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Tim Akpinar

Tim Akpinar

A dedicated attorney who fights hard for the rights of injury victims
  • Personal Injury, Maritime Law, Products Liability ...
  • 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
Personal Injury
Animal & Dog Bites, Brain Injury, Car Accidents, Construction Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Premises Liability, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death
Maritime Law
Products Liability
Drugs & Medical Devices, Motor Vehicle Defects, Toxic Torts
Medical Malpractice
Birth Injury, Medical Misdiagnosis, Pharmacy Errors, Surgical Errors
Arbitration & Mediation
Business - Arbitration/Mediation, Consumer - Arbitration/Mediation, Family - Arbitration/Mediation
Appeals & Appellate
Civil Appeals, Federal Appeals
Insurance Claims
Bad Faith Insurance, Business Insurance, Disability Insurance, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Motor Vehicle Insurance, Property Insurance
Environmental Law
Construction Law
Construction Contracts, Construction Defects, Construction Liens, Construction Litigation
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
8957 Questions Answered
Q. How long to receive a personal injury settlement check?
A: It could depend on the insurance carrier, the attorney's ability to wrap up a summary of case expenses, and whether there are any liens that need to be satisfied. In the best-case scenario, if the claimant promptly signs and returns the insurance carrier's release, they could receive payment in a couple of weeks. In a less favorable scenario, where there are liens that require resolution/negotiation, things could depend on how quickly everyone is able to come to an agreement - that could sometimes take months. It all depends on these kinds of details. Good luck
Q. Delay in insurance payout after signing agreement, involved in 3-car accident due to driver running red light.
A: You could make a written inquiry as to the disposition of the claim. If things are still in limbo with other claimant(s), be mindful of statutes of limitations in the long run (this sounds like a recent accident, since you mention January). These types of settings could be wrapped up in a reasonable time, but they can also sometimes drag on indefinitely if the other parties confront the carrier with an impasse as to demands and policy limits. Good luck
Q. USAA delaying claim due to unofficial repairs. What can I do?
A: It looks like you are dealing with a claim that has somehow attracted suspicion. If SIU is involved on the case, it might be difficult to do anything before their investigators are satisfied as to the details of the claim. Ultimately, it could be worth considering an attorney consult if you are not already represented in the accident. Good luck
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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
Wednesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: Closed (Today)
Sunday: Closed