Boat Accident Litigation

Boating is an enjoyable and thrilling recreational activity that can be risky. If a negligent act leads to an accident, the victim and their families may be entitled to compensation for injuries and losses.

A NYC lawyer for boat accidents can assist injured victims in obtaining the maximum amount of compensation they are entitled to. A claim can include past medical expenses, as well as other economic damages.

Damages

Although many people think of bodies of water with the Wild West in the United States, there are laws that govern the vessels on rivers and lakes as well as oceans. Boat accidents can be governed by many federal and state laws which are considered when determining negligence. For example, if a boat Accident law firm operator was drunk, it could lead to civil action for negligence. There are federal laws that address pollution and deaths at sea. In addition, there are specific maritime laws, like the Jones Act that give injured workers or their families access to compensation that is comparable to workers' compensation in other industries.

If a loved-one was killed in a boat accident, family members can sue them on behalf of damages such as lost companionship, funeral expenses and pain and suffering. Families can get money to cover medical costs from the past as well as future treatment.

A New York City boat accident lawyer can assist you to determine if you or your loved one was injured during a boat accident. A personal injury attorney can examine your insurance policy as well as the boat liability policies of the responsible party to determine what compensation you might be able to receive as part of an agreement or jury verdict. A knowledgeable lawyer can determine if there are any other parties that may be liable for the incident, such as the manufacturer of the defective boat accident attorney or part.

Liability

In general, Boat Accident law firm 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 brain traumas, broken bones and internal organ damage.

In boating accidents, there are a variety of parties that could be liable for legal liability for a accident, including the vessel's operator, passengers who were onboard at the time of the incident along with other watercraft and vessels involved in the collision, the makers of the boats and their engines or parts 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 may be liable for a crash.

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

Gathering Evidence

The evidence you gather in the beginning stages of the legal process could aid in determining the strength of your case. Photographing the accident scene can help determine the extent of liability and determine how the boating collision happened. It is also essential to collect evidence from eyewitnesses, since they can provide valuable testimony that can support your claims.

Medical records are vital for determining the extent of your injuries, and the damage that resulted from it. The records should contain thorough reports of doctor and hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitative treatments, and the cost associated with these. You should also document any changes in your income and employment along with other losses that are not financial in nature.

The spinal and brain injuries are a common occurrence in boat accidents. These types of injuries could result from oxygen deficiency carbon monoxide poisoning, or blunt force trauma that results from hitting the head against areas such as the propeller or the side of the boat. These injuries can have a life-altering impact.

Other types of marine injuries include mechanical failures, such as electrical or engine problems as well as steering system malfunctions and gear shift problems. In these cases our NYC lawyer for boating accidents will investigate to determine if a manufacturer should be held responsible for injuries suffered by victims of accidents.

How to File a Claim

It is important to seek medical attention immediately after a boating accident. However, it is recommended to consult with a lawyer before submitting an admission to the insurance adjuster or to any other party. Your lawyer will protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for any damages.

The legal procedure for seeking compensation in the event of a boating accident involves filing an insurance claim or lawsuit against the party or parties that are accountable. It is standard to provide evidence to support a claim for both non-economic and economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses and other expenses that are incurred due to the accident, which includes lost earnings due to missed work. Noneconomic damages include pain and suffering and other intangible damages that may be harder to quantify.

In some cases the manufacturer of a boat or one of its parts can be held liable for an accident in the event of a product that was defectively constructed or designed. A knowledgeable New York boating injury lawyer can determine if a product's liability is involved and seek compensation from the parties responsible.

In certain instances the boat's owner might not be held liable for the outcome of a collision. The owner of the vessel is liable in addition, especially when they are responsible for hiring or training the person who operates their vessel or permit a person who is not fit to operate the boat on their property.