Locations Give Schwed, Adams, & McGinley P.A. a phone call at (423) 250-9986
Give Schwed, Adams, & McGinley P.A. a phone call at (423) 250-9986 Contact Us

Advocating for Injured Boaters in Chattanooga and Throughout East Tennessee

The Tennessee River, Chickamauga Lake, and Nickajack Lake make Chattanooga a haven for boating enthusiasts. But when boaters fail to respect safety rules, lives can change in an instant. At Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A., we help victims of boating accidents throughout East Tennessee seek justice, accountability, and full financial recovery.

We are aggressive, experienced, and ready to go the distance—no matter how complex your case may be.

Proven Results in Serious Boating Accident Cases

With over 17,000 cases resolved and more than $500 million recovered, we have the track record to handle high-stakes personal injury cases, including those stemming from boat crashes. Whether you were injured while riding on a personal watercraft, sailing on a pontoon, or fishing from a bass boat, our firm has the resources and experience to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Many of our clients come to us after being turned away by other firms. When a case is too complex or costly for others, we step in—and deliver results.

Chattanooga-Based Representation With Statewide Strength

With a strong presence in Chattanooga and a reputation that extends across Tennessee, we understand the unique challenges of pursuing a boating injury case in East Tennessee. Our attorneys are familiar with the region's lakes, rivers, and marinas, and we know how to build a case that resonates with local juries.

From accidents at Chickamauga Marina to collisions on the Tennessee River, we bring both local knowledge and statewide legal muscle to every case.

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Why You Need an Experienced Boat Accident Attorney

Boating injury cases aren't like typical auto accidents. They involve complex laws, including Tennessee boating statutes, maritime law, and jurisdictional nuances. A lawyer without experience in this area may miss critical details that could make or break your claim.

At Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A., our team has over 200 years of combined litigation experience. We don't shy away from complex legal issues—we embrace them. Every case is prepared as if it will go to trial, which allows us to negotiate from a position of strength and hold every negligent party fully accountable. We are known for taking on the hardest cases and pushing for maximum compensation.

We Know Their Playbook The Insurance Advantage

Insurance carriers that cover boating accidents have teams of lawyers working to minimize payouts. Many victims are pressured into lowball settlements before they even understand the full extent of their injuries. Our attorneys have worked on the defense side. We know the tactics insurers use—delays, denials, and attempts to blame the injured.

We anticipate their strategies and build proactive, evidence-driven cases that protect our clients and increase their chances of a fair resolution. When you hire us, you're getting more than a lawyer—you're getting a strategic advantage.

A Reputation Earned Through Results

We've taken hundreds of cases to trial and have earned the respect of peers across the legal community. In fact, over 500 cases were referred to us by other personal injury lawyers in 2024 alone. Our courtroom reputation sends a strong message: we're not afraid to fight, and we don't back down. Whether we resolve your case through negotiation or litigation, you can trust that we're always pushing for the best outcome possible.

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Not Sure Where to Turn?

Talk to Us Today for Free.
There’s No Fee Unless We Win Your Case.

(423) 250-9986 Contact Us

Leading Causes of Boating Accidents in East Tennessee

Boating injuries in and around Chattanooga are often caused by negligent behavior, including:

  • Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Distracted or inattentive boat operation
  • Excessive speed or reckless maneuvers
  • Overcrowding or improper seating
  • Failure to maintain a proper lookout
  • Collisions with docks, rocks, or other vessels
  • Mechanical failure due to poor maintenance

These preventable errors can lead to serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, lacerations, drowning, and wrongful death. If you've suffered a serious boating injury, we're ready to hold the responsible parties accountable.

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Client Testimonials See What Our Clients Are Saying

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Stephen Schwed came highly recommended to us from a Superior Court Judge who is a good friend of ours. We were pleased with both the high level of professionalism and the constant ...

Stephen Schwed came highly recommended to us from a Superior Court Judge who is a good friend of ours. We were pleased with both the high level of professionalism and the constant concern for our best interest. We were always kept well informed of the status of our case. We feel highly confident in referring Stephen Schwed and Schwed, Adams, Sobel & McGinley, P.A. to others.

—Francis Heen III

A big thank you to Attorney Hubert McGinley for making the best out of a hard situation by taken on my case after another attorney could not successfully bring my case to an end. H...

A big thank you to Attorney Hubert McGinley for making the best out of a hard situation by taken on my case after another attorney could not successfully bring my case to an end. He was great to work with and I am grateful for him and his law team.

—Jessica

Mi nombre es Roxana y yo recibí servicios de la oficina de abogados de Schwed, Adams, Sobel & McGinley, P.A. Todos ellos son muy amables y cualquier duda o pregunta que ...

Mi nombre es Roxana y yo recibí servicios de la oficina de abogados de Schwed, Adams, Sobel & McGinley, P.A. Todos ellos son muy amables y cualquier duda o pregunta que tenía siempre me atendían con mucha amabilidad. Estoy muy satisfecha y contenta con todo lo que me ayudaron.

TRANSLATION:

My name is Roxana and I received services from the attorneys at Schwed, Adams, Sobel & McGinley, P.A. They are all very friendly and any doubt or question that I had they would always attend to me very kindly. I am satisfied and happy with everything that they helped me with.

—Roxana

Big thanks to Mr. McGinley and Crew at Schwed Law. Highly recommend them. very dependable and easy to reach.

—Wanda

Dear Schwed Law Office. After speaking with Schwed Law, I felt she gave me hope. The minute I gave them my accident report, I was confident I was going to be taken care of. My pers...

Dear Schwed Law Office.

After speaking with Schwed Law, I felt she gave me hope. The minute I gave them my accident report, I was confident I was going to be taken care of. My personal injury left me in a lot of pain. I was frustrated and exhausted. I had horrible headaches, neck and shoulder spasms and many restless nights. This impeded special outings and meetings with family and friends. I knew the bills were going to be taken care of. So I just focused on getting treated for my injury and feeling better. I never once had to call to follow up on anything.

I was so impressed with how fast my case was settled. I am so grateful for how I was treated and cared for. I highly recommend the offices of Schwed Law. Their professionalism and expertise were enough to put me at ease with all my questions and concerns from the beginning.

—Maria Baez

This letter is to thank your firm, Schwed, Adams, Sobel & McGinley, P.A., specifically Mr. McGinley for representation that was above and beyond what I expected to receive. Mr....

This letter is to thank your firm, Schwed, Adams, Sobel & McGinley, P.A., specifically Mr. McGinley for representation that was above and beyond what I expected to receive. Mr. McGinley was clever, extremely professional, comforting, and always kept me informed during the process. It was apparent to me that he cared about the outcome almost as much as I did. His style of representation was impeccable, classy, and he cleverly executed every facet of the case.

I was proud to have him as my lawyer. I felt comforted by his portrayal of experience and knowledge. Throughout the process, Mr. McGinley spent his evening hours preparing for the next day. He was protective, well prepared, thorough, convincing, and always accurate. Mr. McGinley did everything he promised and more. He comforted me when I was worried and fought hard for me. Thanks for your excellent representation.

—Barbara H.

Schwed, Adams, Sobel & McGinley is a great company. They were fast and easy, loved Janel and the Attorney, they helped me so much in my time of need. Thank you.

—Alex Pimental

Hubie, I wanted to thank you for all your help with my case over the years. You and your office were unbelievable and I’m very grateful and please with how things turned out. ...

Hubie,

I wanted to thank you for all your help with my case over the years. You and your office were unbelievable and I’m very grateful and please with how things turned out.

—Dr. Clint S.

I just want to thank everyone at the firm for all you have done! You guys made this process very easy.

—Thomas B

Hubie, Steve and all their staff were very helpful in allowing me to get the proper treatments for my injuries, while they successfully navigated a narrow and potentially problemat...

Hubie, Steve and all their staff were very helpful in allowing me to get the proper treatments for my injuries, while they successfully navigated a narrow and potentially problematic case.

—Edward

Thank you so much. I am so pleased with Mr. Adams he is the perfect lawyer. I cannot thank him enough for all that he has done for me. I really appreciate everything. Thank you aga...

Thank you so much. I am so pleased with Mr. Adams he is the perfect lawyer. I cannot thank him enough for all that he has done for me. I really appreciate everything. Thank you again!

—Gina

I would absolutely recommend Paul Adams, at Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A., to anyone needing legal assistance for an injury. Beginning with our first conversation, Paul was ki...

I would absolutely recommend Paul Adams, at Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A., to anyone needing legal assistance for an injury. Beginning with our first conversation, Paul was kind, patient, understanding, and respectful. He and his team guided me through each step of my complicated case. They were always readily available to answer all of my questions and concerns. I had complete confidence in Paul, and knew that he and his entire team were working tirelessly for the best possible outcome for me personally. I was extremely happy with the unexpected amount of the compensation I received for my medical bills and my injury. Now, I can move forward with my life. A heartfelt thank you to Paul Adams and to each member of his team for everything.

—Holly Wilson

I highly recommend Schwed, Adams &McGinley, P.A. for legal representation. Attorney Ryan did an outstanding job for me, and Icouldn't be happier with the outcome. His expertise...

I highly recommend Schwed, Adams &McGinley, P.A. for legal representation. Attorney Ryan did an outstanding job for me, and Icouldn't be happier with the outcome. His expertise and dedication made a real difference. Thank you, Ryan, and your team, for everything you did!

—Andre Vickers

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Boating Accident?

In Tennessee, boat accident victims may be entitled to compensation for a range of economic and non-economic damages, including:

  • Emergency medical care: Ambulance transport, ER visits, hospital stays, and surgeries
  • Ongoing and future treatment: Rehabilitation, physical therapy, and long-term care
  • Lost income: Time missed from work and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering: Chronic pain and the effect it has on your daily life
  • Mental anguish: PTSD, depression, and other psychological effects of trauma
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement: Long-term injuries that limit independence or alter your quality of life
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed

Our legal team works with medical experts, life care planners, and vocational consultants to present a clear, well-documented picture of your damages—so nothing gets overlooked and no opportunity for recovery is missed.

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Time Is Critical Take Action Now

Boating accident cases move quickly. Evidence can be washed away, repaired, or lost altogether. Witnesses may disappear or forget important details. And Tennessee's statute of limitations typically allows just one year to file a personal injury lawsuit.

At Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A., we act fast to preserve evidence, secure expert opinions, and file all necessary legal documents—so your case starts on solid footing from day one.

Contact Our Chattanooga Boat Accident Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a boat crash in the Chattanooga area, don't wait for the insurance company to dictate the outcome. Contact Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A. today for a free consultation. We'll listen to your story, answer your questions, and begin building a case designed to protect your rights—and your future.

Find Out if We Can Help You You need the right attorneys

If you’re unsure what to do next, talk to our team at Schwed, Adams & McGinley, PA. There’s no personal injury case type that we haven’t seen before.

We will evaluate your case at no cost to you and let you know if we can help.

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