Boat Accident Litigation

Boating can be an enjoyable and thrilling recreational activity that can be dangerous. If negligence leads to an accident, the victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for losses and injuries.

A NYC boat accident lawyer can help injured victims demand the full amount of damages they deserve. A claim could include past medical expenses, along with other economic damages.

Damages

While many people imagine waters like the Wild West, there are laws that govern the boats that are moored on lakes, rivers and oceans throughout the United States. Boat accidents may be a result of a number of laws, both state and federal, that are considered when determining the degree of negligence. For instance, if a boat operator was drunk, this could be a cause for civil action for negligence. Federal laws also address pollution and deaths at sea. Additionally, there are special maritime regulations like the Jones Act that give injured workers or their families access to compensation that is similar to workers compensated in other industries.

If a loved one has been killed in a boat accident, family members can sue on their behalf for damages, including the loss of companionship, funeral costs as well as pain and loss. Families can even recover money for medical bills from the past and future treatment costs.

If a boating accident resulted in injuries to you or your loved ones and loved ones, a New York City boat accident attorney can help you determine the type of damages you might be entitled to claim. A personal injury attorney can review your insurance policy and the policies on boat liability of the responsible party to determine what amount of compensation you could be entitled to receive as part of the settlement or verdict of a jury. Additionally, a skilled lawyer can assess whether there are any other parties that may be liable for the incident, such as the manufacturer of a defective boat or boat component.

Liability

In general, boaters who are injured seek damages to recover medical expenses (past and future) as well as lost income resulting from absence from work emotional trauma and pain and suffering. Injuries that are serious include back and neck injuries, brain traumas, broken bones, and internal organ damage.

Accidents involving boats can involve many parties who could be held liable for the crash. This includes the operator of the south lyon boat accident attorney, passengers aboard at the time of the accident as well as the other watercraft or boats involved, manufacturers of boats, their parts, engines, and government agencies who place buoys to alert people of dangers. A personal injury lawyer will know the details of both state law and federal maritime laws to determine who might be responsible in a collision.

Under the Jones Act, a worker on a boat who is injured at sea has rights to a compensation equal to that of workers' compensation beneficiaries. Similar to that, sailors injured in international waters, or outer continental shelf waters can submit claims under the Jones Act as well as other maritime regulations of the federal government. Workers' compensation laws of the state laws also apply to maritime workers who have been injured as well as the families of deceased sailors.

Gathering Evidence

The evidence gathered during the initial stages of the legal process could help you determine the strength of your case. For instance, taking photos of the scene of the accident could help determine the responsibility as well as establishing the circumstances of the boating accident. Eyewitnesses may also provide important information to help you prove your claim.

Medical records are critical for finding out the extent of your injuries and the associated damages. These records should include precise accounts of doctor and hospital visitations surgery, rehabilitation, and costs associated with them. You should document changes in your income and capacity to work, as well with any other non-financial losses.

Brain and spinal cord injuries are common in boat accidents. The injuries in this category can result from oxygen deprivation carbon monoxide poisoning or blunt force trauma from hitting the head on places such as the propeller or the side of the boat. In most cases, these injuries can be life-changing.

Other types of maritime injuries involve mechanical failure for example, electrical or engine failure as well as steering system malfunctions and gear shift issues. Our NYC boating accident attorneys will examine these cases to determine whether the manufacturer can be held responsible for the injuries suffered by accident victims.

How to File a Claim

It is important to seek medical attention immediately after a boating accident. However, you should consult with a lawyer prior to giving an assurance to the insurance adjuster or any other party. A lawyer can defend your rights and ensure you get the compensation you need for your losses.

The legal process for seeking compensation for a boating accident involves filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the party or parties that are accountable. This typically involves presenting evidence to justify a claim of economic as well as non-economic damages. Economic damages are medical expenses and other expenses that are incurred due to the accident, as well as lost income due to missed work. Noneconomic damages include pain, suffering, and other intangible loss that is difficult 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 created or manufactured. A New York boating accident lawyer may investigate the possibility of product liability and seek compensation from the parties responsible.

In certain situations, the boat operator may not be held responsible for a collision. The owner of a vessel may be held responsible as well, especially if they are responsible for hiring or training the person operating their boat or permit someone who is not fit to operate an unfit boat to use their property.