Boat Accident Litigation

Boating can be a thrilling and fun recreational activity, but it is also dangerous. If negligence causes an accident the victim and their families could be entitled to compensation for injuries and loss.

A NYC lawyer for boat accidents can assist injured victims in obtaining the full amount of damages they deserve. A claim can be an obligation to pay for medical expenses as well as other financial damages.

Damages

While many people imagine waters like the Wild West, there are laws that govern vessels on lakes, rivers, and oceans in the United States. Boat accidents can trigger various federal and state laws which are considered when determining the degree of negligence. If a russellville boat accident lawyer driver is drunk, they could be sued for negligence. There are federal laws that address death and pollution at sea. Additionally, there are specific maritime laws, like the Jones Act that give injured workers or their families a pathway to compensation similar to workers who receive compensation in other industries.

If a loved one has been killed in a fatal glendale heights boat accident law firm accident family members may sue for damages, including lost companionship and funeral expenses. They may also sue for suffering and pain. Families may also seek compensation for past medical bills as well as future costs for treatment.

If a boating accident resulted in injuries to you or your loved ones and loved ones, a New York City orinda boat accident attorney accident lawyer can help you determine what type of damages you might be entitled to claim. A personal injury lawyer will examine your insurance policy and the policies governing boat liability of the responsible party to determine what amount of compensation you could be entitled to receive as part of the settlement or verdict of a jury. A lawyer with experience can also determine if there are other parties who may be liable, like the manufacturer or the part of the boat that was defective.

Liability

Generally, injured boaters pursue damages to recover medical expenses (past and anticipated) and lost earnings because of time lost from work or pain and suffering emotional trauma, and damages to their boats. The most serious injuries are neck and back injuries, brain trauma, broken bones, paralysis or internal organ damage.

Boating accidents can involve a variety of individuals who could be accountable for the accident. This includes the operator of the boat, passengers on board at the time of the collision as well as the other watercraft or boats involved, the manufacturers of boats, their parts, engines, and government agencies who place buoys to warn the public of dangerous conditions. A personal injury lawyer will know the ins and outs of state law as well as federal maritime laws to determine who might be held accountable in the event of a collision.

Under the Jones Act a worker on the vessel that is injured at sea enjoys the same rights to those of workers compensation beneficiaries. In the same way, sailors injured in international waters or in the outer continental shelf waters are entitled to make a claim under the Jones Act and other federal maritime regulations. Workers' compensation laws also apply to maritime workers who are injured and the families of deceased sailors.

Gathering Evidence

Evidence collected during the early stages of the legal process can help determine the strength and validity of your case. Photographing the accident scene can help establish liability and help determine what caused the boating collision. Eyewitnesses can also give crucial information that can aid in proving your claim.

Medical records are essential for in determining the severity of your injuries, and the damages that resulted. The records should contain thorough details of doctor and hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitative treatments, and the costs associated with these. You will also need to keep track of any changes in your income and employment and any other losses that are not financial in nature.

Boat accidents are often related to brain and spinal cord injuries. These injuries can result from carbon monoxide poisoning, oxygen deprivation, or blunt force trauma when your head strikes the propeller of the boat. Most often, these injuries are life-changing.

Other types of marine injuries involve mechanical issues, like engine failure or electrical failure in steering, abrasions, and problems with gear shifts. Our NYC boating accident lawyers will investigate these cases to determine whether the manufacturer should be accountable for the injuries sustained by accident victims.

Making a Claim

It is important to seek medical attention immediately after an incident on the boat. However, it is recommended to consult a lawyer before giving an assurance to the insurance adjuster or any other party. Your lawyer will protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for damages.

The legal procedure for seeking compensation in the event of a boating accident is to file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the party or parties that are liable. This typically includes the presentation of evidence to back a claim for economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses and other expenses that are incurred due to the accident, such as lost earnings due to missed work. Noneconomic damages include pain and suffering and other intangible losses that are difficult to quantify.

In some instances the manufacturer of a vessel or one of its parts can be held liable for an accident when their product was not properly constructed or designed. A New York boating accident lawyer could investigate the possibility product liability and seek compensation from the parties responsible.

In some cases, it is not just the person who operates a boat that could be held accountable for an accident. The owners of boats can also be held responsible, especially when the owner is responsible for the hiring and training of the person who operates their vessel or if a person unfit to operate a vessel is allowed to use their property.