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Tim Akpinar

Tim Akpinar

A dedicated attorney who fights hard for the rights of injury victims
  • Maritime Law, Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice ...
  • New Jersey, New York
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Biography

Tim handles motor vehicle accidents, slip & fall accidents, medical malpractice, boating accidents, cruise ship accidents, and complex hull/machinery/cargo cases. Tim represents commercial mariners, recreational boaters, cruise ship passengers, and other injury plaintiffs. As a former shipboard officer, he understands the importance of the Jones Act and other maritime laws.

Tim taught law at SUNY Maritime College and in the MBA program at Southern New Hampshire University. On a limited basis, he tutors law school graduates for the New York State Bar Exam. He is referenced in Wikipedia - Seaman’s Manslaughter Statute. Tim was asked to cover the subject of limitation of liability for the American Trial Lawyers Association (Defeating Limitation of Liability in Maritime Law).

Tim worked as an environmental engineer for an 826 MW generating station where he trained NYC firefighters in first responder plant hazards that included 138,000-volt equipment, high-pressure steam, and bulk chemical storage. He worked as a shift supervisor at a 425 MW station, responsible for steam turbines and auxiliaries.

Tim covers maritime law topics for nationally published maritime and boating magazines, including WorkBoat, The Ensign (US Power Squadron), Offshore, Marine Officer, and LI Boating World. Tim can be reached at (718) 224-9824 or timakpinarlawoffice@verizon.net.

Practice Areas
Maritime Law
Personal Injury
Animal & Dog Bites, Brain Injury, Car Accidents, Construction Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Premises Liability, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death
Medical Malpractice
Birth Injury, Medical Misdiagnosis, Pharmacy Errors, Surgical Errors
Products Liability
Drugs & Medical Devices, Motor Vehicle Defects, Toxic Torts
Arbitration & Mediation
Business - Arbitration/Mediation, Consumer - Arbitration/Mediation, Family - Arbitration/Mediation
Appeals & Appellate
Civil Appeals, Federal Appeals
Environmental Law
Construction Law
Construction Contracts, Construction Defects, Construction Liens, Construction Litigation
Insurance Claims
Bad Faith Insurance, Business Insurance, Disability Insurance, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Motor Vehicle Insurance, Property Insurance
Fees
  • Free Consultation
  • Contingent Fees
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
New Jersey
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New York
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Education
St. John's University School of Law
J.D.
St. John's University School of Law Logo
State University of New York - Maritime College at Ft. Schuyler
Bachelor of Engineering (1981) | Mechanical Engineering (Marine)
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Professional Associations
Maritime Law Association of the United States
Member
Current
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New York State Bar  # 2621100
Member
- Current
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Gulf Coast Mariners
Member
Activities: An Advocacy group for commercial mariners working on the nation's inland and coastal waterways
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Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers
Member
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Publications
Articles & Publications
Defeating Limitation of Liability in Maritime Law
Trial Magazine - The Journal of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America
Speaking Engagements
Legal Issues for Recreational Boaters, United States Power Squadron - Bayside Power Squadron
Tim spoke about admiralty jurisdiction over pleasure boats, boating accident legal issues, limitation of liability, salvage law, marine liens, and other legal issues related to recreational boating.
Maritime Law Issues for Commercial Mariners, Kingsborough Community College - Maritime Technology Program
Tim spoke about the legal responsibilities of officers and ship's crews, criminal liability, the Jones Act, limitation of liability, salvage law, recent developments in Coast Guard regulations with marine casualty reporting and alcohol testing, marine pollution, and other maritime law topics.
Recent Developments in Maritime Law, St. John's University School of Law
Admiralty Law Society
Tim spoke about salvage law, the law of finds, the Jones Act and legal issues affecting the rights of commercial fishermen.
Certifications
U.S. Military Sealift Command Shipboard Firefighting School
US MSC
ALARA Training - As Low As Reasonably Achievable - Radiation Considerations in Nuclear Power Plant Design
Reliability Engineering Training
Third Assistant Engineer - Steam & Motor Vessels - Unlimited Horsepower
US Coast Guard
Lifeboatman
US Coast Guard
Websites & Blogs
Website
General Personal Injury & Maritime Law Litigation and Arbitration
Legal Answers
8661 Questions Answered
Q. Attorney suing for $100k in NYC after $150k retainer for unheld trial; need defense for overstated fees.
A: You may want to consider reviewing the retainer and other possible documents with an attorney experienced in such matters - most attorneys will want to see your paperwork before advising meaningfully. More fundamental than your dispute about the number of hours (or a debate about the reasonableness of hours) could be the terms of the retainer. Some retainers (as a GENERAL matter - I don't know the terms and conditions of your retainer) contain provisions that outline conditions for fulfillment of a law firm's duties and obligation for payment, whether that consists of achieving a settlement, dismissal, withdrawl, or other milestone - which could make an actual minute-by-minute accounting of time a moot point. Good luck ... Read More
Q. How can I get compensation for bicycle accident injuries without the driver's insurance coverage?
A: I'm sorry about your accident. The only thing I'd add to the valuable guidance of my colleagues is that you may still want to consider reaching out to other attorneys. From your post, it appears you spoke with one attorney who declined your matter. You mention major pain; you do not mention liability - that would be a factor that attorneys consider. If several other attorneys also decline your matter, that would help you narrow the field of options you want to consider. I hope you're okay. Good luck
Q. Can I sue Spirit Airlines for emotional distress after a turbulent flight to Dallas?
A: I believe most law firms would be reluctant to consider such a case. I'm sorry for your stressful experience, but based on the brief facts, I don't see the requisite standard giving rise to an emotional distress claim. Commercial airliners do encounter very localized weather conditions that can sometimes be difficult to forecast. No one here could speculate if the aircraft was in bad shape without details about the maintenance records. It could have been a situation where the captain and first officer had to deal with an intensely stressful crosswind landing, without the luxury of too many other options. Many courts or jurors might sympathize with the air crew in succeeding to safely deliver everyone to the ground in one piece in the face of very adverse weather conditions. But that's only my individual opinion, based on the limited facts. Different attorneys could see matters differently, possibly with additional details. Therefore, the best way to answer your question might be to reach out to attorneys. I hope you, the other passengers, and the air crew are okay. Good luck ... Read More
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Contact & Map
Tim Akpinar, Attorney at Law
555 Broadhollow Rd - Suite 305
Melville, NY 11747
US
Telephone: (718) 224-9824
Monday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Wednesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed