Boat Accident Litigation

Boating can be an exciting and enjoyable leisure activity, but it's also a risky one. If negligence causes an accident the victim and their families could be entitled to compensation for injuries and loss.

A NYC boat accident lawyer can help injured victims demand the full amount of damages they are entitled to. A claim includes a demand for 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 boats on lakes and rivers as well as oceans. Boat accidents can be governed by various federal and state laws which are considered when determining the degree of negligence. For instance, if the boat operator was drunk, it could make them vulnerable to civil litigation for negligence. There are also federal laws that address pollution and deaths at sea. Additionally, there are special maritime regulations such as 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 was killed in a boat accident, the family can sue for damages that include loss of companionship, funeral expenses and pain and suffering. Families can even recover money to pay medical bills in the past and future medical expenses.

If a boat accident caused injuries to you or your loved ones, a New York City boat accident lawyer can help you determine the kind of damages you may be entitled to claim. A personal injury lawyer can look over your insurance policy and the responsible party's boat liability policy to determine what damages you could be entitled to receive in a settlement or verdict. In addition, an experienced lawyer can determine if there are any additional parties who could be responsible for the incident, such as the manufacturer of the defective boat or component.

Liability

In general, boaters who are injured seek compensation to cover medical expenses (past and future) as well as lost income resulting from working absences emotional trauma and suffering and pain. Serious injuries include back and neck injuries brain traumas, broken bones, and internal organ damage.

Accidents involving boats can involve many parties who could be held accountable for the accident. These include the operator of the boat accident Law firm, any passengers on board at the time of the incident as well as the other watercraft or boats involved, the makers of boats and their parts, motors and government agencies that put up buoys to warn people about dangerous conditions. A personal injury lawyer will know the details of state law as well as federal maritime laws to determine who could be liable for a crash.

Under the Jones Act a worker on a vessel injured at sea has similar rights as workers compensation beneficiaries. Similarly, sailors who are injured in international waters or in outer continental shelf waters are entitled to submit a claim under Jones Act and other federal maritime regulations. Families and maritime workers who have been injured as well as the families of deceased sailors also are entitled to compensation under state workers insurance laws.

Gathering Evidence

Evidence gathered in the initial stages of the legal process can help determine the strength and viability of your case. For example, taking photographs of the scene of the accident could help determine the responsibility as well as establishing what caused the boating crash. It is also crucial to get information from eyewitnesses since they can be a valuable source of evidence which can back up your assertions.

Medical records are crucial for determining the extent of your injuries as well as the damages that resulted. These records should include detailed accounts of doctor and hospital visits surgery, rehabilitation and the costs associated with them. You'll need to record changes in your income and employment capacity, as in any other losses that are not financial.

The spinal and brain injuries are common in boat accidents. These injuries can result from carbon monoxide poisoning, oxygen deprivation or blunt force trauma if your head strikes the propeller of the boat. These injuries can have a life-changing effect.

Other types of marine injuries are caused by mechanical issues for example, electrical or engine problems in the steering system, as well as gear shift problems. In these instances, our NYC boating accident lawyers will determine if a company should be held responsible for injuries suffered by victims of accidents.

How to File a Claim

While it is important to seek medical attention for boat accident Law Firm injuries as soon as you can following a boating incident but you should not provide a statement to an insurance adjuster or another party without first consulting with a lawyer. Your attorney can protect your rights, including ensuring that you are compensated in a fair manner for any damages.

The legal procedure to seek compensation for a boating accident involves filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the person or parties who are liable. This usually involves the presentation of evidence to back a claim for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to the cost of medical treatment and other expenses related to the accident, such as lost income from missed work. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering and other intangible losses that are more difficult to quantify.

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

In some cases, it is not just the operator of a vessel that could be held accountable for a crash. Boat owners can also be held accountable, particularly when the owner is responsible for hiring and training the person operating their vessel, or in the event that a person who isn't fit to operate a boat is allowed to use their property.