Maritime Wrongful Death ClaimsWhen Recreational Boating Ends in Tragedy

Recreational boating is a growing pastime in Maryland with such close proximity to waterways all around. However, like cars, boating can turn fatal, leaving loved ones with devastating and life-changing tragedy. Families are often left facing overwhelming emotional pain, unexpected financial burdens, and unanswered questions. When a fatal accident occurs on Maryland’s waterways caused by the negligence of another, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Maryland Law and, in some cases, federal maritime law.

Alcohol use, operator inattention, and operator inexperience were the contributing factors related to the negligence of another leading to the highest number of deaths in 2024, according to the United States Coast Guard. Deaths from boating accidents frequently involve boat collisions, propeller strikes, capsizing accidents, and personal watercraft collisions with most of these deaths occurring due to drowning or physical trauma.

Wrongful death boating accident cases can involve complicated maritime and admiralty law issues when the accident occurs on navigable waters such as the Chesapeake Bay and its connecting waters. Federal maritime law may affect:

• Jurisdiction and venue
• Available damages
• Liability standards
• Liability limitations
• Insurance coverage disputes

Because these cases differ significantly from land wrongful death claims, families often benefit from attorneys familiar with both Maryland wrongful death laws and maritime injury litigation.

Depending on whether state or maritime law applies, a wrongful death claim may allow surviving family members to recover compensation for, but not limited to:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of household services
• Medical expenses related to the fatal injury
• Mental anguish
• Emotional pain and suffering

If your family lost a loved one in a Maryland boating accident, please call 301-888-HURT for Maryland Personal Injury Attorney George P. Patterson, with 30 years of experience in both state and federal court to schedule a free consultation. He is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and a Top 5 Maryland Plaintiff Personal Injury lawyer by Super Lawyers.  Patterson Law’s office is located in Annapolis, Maryland by the Anne Arundel Medical Center.