Boat Accident Litigation

Boating can be an exciting and enjoyable recreational activity however, it can also be dangerous. If negligence causes an accident, the victims and their families could be entitled to compensation for injuries and loss.

A NYC lawyer who handles boat accidents can assist injured victims to receive the compensation they deserve. A claim can include past medical expenses and other economic damages.

Damages

While many people think of waters like the Wild West, Vimeo there are laws that govern the vessels that travel on rivers, lakes and oceans throughout the United States. Boat accidents can be governed by several laws, both state and federal, that are considered when determining the degree of negligence. For instance, Vimeo if the boat operator was drunk, it could make them vulnerable to civil action for negligence. There are also federal laws that address pollution and deaths on the sea. Additionally, there are special maritime laws, like the Jones Act that give injured workers or their families access to compensation similar to workers compensated in other industries.

If a loved-one was killed in a fatal boat crash, the family could sue for damages including loss of companionship and funeral expenses. They may also sue for pain and suffering. Families may also seek compensation to pay medical bills in the past and future treatment costs.

A New York City boat accident lawyer can help you determine if you or your loved ones were injured in an accident on the boat. An attorney for personal injury can review your insurance policy and the policies governing boat liability of the responsible party to determine the compensation you might be able to receive as part of the settlement or verdict of a jury. An experienced lawyer will also be able to determine if there other parties that could be liable, like the manufacturer or a component of the boat that was faulty.

Liability

In general, boaters who are injured seek compensation to cover medical costs (past and future) as well as lost earnings due to the absence of work emotional trauma and pain and suffering. The most serious injuries are neck and back injuries and brain trauma, fractured bones, paralysis and organ damage.

In boating accidents, there are a variety of parties that could be liable for legal liability for a collision, including the boat's operator, passengers aboard at the time of the accident as well as other watercraft and boats involved in the collision, manufacturers of the boats as well as their engines or parts, and even government agencies responsible for Vimeo putting buoys that warn of the dangers of conditions. An attorney for personal injury is familiar with both state and federal maritime laws to determine who is accountable in the event of an accident.

Under the Jones Act, a worker on a boat who suffers an injury on the sea has rights to compensation that are similar to those of workers' compensation beneficiaries. In the same way, sailors injured on international waters or in the outer continental shelf waters are entitled to claim compensation under the Jones Act and other federal maritime regulations. Families and maritime workers who have been injured as well as the family members of sailors who have passed away are entitled to compensation under state workers insurance laws.

Gathering Evidence

Evidence collected in the early stages of the legal process can help determine the strength and legitimacy of your case. For instance, taking photographs of the scene of the accident could help determine the responsibility as well as establishing how the boating collision happened. Eyewitnesses can also provide important information to back your claim.

Medical records are crucial for determining the extent of your injuries, and the damage that resulted from it. These records should include precise reports of hospital and doctor visitations, surgeries, rehabilitation treatments, and costs associated with them. You will also need to keep track of any changes in your income and employment and other non-financial losses.

Spinal cord and brain injuries are a common occurrence in boat accidents. These injuries can result from carbon monoxide poisoning, oxygen deprivation or blunt force trauma that occurs when the head is struck by the propeller of the boat. The majority of the time, these injuries are life-changing.

Other types of marine injuries are caused by mechanical issues, such as electrical or engine failure or steering system malfunctions and gear shift issues. Our NYC lawyer for boating accidents will look into these cases to determine whether the manufacturer should be held responsible for the injuries suffered by accident victims.

Making a Claim

You should seek medical attention right away following a boating accident. However, you should consult a lawyer before giving a statement to the insurance adjuster or any other party. Your lawyer will protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for any damages.

To seek compensation following a boating collision it is necessary to file an insurance claim, or a lawsuit against the party(ies) responsible. This usually involves providing evidence to support a claim for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are medical expenses and other expenses that result from the accident, such as the loss of income resulting from missing work. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering and other intangible damages that may be harder to quantify.

In some cases, the manufacturer of a vessel or one of its components may be held accountable for an accident when their product was not properly made or designed. A New York boating accident lawyer could investigate the possibility product liability and seek compensation from the responsible parties.

In certain situations the boat's owner might not be held responsible for an accident. The owner of a vessel is liable as well, especially when they are responsible for hiring or training the person who operates their vessel, or allow a person who is not fit to operate the vessel on their premises.