Boat Accident Litigation

Boating can be an enjoyable and thrilling recreational activity that can be risky. If negligence leads to an accident the victims and their families could be entitled to compensation for the loss and injuries.

A NYC boat accident attorney can assist injured victims in getting the compensation they deserve. A claim could include past medical expenses as well as other economic damages.

Damages

While many people think of bodies of water similar to the Wild West, there are laws that govern the boats that are moored on lakes, rivers and oceans in the United States. 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 lawsuits for negligence. There are federal laws that address the issue of pollution and deaths at sea. Additionally, there are specific maritime regulations such as the Jones Act that give injured workers or their families access to compensation that is similar to workers who receive compensation in other industries.

If a loved one was killed in a boat accident, family members can sue for damages that include loss of companionship, funeral expenses and pain and suffering. Families can also seek reimbursement for past medical bills as well as future costs for 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 lawyer can assist you in determining what damages you could be entitled to claim. An attorney for personal injury can examine your insurance policy as well as the boat liability policies 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 can also determine if there are any other parties that could 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 expected) and lost income due to the time they miss from work in pain and Boat Accident Attorney suffering, emotional trauma, and damages to their boats. Injuries that are serious include neck and back injuries, brain traumas, broken bones, and internal organ damage.

Boating accidents can involve a variety of parties who could be held accountable for the accident. This includes the operator of the boat, any passengers aboard at the time of accident, other boats or watercraft involved, the manufacturers of boats as well as their parts, engines, and government agencies that put up buoys to warn people of dangerous conditions. A personal injury lawyer will be aware of the ins and outs of state law as well as federal maritime laws to determine who may be liable for a crash.

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

Gathering Evidence

The evidence collected during the initial stages of the legal process could aid in determining the strength of your case. Photographing the accident scene can help determine the extent of liability and help determine how the boating collision happened. Eyewitnesses also can provide important information to back your claim.

Medical records are critical for establishing the extent of your injuries and the injuries that result from them. The records should include thorough reports of hospital and boat accident attorney doctor visits surgery, rehabilitation as well as the expenses associated with them. You will also need to record any changes to your employment and income capacity as well as other losses that are not financial in nature.

Brain and spinal cord injuries are common in boating accidents. Injuries in this category may result from oxygen deprivation carbon monoxide poisoning, or blunt force trauma caused by hitting the head on places like the propeller or side of the boat. These injuries can have a life-altering effect.

Other forms of marine injury are caused by mechanical issues for example, electrical or engine problems, steering system malfunction and gear shift problems. In these cases our NYC boating accident lawyers will investigate to determine if a manufacturer should be held liable for the injuries suffered by accident victims.

How to File a Claim

It is crucial to seek medical attention for injuries immediately following a boating incident but you should not provide an account to an insurance adjuster or another party without first consulting with a lawyer. A lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure you get the compensation you deserve for any damages.

The legal process for seeking compensation in the event of a boating accident involves filing an insurance claim or lawsuit against the party or parties that are responsible. This usually involves presenting evidence to support a claim for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are medical expenses and other expenses caused by the accident, including lost earnings due to missed work. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering and other intangible damages that are difficult to quantify.

In some instances the manufacturer of a boat or one of its components could be held accountable for an accident when their product was not properly constructed or designed. A skilled New York boating injury lawyer can determine if a product's responsibility is involved and seek compensation from the responsible parties.

In certain instances, it is not just the person who operates a boat that could be held accountable for the event of a crash. Owners of vessels can be held accountable, in particular in the event that the owner is responsible for hiring and training the person operating their vessel, or if a person unfit to operate a boat is allowed on their property.