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.

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)

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

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

New Jersey

Since 1994

New York

Since 1994

• Free Consultation
• Contingent Fees

Q. Attorney suing for $100k in NYC after $150k retainer for unheld trial; need defense for overstated fees.

March 10, 2025

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?

March 10, 2025

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?

March 8, 2025

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