Boat Accident Litigation

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

A NYC lawyer for boat accidents can help injured victims claim the maximum amount of compensation they are entitled to. A claim includes a demand for past medical expenses as well as other financial damages.

Damages

Although many people think of bodies of water with the Wild West in the United States, there are laws governing the boats on lakes and rivers as well as oceans. Boat accidents can be governed by many laws, both state and federal, that are considered when determining the degree of negligence. For instance, if a boat operator was drunk, this could open them up to civil lawsuits for lawsuits negligence. Federal laws also address pollution and deaths at the 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 who receive compensation in other industries.

If a loved one was killed in a boating accident, family members can sue on their behalf for damages such as the loss of companionship, funeral costs and pain and suffering. Families can recover money to pay for medical expenses from the past and future medical treatment.

If a boat accident law firms accident has caused injuries to you or your loved ones, a New York City boat accident lawyer can help you determine what damages you may be entitled to claim. A personal injury attorney 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 settlement or a jury verdict. In addition, an experienced lawyer can assess whether there are any additional individuals who are liable for the accident, such as the manufacturer of a defective boat or boat part.

Liability

In general, boaters who are injured seek damages to recover medical expenses (past and future), lost income from working absences, emotional trauma and pain and suffering. The most serious injuries are neck and back injuries or brain trauma, broken bones, paralysis and internal organ damage.

Boating accidents can involve a variety of parties that could be held liable for the crash. This includes the boat's operator, passengers who were aboard at the time of the collision, other boats or watercraft involved, the makers of boats and their components, engines and government agencies that place buoys to alert people of dangers. A personal injury lawyer is aware of the details of both state law and federal maritime laws to determine who could be held accountable in the event of a collision.

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

Gathering Evidence

The evidence collected in the beginning stages of the legal process could help determine the strength of your case. For instance, taking pictures of the scene of the accident can be useful in determining the extent of responsibility as well as establishing how the boating collision happened. Eyewitnesses also can provide valuable information that will help you prove your claim.

Medical records are essential to finding out the extent of your injuries, as well as the damages that resulted. These records should include detailed reports of hospital and doctor visits, surgeries, rehabilitation treatments, and the expenses associated with these. You should also document any changes in your income or employment as well as other losses that are not financial in nature.

Injuries to the spinal cord and brain are common in boating accidents. These injuries can be caused by carbon monoxide poisoning, oxygen deprivation or blunt force trauma if the head strikes the propeller of the boat. These injuries can have a life-altering effect.

Other kinds of marine injuries involve mechanical issues, for example electrical or engine problems such as steering issues, engine failure, and problems with gear shifts. Our NYC lawyer for boating accidents will analyze these cases to determine whether the manufacturer is held accountable for the injuries sustained by accident victims.

Filing a Claim

It is important to seek medical attention immediately after an accident on the water. However, it is recommended to consult a lawyer before giving an account to the insurance adjuster or any other party. Your lawyer can help protect your rights, ensuring that you receive the proper compensation for the damages.

The legal process to seek compensation after a boat accident involves filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the person or parties who are responsible. It is commonplace to present evidence in support of a claim for damages both economic and noneconomic. Economic damages include medical expenses and other expenses caused by the accident, as well as the loss of income resulting from missing work. Non-economic damages include pain, suffering, and any other intangible losses that are difficult to quantify.

In certain instances a boat manufacturer or a component of the boat could be held accountable for a mishap if their product was manufactured or designed in a defective manner. A New York boating accident lawyer could investigate the possibility product liability and seek compensation from the responsible parties.

In some cases, it is not just the person who operates a boat who could be held responsible for an accident. The owner of the vessel may be held responsible also, particularly when they are accountable for hiring or training the person who operates their craft or if they allow a person who isn't fit to operate a boat on their property.