Boat Accident Litigation

Boating can be an exciting and enjoyable recreational activity but it's also a risky one. If a negligent action leads to an accident, the victims and their families may be entitled to financial compensation for injuries and losses.

A NYC boat accident lawyers accident attorney can assist injured victims to receive the full amount they deserve. A claim will include the need for past medical expenses and other economic damages.

Damages

While many people imagine bodies of water similar to the Wild West, there are laws that govern the vessels that travel on rivers, lakes and oceans throughout the United States. Boat accidents can be governed by various federal and state laws which are considered when determining negligence. For instance, if the boat operator was drunk, this could make them vulnerable to civil lawsuits based on negligence. Federal laws also deal with pollution and deaths on the sea. There are maritime regulations, such as the Jones Act, that provide injured workers and their families with a similar compensation to other industries.

If a loved one has been killed in a tragic boat accident, the family could sue for damages including lost companionship and funeral costs. They may also sue for suffering and boat accident lawyer pain. Families can get money to cover past medical costs and any future treatment.

A New York City boat accident lawyer can assist you to determine if you or your loved ones were injured in an accident on the water. A personal injury attorney can examine your insurance policy and the policies on boat liability of the responsible party to determine what compensation you may be eligible to receive as part of settlement or a jury verdict. Additionally, a knowledgeable lawyer can assess whether there are any other parties that may be liable for the accident, including the manufacturer of the defective boat or part.

Liability

Generally, injured boaters seek damages to recover medical expenses (past and expected) as well as lost income due to time missed from work as well as pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and damage to their boats. The most serious injuries are neck and back injuries as well as brain trauma, broken bones, paralysis, and internal organ damage.

Boating accidents may involve many individuals who could be accountable for the accident. These include the boat operator, passengers aboard at the time of the collision as well as the other watercraft or boats involved, boat manufacturers as well as their parts, engines, and government agencies who place buoys to warn people of dangers. A personal injury lawyer is well-versed in federal and state maritime laws to determine who is liable for an accident.

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

Gathering Evidence

Evidence gathered during the early stages of the legal process can help determine the strength and legitimacy of your case. For instance, taking photographs of the scene of the accident can help determine the who is responsible and the circumstances of the boating accident. Eyewitnesses can also give crucial information that can aid in proving your claim.

Medical records are crucial for in determining the extent of your injuries and associated damages. These records should include detailed accounts of doctor and hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitation treatments and the costs associated with them. It is also necessary to document any changes in your income or employment and other non-financial losses.

Boat accidents are usually linked to spinal cord injuries. Injuries in this category may be caused by oxygen deficiency carbon monoxide poisoning or blunt force trauma caused by hitting the head on areas like the propeller or side of the boat. These injuries could have a life-changing impact.

Other forms of marine injuries involve mechanical failure for example, electrical or engine failure or steering system malfunctions and gear shift problems. In these instances, our NYC lawyer for boating accidents will investigate to determine if a company should be held accountable for injuries suffered by victims of accidents.

Making a Claim

While it is essential to seek medical attention immediately for injuries following a boating incident but you should not provide a statement to an insurance adjuster, or another party without consulting with a lawyer. Your attorney can protect your rights, ensuring that you receive the proper compensation for the damage.

In order to claim compensation following a boating collision, you will need to make an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the party(ies) responsible. This usually includes providing evidence to support a claim for economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages refer to the cost of medical treatment and other expenses associated with the accident, for example the loss of income resulting from missing work. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, as well as other losses that are more difficult to quantify.

In some 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 designed or manufactured. A skilled New York boating injury lawyer can determine if a product's liability is at stake and seek compensation from the responsible parties.

In some instances the boat accident lawyer owner may not be held responsible for a collision. Owners of vessels can also be held responsible, especially in the event that the owner is responsible for the hiring and training of the person operating their vessel, or when a person who is not fit to operate a vessel is allowed on their property.