act of negligence may seek damages for their injuries.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Boat Accident Claim?

At Karns & Kerrison, we help injured individuals and the family members of those killed in serious boat accidents determine their legal options and fight for the full, fair recovery they are owed.

The recovery for these damages differs from case to case, but often includes:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Scarring
  • Loss of use
  • Permanent injuries
  • Permanent loss of income or reduced income
  • Emotional distress

Common Causes of Boating Accident Injuries

There are many different types of accidents that can occur on the water. The United States Coast Guard keeps annual statistics of common causes of recreational watercraft accidents, including:

  • Negligent operation - This can consist of the recreational boat operator not being experienced and not knowing how to utilize the boat properly such as going too close to other boats or going into a high wave in the wrong direction. It can also occur if the boating operator is intoxicated or allows passengers to be intoxicated causing problems on board. Going too fast on the water causes multiple fatalities and other injuries every year.
  • Lack of safety devices and training - Many casualties are caused by the boat owner or operator not having the proper equipment on board the boat such as sufficient life preservers or failing to explain how to properly use them. Overcrowding by allowing more people on the boat than is recommended by the manufacturer or Coast Guard promotes the likelihood of injuries. Allowing a passenger to ride on the bow of the bow, especially in rough weather, can cause severe injuries.
  • Negligent manufacturing - Product liability can also be a cause of boating casualties as the boat is not manufactured properly including poor designs or the seating not being properly anchored to the boat.

In addition to injuries on powerboats and sailboats, there are other types of recreational accidents that can occur on the water. Some of these injuries are as follows:

  • Injuries on personal watercraft such as Jet Skis, Wave Runners, or small Jet Boats. These injuries are usually caused by the negligent operation of the watercraft, including driving while intoxicated, going too fast and striking objects, and allowing overcrowding on the personal watercraft.
  • People that are enjoying the water by swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving can be injured by a passing watercraft.

If you or someone you love has sustained a serious injury in a boat accident in Providence or anywhere in Rhode Island, please contact us to schedule a free consultation. We can give you the information you need to make the right decisions for your family and your future.

Discuss your case with our Rhode Island boat accident lawyers; call (888) 281-3100 or contact us online today.

  • Car Accident Traumatic Brain Injury
    I would definitely recommend Karns & Kerrison to anyone who asked - they come through for you.

    - Patricia Feeley

  • Slipped on Greasy Floor
    I have no reservations whatsoever in recommending Karns & Kerrison.

    - Mike Carey

  • Rear End Collision
    Nothing but positive results from consultation, to filing the legal suit, handling of a major operation, to recovery and finalizing a generous settlement.

    - Larry Goldfarb

  • Horrible Car Accident
    They not only got me a fair settlement, they helped to get me well.

    - Nancy

  • Motor Vehicle Accident - Braga Bridge
    It was comforting to know I had someone watching out for me.

    - Jeanie Small

  • Pedestrian hit by Car
    I did not know where to turn when I realized I needed legal help but I am very happy that I found Karns & Kerrison.

    - Martin

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$250 MILLION RECOVERED

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Schedule A Free Consultation

If you or your loved one suffered severe, life-altering injuries due to someone else’s negligence, we are here to help you fight for justice. For answers to your questions or to schedule a free consultation, contact our personal injury team at (888) 281-3100. We offer our legal services on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay attorneys’ fees after we have recovered compensation on your behalf.

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