Boat Accident Litigation

Boating can be a thrilling and fun recreational activity, but it's also a risky one. If negligence leads to an accident the victim and their families could be entitled to compensation for the loss and injuries.

A NYC lawyer for boat accidents can assist injured victims in getting the amount they deserved. A claim may include past medical expenses as well as other economic damages.

Damages

While many people think of bodies of water with the Wild West in the United States, there are laws that govern boats on lakes and rivers as well as oceans. Boat accidents can trigger multiple federal and state laws which are weighed to determine if negligence was the cause. If a boat driver is drunk, they may be sued for negligence. There are also federal laws that deal with death and pollution at sea. Additionally, there are specific maritime regulations like the Jones Act that give injured workers or their families access to compensation that is comparable to workers compensated in other industries.

If a loved-one was killed in a fatal boat crash family members could sue for damages including lost companionship and funeral costs. They can also sue for pain and suffering. Families can get money to cover medical costs from the past and future medical treatment.

A New York City boat accident lawyer can help you determine if you or your loved ones were injured in an accident on the water. A personal injury lawyer can look over your insurance policy and the boat liability policies of the responsible party to determine the compensation you might be able to receive as part of the settlement or verdict of a jury. Additionally, a knowledgeable lawyer can determine if there are any additional individuals who are liable for the accident, including the manufacturer of the boat or component.

Liability

Generally, injured boaters pursue damages to cover medical expenses (past and anticipated), lost income due to the time they miss from work or pain and suffering emotional trauma, and damage to their boats. Serious injuries commonly involve neck and back injuries, brain trauma, broken bones, paralysis and organ damage.

Accidents involving boats can involve many individuals who could be accountable for the accident. These include the operator of the boat, passengers aboard at the time of the accident and other watercrafts or boats involved, manufacturers of boats and their components, engines, and government agencies that put up buoys to warn people about dangers. A personal injury attorney is well-versed in federal and state maritime laws to determine who is liable for an accident.

Under the Jones Act, a worker on a boat who suffers an injury on the sea is entitled to compensation similar to those of workers' compensation recipients. Similar to sailors injured in international waters, or outer continental shelf water are able to file claims under the Jones Act as well as other federal maritime regulations. Injured maritime workers and family members of sailors who have passed away are entitled to compensation under state workers compensation laws.

Gathering Evidence

Evidence collected during the early stages of the legal process can help determine the strength and effectiveness of your case. For instance, taking photos of the scene of the accident could help determine the liability as well as establishing the circumstances of the boating accident. Eyewitnesses may also provide valuable evidence to aid in proving your claim.

Medical records are essential to understanding the severity of your injuries as well as the damages that resulted. The records should contain thorough reports of doctor and hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitative treatments, as well as the costs associated with these. You will need to document any changes in your income or job capacity, as well in any other losses that are not financial.

Boat accidents are often associated with brain and spinal cord injuries. The injuries in this category can result from oxygen deprivation carbon monoxide poisoning or blunt force trauma caused by hitting the head on areas like the propeller, or on the side of the boat. Most often, these injuries are life-changing.

Other types of marine injuries are caused by mechanical issues, for example electrical or engine malfunctions in steering, abrasions, and problems with gear shifts. Our NYC lawyers for boating accidents will look into these cases to determine whether the manufacturer should be held accountable for the injuries sustained by accident victims.

How to File a Claim

You should seek medical attention immediately following an accident with a boat. However, it is recommended to consult a lawyer prior to submitting an assurance to the insurance adjuster or another party. A lawyer can safeguard your rights, and ensure that you are compensated in a fair manner for any damages.

The legal procedure to seek compensation for a boating accident is to file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the person or parties who are responsible. This usually includes providing evidence to back a claim for economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages are those incurred as a result of medical treatment as well as other expenses related to the accident, for example lost earnings due to missed work. Noneconomic damages include pain and suffering as well as other intangible losses that are difficult to quantify.

In some instances, a boat manufacturer or a part of the shelbyville boat accident law firm can be held liable for an accident if their product was created or manufactured in a manner that was not safe. A skilled New York boating injury lawyer will determine if product liability is involved and seek compensation from the responsible parties.

In some cases it's not just the operator of a cordele boat accident lawsuit who may be held liable for the event of a crash. The owners of boats can also be held responsible, especially if the owner is responsible for hiring and training the person who operates their vessel or when a person not qualified to operate a vessel is allowed to use their property.