Boat Accident Litigation

Boating is a fun and exciting activity to enjoy, but it can be dangerous. If negligence causes an accident the victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for losses and injuries.

A NYC lawyer for boat accidents can assist injured victims in getting the full amount they deserve. A claim is an obligation to pay for medical expenses and other economic damages.

Damages

While many people associate bodies of water with the Wild West in the United States, there are laws that govern boats on lakes and rivers as well as oceans. Boat accidents can involve multiple federal and state laws that are weighed to determine if negligence was the cause. For instance, if a boat operator was drunk, this could make them vulnerable to civil litigation for negligence. Federal laws also address pollution and Vimeo deaths at the sea. In addition, there are specific maritime regulations like the Jones Act that give injured workers or their families a pathway to compensation similar to workers who receive compensation in other industries.

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

A New York City crystal boat accident lawsuit accident lawyer can assist you to determine whether you or a loved one was injured during a boating accident. An attorney for personal injury can review your insurance policy and the policies governing boat liability of the responsible party to determine what compensation you may be eligible to receive as part of settlement or a jury verdict. A lawyer with experience will also be able to determine if there are other parties that could be liable, such as the manufacturer, or even a part of the boat that was faulty.

Liability

In general, injured boaters seek damages to recover medical costs (past and future) as well as lost earnings due to absence from work, emotional trauma and pain and suffering. Injuries that are serious typically involve back and neck injury, brain trauma, broken bones, paralysis and internal organ damage.

Accidents involving boats can involve many parties that could be held liable for the crash. These include the boat's operator, passengers on board at the time of the collision, other boats or watercraft involved, the makers of boats, their parts, engines, and government agencies that put up buoys to warn people of dangerous conditions. A personal injury attorney will be familiar with both state and federal maritime laws in order to determine who is responsible in the event of an accident.

Under the Jones Act a worker on an vessel that is injured at sea enjoys the same rights as workers compensation beneficiaries. Similar to this, sailors who are who suffer injuries in international waters or outer continental shelf water can file claims under the Jones Act as well as other maritime regulations of the federal government. Workers' compensation laws also apply to maritime workers who are injured and the families of deceased sailors.

Gathering Evidence

The evidence gathered during the initial stages of the legal process can help you determine the strength of your case. Photographing the scene of the accident can help determine liability and help determine how the boating incident occurred. Eyewitnesses can also provide important information to help you prove your claim.

Medical records are crucial for understanding the severity of your injuries and the damage that resulted from it. The records should include thorough accounts of doctor and hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitation treatments as well as the expenses associated with them. It is also necessary to keep track of any changes in your employment and income capacity and any other losses that are not financial in nature.

The spinal and brain injuries are a common occurrence in boat accidents. These injuries may be caused by carbon monoxide poisoning, oxygen deprivation or blunt force trauma if your head strikes the propeller of the boat. In most cases, these injuries can be life-changing.

Other types of maritime injuries result from mechanical issues for example, electrical or engine problems as well as steering system malfunctions and gear shift problems. Our NYC boating accident lawyers will investigate these cases to determine whether the manufacturer can be accountable for the injuries suffered by accident victims.

How to File a Claim

It is important to seek medical attention immediately after an incident on the boat. However, you should consult with a lawyer before submitting a statement to the insurance adjuster or another party. Your lawyer will protect your rights and ensure you get the money you need for your losses.

In order to seek compensation following a boating accident, you will need to file an insurance claim, or a lawsuit against the party(ies) responsible. This usually involves providing evidence to support a claim for financial as well as non-economic damages. Economic damages can include medical expenses and other expenses incurred as a result of the accident, as well as loss of income due to missing work. Noneconomic damages are those that result from pain and suffering, as well as other losses that are more difficult to quantify.

In certain cases, a boat manufacturer, or a component of the boat can be held accountable for causing an accident if their product was designed or manufactured in a flawed manner. A New York boating accident lawyer may investigate the possibility of product liability and seek compensation from the parties responsible.

In certain instances, it is not just the person who operates a boat who is liable for an accident. Owners of vessels can also be held responsible, especially in the event that the owner is responsible for hiring and training the person who operates their vessel, or when a person not qualified to operate a craft is allowed on their property.