Open water.
Same duty of care.
From the Shore to Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey's waterways see more than 200,000 registered boats. When an inexperienced renter, an intoxicated operator, or a careless charter captain causes a crash, both federal maritime law and New Jersey law come into play.
Federal admiralty,
state negligence.
Boating accidents on navigable waters can implicate federal admiralty jurisdiction in addition to state-law negligence. The applicable framework affects the statute of limitations, the available damages, and even where suit can be filed.
We've handled cases ranging from wake-injury claims along the Intracoastal Waterway to BUI collisions on the bay. The operator's qualifications, the boat's condition, and the rental company's screening are all on the table.
The case starts
on day one.
Every boating accidents matter is treated as a litigation file from the first call — because that's what wins it.
No fee unless we win.
You owe us nothing unless we recover for you. Period.
Cash advance in 24 hours.
Same-day funding can be arranged through third-party sources while your case is built.
Free, confidential case review.
An attorney — not an intake screener — reviews your matter and tells you what it's worth.
24/7 line, real people.
Evidence disappears in days. We answer the phone the night it happens.
Hurt in New Jersey?
Tell us what happened.
A New Jersey attorney personally reviews every submission — typically within the hour. No fee. No obligation. Evidence preservation begins the moment we hang up.
- Statewide coverage — every NJ county
- Preservation letters issued same day
- In-house investigation team
- Available 24/7 — nights, weekends, holidays
Request your free
consultation.
Dennis Shlionsky's Team will personally review your matter — typically within one hour. There is no fee unless we win.
The Limitation of Liability Act
and how we defeat it.
Vessel owners routinely file a Limitation of Liability action in federal court, trying to cap their exposure at the post-casualty value of the boat. We defeat these by proving the owner had "privity or knowledge" of the negligence — and we file our injury action in state court to keep the leverage where it belongs.
Boat insurance is its own thing.
Marine policies have their own exclusions, their own warranties, and their own attorney's-fee provisions. Reading the policy carefully on day one is essential. We find every layer and tender the right ones.
What clients ask first.
I was on a rental boat — is the operator covered?
Often yes. Rental companies are required to ensure operators are qualified and the boat is seaworthy. When they fail, they share in the liability.
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
Nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee — you owe us no attorney's fee unless we recover money for you. Costs are advanced by the firm and only reimbursed out of a recovery. The first conversation is free and confidential.
How long do I have to file a claim in New Jersey?
Most personal-injury claims in New Jersey carry a two-year statute of limitations under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2, running from the date of injury. Claims against a public entity (city, county, NJ Transit, the State) require a Notice of Tort Claim within 90 days under the New Jersey Tort Claims Act. Wrongful-death actions also have a two-year window. Call as early as possible — evidence does not wait.
Maritime cases
are their own world.
Don't let a vessel owner file Limitation of Liability before you file suit. Call.
Request your free
consultation.
Dennis Shlionsky's Team will personally review your matter — typically within one hour. There is no fee unless we win.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case turns on its own facts. The information on this page is for general educational purposes and is not legal advice. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.