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. Potential medical malpractice with steroid-induced complications at MSK in Manhattan.

April 23, 2025

A: I'm sorry for your friend's situation. Based on the quality and detail of your post, you probably don't need anyone to tell you that this has the makings of a difficult and complex case, given the patient's age, existing conditions, and involvement of multiple medical specialists.

Your best starting point in helping your friend would probably be to explore a consult with med mal firms. Free initial consults with no obligation are the norm in the industry. Since COVID, law firms have increasingly used online platforms such as Zoom for the convenience of patients.

If a law firm saw a basis for a viable case, they could retrieve the patient file and review with medical professionals. In addition to your own research, you could use the "Find a Lawyer" tab above, which lists many experienced med mal firms here on Justia. You could also check with the referral sections of local and state bar associations.

I hope your friend is okay and pulls through these complications. Good luck ... Read More

Q. What are my rights if my father doesn't claim or replace my belongings after fire in Ohio?

April 22, 2025

A: An Ohio attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. This is a difficult situation, because it involves family and could involve a closer look at the basis of your occupancy, which could possibly be open to interpretation, instead of a clear-cut landlord tenant relationship. The easiest and most straightforward route would be for your father to include your items in the claim, which you express uncertainty about. Beyond that, you may need to consult with a local attorney to discuss in detail the arrangement you have and the property loss and your options there. I'm sorry for the fire and the hardship it has caused. Good luck

Q. How to join a class action lawsuit as a plaintiff for pet damages?

April 22, 2025

A: I'm sorry about what your pet is going through. You'll need to search online for information about the case, and contact the administrator or one of the managing attorneys. If an attorney is handling your current case on an individual basis, first discuss with them and let them know about your intentions. Administrators or attorneys for the class action should be able to provide more specific guidance after discussing with you. I hope your pet is okay. Good luck