Boat Accident Litigation

Boating can be a thrilling and enjoyable activity for the whole family, however, it can be a danger. If negligence causes an accident the victims and their families could be entitled to compensation for the loss and injuries.

A NYC lawyer for boat accidents can assist injured victims to receive the amount they deserved. A claim includes the need for past medical expenses as well as other financial 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. Boat accidents can be governed by many laws, both state and federal, that are considered when determining negligence. For instance, if a boat operator was drunk, this could open them up to civil lawsuits based on negligence. Federal laws also address pollution and deaths at the sea. There are also maritime regulations, like the Jones Act, that provide injured workers and their families with similar compensation pathways to other industries.

If a loved one was killed in a mocksville boat accident lawyer accident, the family members may sue for damages such as lost companionship, funeral expenses, and pain and suffering. Families can get money to cover medical costs from the past and any future treatment.

If a boat accident has caused injuries to you or your loved ones If you or your loved ones were injured, a New York City boat accident attorney can assist you in determining the kind of damages you might be entitled to claim. A personal injury lawyer will review your insurance coverage and the responsible party's policies on boat liability to determine what damages you could be entitled to receive in a settlement or verdict. A lawyer with experience can also determine if there are other parties who may be accountable, such as the manufacturer, or even a part of the boat that was faulty.

Liability

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

Boating accidents typically involve multiple parties that could potentially bear legal responsibility for a accident, including the vessel's operator, passengers who were aboard at the time of the crash as well as other watercraft and boats involved in the collision, the manufacturers of the boats and their engines or parts and even government agencies responsible for putting buoys to warn of dangerous conditions. An attorney who handles personal injury cases will be knowledgeable of both state and federal maritime laws in order to determine who is accountable in an accident.

Under the Jones Act, a worker on a boat who suffers an injury at sea is entitled to compensation that are similar to those of workers' compensation recipients. Similar, sailors who are injured in international waters or outer continental shelf water are able to claim compensation under the Jones Act as well as other federal maritime regulations. Workers' compensation laws of the state laws also apply to maritime workers injured and families of deceased sailors.

Gathering Evidence

Evidence gathered during the early stages of the legal process will help determine the strength and validity of your case. Photographing the accident scene can help establish liability and help determine the circumstances of the boating accident. Eyewitnesses can also provide important information to support your claim.

Medical records are critical for establishing the extent of your injuries as well as the damage they cause. These records should include detailed accounts of hospital and doctor visits, surgeries, rehabilitation treatments, and the costs associated with these. You should document any changes to your income and employment capacity, as for any other financial loss.

Brain and spinal cord injuries are common in el reno boat accident law firm accidents. These injuries can result from oxygen deprivation carbon monoxide poisoning or blunt force trauma that results from hitting the head on places such as the propeller or the side of the boat. These injuries can cause life-altering impact.

Other types of marine injuries involve mechanical failure that can result from electrical or engine failure in the steering system, as well as gear shift problems. In these cases, our NYC boating accident lawyers will determine if a manufacturer should be held responsible for injuries sustained by victims of accidents.

How to File a Claim

It is crucial to seek medical attention immediately following a boating accident and you should not make a statement to an insurance adjuster, or another party without first consulting with a lawyer. Your lawyer can protect your rights and ensure you get the compensation you need for your losses.

The legal process for seeking compensation following a boat accident involves filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the party or parties that are liable. It is typical to present evidence to support a claim for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages may include medical costs and other expenses caused by the accident, as well as lost earnings due to missed work. Noneconomic damages include pain, suffering, as well as other losses that are difficult to quantify.

In some instances, the manufacturer of a vessel or one of its components could be held responsible for an accident in the event that their product was defectively designed or manufactured. A knowledgeable New York boating injury lawyer can determine whether a product liability is at stake and seek compensation from the responsible parties.

In some instances the boat's operator might not be held accountable for a collision. The owners of boats can also be held accountable, in particular when they are responsible for hiring and training the person operating their vessel or if a person unfit to operate a vessel is allowed on their property.