Boat Accident Litigation

Boating can be an enjoyable and thrilling activity for the whole family, but it can be dangerous. If negligence leads to an accident, the victims and their families could be entitled to compensation for injuries and loss.

A NYC lawyer for boat accidents will assist victims of injuries to claim the maximum amount of compensation they deserve. The claim may cover past medical expenses, along with 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 the boats on rivers and lakes as well as oceans. Harlingen boat accident lawyer accidents can involve several laws, both state and federal, that are considered when determining negligence. If a frankfort boat accident attorney driver is drunk, they may be liable for negligence. There are also federal laws that deal with death and pollution at sea. Additionally, there are specific maritime regulations such as the Jones Act that give injured workers or their families a pathway to compensation similar to workers' compensation in other industries.

If a loved-one was killed in a boat accident, family members can bring a lawsuit on their behalf to recover damages that include funeral expenses, lost companionship as well as pain and loss. Families may also seek compensation for past medical bills and future treatment costs.

A New York City boat accident lawyer can help you determine if you or your loved one was injured during a boating accident. A personal injury lawyer can examine your insurance policy and the policies on boat liability of the responsible party to determine the compensation you might be able to receive as part of settlement or a jury verdict. A lawyer with experience will also be able to determine if there are other parties who may be liable, like the manufacturer or a component of the boat that was faulty.

Liability

Generally, injured boaters pursue damages to cover medical expenses (past and anticipated) and lost income due to time missed from work as well as pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and damages to their boats. The most serious injuries are neck and back injuries, brain trauma, broken bones, paralysis and organ damage.

In boating accidents, there are a variety of parties who could have legal responsibility for the accident, including the vessel's operator, other passengers who were onboard at the time of the accident or other watercraft and boats involved in the collision, the manufacturers of the boats as well as their components or engines, and even authorities responsible for putting buoys to warn of hazardous conditions. A personal injury lawyer will be aware of the specifics of both state law and federal maritime laws to determine who might be liable in a collision.

Under the Jones Act, a worker on a agoura hills boat accident law firm who suffers an injury at sea has rights to a compensation equal to that of workers' compensation recipients. Similar, sailors who are injured in international waters or outer continental shelf water are able to submit claims under the Jones Act as well as other maritime regulations of the federal government. State workers' compensation laws also apply to maritime workers who are injured as well as the families of sailors who have passed away.

Gathering Evidence

Evidence gathered in the initial stages of the legal process will aid in determining the strength and viability of your case. For example, taking photographs of the scene of the accident can be helpful for determining liability as well as establishing the circumstances of the boating accident. Eyewitnesses can also provide valuable information that will support your claim.

Medical records are vital for in determining the severity of your injuries as well as the damages that resulted. They should contain detailed details of doctor and hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitation treatments, as well as the costs associated with these. You should document any changes to your income and job capacity, as well with any other non-financial losses.

Brain and spinal cord injuries are common in boating accidents. These injuries may be caused by carbon monoxide poisoning, oxygen deprivation or blunt force trauma, when the head is struck by the propeller of the boat. These injuries can have a life-altering effect.

Other types of marine injuries are caused by mechanical issues, for example electrical or engine malfunctions such as steering issues, engine failure, and problems with gear shifts. In these cases, our NYC boating accident lawyers will investigate to determine if a manufacturer can be held accountable for injuries sustained by accident victims.

How to File a Claim

It is important to seek medical attention immediately following an accident on the water. However, you should consult with a lawyer before submitting an assurance to the insurance adjuster or any other person. Your attorney can protect your rights and ensure that you receive the proper compensation for damages.

The legal process for seeking compensation following a boat accident involves filing an insurance claim or lawsuit against the party or parties that are liable. This typically involves presenting evidence to back a claim for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to the cost of medical treatment and other expenses arising from the accident, like 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 boat or one of its components can be held liable for an accident in the event that their product was defectively constructed or designed. A knowledgeable New York boating injury lawyer can investigate whether product liability is involved and seek compensation from the responsible parties.

In some instances, it is not just the operator of a boat who could be held responsible for an accident. Boat owners can also be held accountable, especially in the event that the owner is responsible for hiring and training the person who operates their vessel, or when a person who is not fit to operate a vessel is allowed on their property.