Boat Accident Litigation

Boating can be a thrilling and enjoyable activity for the whole family, but it's also a risky one. If a negligent act causes to an accident, the victim and their families may be entitled to financial compensation for the injuries and losses.

A NYC lawyer who handles boat accidents can assist injured victims in getting the full amount they deserve. The claim may cover past medical expenses, as well as other economic damages.

Damages

While many people associate bodies of water with the Wild West in the United States There are laws that govern the vessels on lakes and rivers as well as oceans. Boat accidents may be a result of many laws, both state and federal, that are considered when determining negligence. If a boater is drunk, they may be liable for negligence. Federal laws also address pollution and deaths at the sea. There are maritime regulations, like the Jones Act, that provide injured workers and their families with similar compensation to other industries.

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

A New York City boat accident lawyer can help you determine if you or your loved one was injured during a boat accident. An attorney for personal injuries can look over your insurance policy and the responsible party's plymouth boat accident law firm liability policies to determine the type of damages you could be entitled to in a settlement or verdict. Additionally, a knowledgeable lawyer can determine if there are any additional parties who could be responsible for the accident, including the manufacturer of the defective boat or component.

Liability

In general, boaters who are injured seek damages to recover medical expenses (past and future) and lost income due to time away from work emotional trauma, and pain and suffering. Serious injuries commonly involve neck and back injuries, brain trauma, broken bones, paralysis and organ damage.

Boating accidents usually involve multiple people who could bear legal responsibility for the crash, including the boat's operator, other passengers aboard at the time of the crash, other boats and watercraft involved in the collision, as well as the manufacturers of the boats as well as their parts or engines and even the government agencies that are responsible for putting up buoys to warn of hazardous conditions. A personal injury lawyer will know the rules and regulations of both state law and federal maritime laws to determine who could be liable in a collision.

Under the Jones Act a worker on a vessel who is injured on the sea has similar rights as workers compensation beneficiaries. Similar to sailors injured in international waters or outer continental shelf waters are able to claim compensation under the Jones Act as well as other federal maritime regulations. The families of injured maritime workers and the family members of sailors who have passed away have claims under state worker insurance laws.

Gathering Evidence

Evidence collected during the early stages of the legal process can aid in determining the strength and viability of your case. Photographing the accident scene can help determine the extent of liability and determine how the boating incident occurred. It is also important to obtain information from eyewitnesses, as they can provide valuable testimony that supports your assertions.

Medical records are essential to understanding the severity of your injuries, as well as the damages that resulted. These records should include detailed reports of hospital and doctor visits, surgeries, rehabilitation treatments, as well as the costs associated with these. You'll need to record any changes in your income or job capacity, as well for any other financial loss.

Spinal cord and brain injuries are common in boating accidents. These injuries can be caused by carbon monoxide poisoning, oxygen deprivation, or blunt force trauma when the head is struck by the propeller of the boat. These injuries can have a life-altering impact.

Other kinds of marine injuries include mechanical failures, such as electrical or engine malfunctions, steering problems, and problems with gear shifts. In these instances our NYC boating accident lawyers will investigate to determine if the manufacturer should be held accountable for injuries sustained by victims of accidents.

Making a Claim

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

The legal process for seeking compensation following a boat accident is to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the party or parties that are responsible. It is commonplace to present evidence in support of an insurance claim for both economic and noneconomic damage. Economic damages may include medical costs and other expenses that result from the accident, as well as lost earnings due to missed work. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, and any other intangible loss that is difficult to quantify.

In some instances the manufacturer of a vessel or one of its components may be held accountable for an accident if their product was defectively constructed or designed. A skilled New York boating injury lawyer can determine whether a product liability is involved and pursue compensation from the parties responsible.

In some instances, it is not just the person who operates a boat who may be held liable for the event of a crash. Fort Myers Boat Accident Law Firm owners can also be held responsible, especially if the owner is responsible for the hiring and training of the person who operates their vessel, or if a person unfit to operate a boat is allowed on their property.