Tim Akpinar

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.

• Free Consultation
• Contingent Fees

New Jersey

Since 1994

New York

Since 1994

St. John's University School of Law

J.D.

1993

State University of New York - Maritime College at Ft. Schuyler

Bachelor of Engineering (1981) | Mechanical Engineering (Marine)

Maritime Law Association of the United States

Member

Current

New York State Bar  # 2621100

Member

1994 - Current

Gulf Coast Mariners

Member

2013

Activities: An Advocacy group for commercial mariners working on the nation's inland and coastal waterways

Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers

Member

2009

Defeating Limitation of Liability in Maritime Law

Trial Magazine - The Journal of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America

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.

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

Q. Facing potential disciplinary action due to staffing issues as RN.

March 12, 2025

A: I'm sorry you are in this predicament. You post under "Employment" and "Health Care," and it would be best for the experienced employment law attorneys here to advise you. But your post remains open for a week, and time could be of the essence in proactively bracing for such a situation - particularly if the findings of one matter (employment related) might be used in the other (license-related).

Reach out to employment attorneys to try to arrange a free consult - that could be up to the individual law firm. There are many experienced employment attorneys here on this site. (See the "Find a Lawyer" tab above), as well as leads from local or state bar associations. Those resources fall outside this Q & A forum, so arrangements are between you and the firms you speak with. If you have information in terms of co-worker testimony that corroborates your position regarding staffing, maintenance records of equipment issues, your otherwise good performance, and related information, those things would be useful to an attorney. Good luck ... Read More

Q. Brain surgery complications and avoidance by surgeon, potential case inquiry.

March 12, 2025

A: I'm sorry for your ordeal in this matter. You ask if you have a case. It could be difficult for attorneys to answer your question meaningfully and reliably, based on the limited facts here. Law firms will need to know more about the surgery-related complications you mention. Law firms will also have questions about the timeline here, which dates back to 2019 - and the events that took place since the surgery, to better assess statute of limitations considerations. The most reliable way to begin to answer your question would be to reach out to law firms to arrange a free initial consult. Good luck

Q. How can I legally proceed against NYC-based organization for assisted housing negligence?

March 11, 2025

A: I'm very sorry for the loss of your mother and the other two victims here. If I were to emphasize a key point here, it is that you must act promptly. If you are dealing with public agencies, that generally involves notice of claim requirements - please consult with an attorney without further delay to learn about ALL possible deadlines that would apply here. The prospects for this type of action could depend on the quality of evidence available, which would require further investigation. The materials you already have should be helpful when you consult with attorneys. Good luck