A day on the water can turn tragic in seconds due to a reckless operator or mechanical failure. Whether your accident occurred on the Mississippi River, the Missouri River, or at the Lake of the Ozarks, recovering damages requires a lawyer who understands the unique intersection of state negligence and Federal Maritime Law.
At The Cagle Law Firm, we provide the specialized technical knowledge required to hold negligent boaters and manufacturers accountable across the St. Louis “Bi-State” region.

The location of your boating accident determines which laws apply to your recovery:
Navigable Waterways (Federal Admiralty Law): Accidents on the Mississippi or Missouri Rivers are often subject to federal jurisdiction. This involves unique rules regarding the statute of limitations and the “Standard of Care” for commercial and recreational vessels.
Missouri Inland Lakes (Pure Comparative Fault): Under MO Rev Stat § 537.765, you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for a collision at the Lake of the Ozarks or Table Rock.
Illinois Waterways (Modified Comparative Fault): Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, if an accident occurs in Illinois waters (like the Metro East), you are barred from recovery if you are more than 50% at fault.
In both Missouri (MO Rev Stat § 306.110) and Illinois, operating a boat while intoxicated is a serious offense. We aggressively pursue full compensation for victims of BUI, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Personal Watercraft (PWC) Collisions: Involving Jet Skis and Sea-Doos.
Propeller Injuries: Often resulting from a “failure to keep a lookout” or engine defects.
Marina & Dock Accidents: Premises liability claims involving poorly maintained docks.
Commercial Barge Collisions: Complex litigation involving commercial river traffic.
How The Cagle Law Firm Can Help
If you have been injured in a boat accident, our attorneys can help. If you have been injured as an employee in a maritime accident, you want a lawyer skilled in Jones Act litigation. Whether you were injured as a passenger on recreational boat or working on river barge, we will:
Our experienced maritime lawyers can evaluate your case and develop a strategy for your case.
Contact us today to speak with a qualified attorney about your Saint Louis, Missouri boating accident case: call (314) 276-1681
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Zane T. Cagle of The Cagle Law Firm focuses specifically on those seriously injured in Missouri and Illinois. A member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates and Super Lawyer, Zane has over 20 years of experience maximizing his client’s compensation. Case Results
The Cagle Law Firm serves accident and injury clients throughout St. Louis and the greater St. Louis metro area, including St. Louis Counties of Chesterfield, Wildwood, Eureka, Ladue, Olivette, Clayton, Kirkwood, Fenton, Affton, and Jefferson Counties of Arnold, High Ridge, Antonia, House Springs, and the eastern Missouri and southern Illinois communities. If you or your family needs legal assistance with your personal injury case, call The Cagle Law Firm at (314) 276-1681 or use our online contact form to request a free case review or get more information.
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