Dock, Marina, Ferry, and Harbor Injuries

Salem, Marblehead, Gloucester, Newburyport, Boston Harbor, and Cape Cod are full of docks, floats, gangways, launches, ferries, and marinas. Injuries in these places can fall under premises liability law, maritime law, or both. Muggeo & Associates represents boaters, passengers, guests, and workers hurt on and around the water.

Common Injuries

Falls on wet, broken, or unrailed docks and floats
Steep gangways at low tide and missing handrails
Falls while boarding or leaving boats, launches, and ferries
Injuries on harbor ferries, water taxis, whale watches, and fishing charters
Propeller strikes to swimmers and divers
Carbon monoxide poisoning from boat engines and generators
Fuel dock fires and explosions
Electric shock drowning near docks with faulty wiring

Who May Be Responsible

Marinas, yacht clubs, boatyards, and harbor operators
Cities and towns that own public landings (special notice rules may apply)
Ferry, charter, and tour boat operators
Boat owners and operators
Contractors responsible for dock construction, electrical work, and maintenance

Maritime Law and Ticket Deadlines

Passenger vessel tickets often require written notice of a claim within months and a lawsuit within a year, subject to federal limits that protect passengers. Maritime personal injury claims generally must be filed within three years under 46 U.S.C. § 30106. See also Cruise Ship Injuries. Commercial fishermen and other maritime workers may have Jones Act and unseaworthiness claims; see Boating Accidents.

For land-side injuries such as parking lot and walkway falls at a marina, see Premises Liability. For disputes over boat storage and repair bills, see Boat Repair and Storage Liens.

We represent injured people and families along the North Shore and across Massachusetts, including Salem, Marblehead, Swampscott, Beverly, Gloucester, Newburyport, Lynn, and Cape Cod and the Islands, as well as clients in New Hampshire and Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is responsible for a fall on a dock or gangway?

Typically the marina, yacht club, municipality, or private owner that controls the dock, along with any contractor responsible for maintenance. Slippery, broken, poorly lit, or unrailed docks and steep gangways at low tide are common causes.

What if I was injured on a ferry or water taxi?

Passengers on commercial vessels are owed reasonable care under maritime law. Ticket contracts may require written notice within a set time and may shorten the time to sue, subject to federal limits. Keep your ticket and act quickly.

What about carbon monoxide on boats?

Boat engines and generators produce carbon monoxide that can accumulate near swim platforms, in cabins, and behind boats. Exposure can cause serious injury or death. Owners, operators, and manufacturers may be responsible when exhaust systems are defective or warnings are inadequate.

Talk With a Boating and Water Injury Attorney

If you or a family member was hurt in an accident on a dock, at a marina, or on a ferry or charter, call Muggeo & Associates at (978) 741-1177, text the same number, or request a consultation online. We answer calls 24/7. Offices in Salem, Massachusetts and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Maritime deadlines and notice rules can be short, so contact us promptly.

This page provides general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every situation is different. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee future outcomes. Last reviewed November 2026.

Call or Text (978) 741-1177 to Schedule Your Consultation