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Colorado River

If you were injured as a maritime worker obtaining a skilled admiralty and maritime attorney can help you by guiding, you through the claim process and making sure you recover compensation for your injuries. The qualified attorneys at BoatLaw, LLP understand admiralty and maritime laws as they apply to maritime operations. Consulting with our knowledgeable maritime lawyers can help you determine how to file a claim to seek compensation for your damages.

In addition, it’s important to know that although recreational activities such as boating are a fun way to pass time, they are also risky. Whether it’s fishing on a fishing boat, or enjoy the waterways in a ski boat, these are risky ventures in which the owner and/or operator of the vessel owe you a certain degree of care. If you or your loved one suffered an injury contact the experienced maritime injury attorneys of BoatLaw, LLP at 1 (800) 262-8529 to schedule your free initial case consultation.

Colorado River Maritime Injury Attorneys

The Colorado River, also known as the “Lifeline of the Southwest,” flows west and south for 1,450 miles (2,330 kilometers) into the Gulf of California in Northwestern Mexico. In 1922, the states and the federal government created the Colorado River Compact, which divided the upper and lower basins. The upper basin states include Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, is where most of the river’s water supplies originate from. It also helps promote the economy through recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating. Furthermore, the Colorado River also provides nourishments for the lower basin states (Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico).

Determining which state, a person is in while he or she is on the Colorado River can be difficult. Additionally, the Colorado River spans over various state jurisdictions and it is managed and operated under numerous federal laws, contracts, regulations, etc. Moreover, the river is considered a navigable body of water.

If you have been injured during a recreational activity or while working on a vessel on the Colorado River, retaining an experienced maritime attorney can help you determine what laws apply to your case. According to the Jones Act, a maritime worker (regardless of their job function) who spends more than a certain amount of his or her time in the service of the vessel on “navigable waterways,” qualifies as a seaman. A dedicated maritime attorney with intimate knowledge of the laws can make help you get the compensation you deserve.


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Common Maritime Claims in Colorado River

The 1,450-mile-long (2,330 kilometers) river has year-round recreational activities, such as fishing, kayaking, recreational boating, rafting, etc. Moreover, it’s important to note because there is various state jurisdiction there are also different requirements for recreational activities (e.g., requirements for boating license). Recreational boaters have a lot to choose from when deciding to launch their boats in the Colorado River’s waterways. However, when an accident occurs it’s important to consult with a skilled maritime attorney.

Federal maritime law in the United States says that both paying passengers of a recreational boat and invited, nonpaying passengers are owed the same reasonable duty of care under the circumstances. Therefore, the owner and/or operator owes you a duty of care that is reasonable under the circumstances. Nevertheless, the process can be complicated and there are laws in which a recreational boating accident victim, may qualify to recover compensation.

Other injuries and claims in Colorado River include:

  • Vessel Passengers – It is the responsibility of the maritime company to keep its passengers safe within reasonable means. The vessel owner and/or operator’s failure to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances is considered negligence. If you were injured as a passenger aboard any vessel due to a company’s negligence, contact the experienced maritime injury attorneys of BoatLaw, LLP.
  • Ferry Workers – If you suffered an injury due to your ferry operator employer’s negligence or the unseaworthiness of the ferry, you are eligible to pursue compensation under various maritime laws. Whether you work on a passenger ferry, a car ferry, or a roll-on/roll-off ferry, you are exposed to a certain amount of risk that the vessel owner, vessel operator, and your maritime employer are expected to reasonably mitigate. If this reasonable duty of care is violated and you suffer injury and/or other damages as a result, you may have a claim for compensation.
  • Tour Boat Accidents – Tour boats are a great way to take in the sights of a vacation destination. Although the last thing from our minds is the potential risks for an accident. When a tour boat accident happens, it is catastrophic and can cause lasting injuries. To receive compensation as an injured passenger, you will have to file suit within a given time frame set forth by the state.
  • Wrongful Death – A maritime death can be a complicated matter, requiring a careful investigation and an in-depth understanding of the law. Nevertheless, you should act as soon as possible and learn about your legal options.

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Additional Resources

Colorado River | Boating and Waterways – Visit the Colorado River Partnership website to learn more information about boating safety, requirements, regulations, etc. The site is a great form of resource for anyone trying boating or any other form of activity in Colorado River and would like to educate themselves on what is required. Additionally, the mission of the partnership is to promote safety and provide knowledge about recreational boating through resources provided by the State of Arizona, California, Utah, and Nevada.


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Admiralty & Maritime Lawyers for Injuries in Colorado River

If you or your loved one has sustained an injury while on the Colorado River due to the negligence of the vessel owner and/or operator consult with an experienced maritime attorney at BoatLaw, LLP. Our skilled maritime lawyers represent recreational boating victims whose injuries were a result of negligence by the owner and/or operator of the vessel. At BoatLaw, LLP, our compassionate attorneys view our client as our greatest resource in any case and we will reach out to you to truly learn your story over many meetings and calls.

If you are a vessel passenger and/or a maritime worker who has sustained injuries due to a mistake or negligence on the part of his/her employer contact BoatLaw, LLP. Our dedicated attorneys are here to help you! Call us at 1 (800) 262-8529 to schedule your free initial case consultation.


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This article was last updated on Thursday, July 30, 2020.

  • The Maritime Law Association of The United States
    The Maritime Law Association of the United States (MLA) was founded in 1899. Its formation was prompted by the organization, some three years earlier, of the International Maritime Committee.
  • Washington State Bar Association
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  • Oregon State Bar
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  • Alaska Bar Association
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