Boat Accident Litigation

Boating can be an exciting and enjoyable leisure activity, however, it can be a danger. If negligence causes an accident the victims and their families could be entitled to compensation for injuries and loss.

A NYC lawyer for boat accidents will assist victims of injuries to claim the amount of damages they are entitled to. A claim may include past medical expenses, along with other economic damages.

Damages

Although many people imagine waters like the Wild West, there are laws that govern boats that are moored on lakes, rivers and boat Accident law firms oceans throughout the United States. Boat accidents can involve multiple federal and state laws which are weighed in determining whether negligence occurred. If a boat driver is drunk, they may be liable for negligence. There are federal laws that deal with death and pollution at sea. Additionally, there are special maritime regulations, such as the Jones Act that give injured workers or their families a pathway to compensation that is comparable to workers compensated in other industries.

If a loved one was killed in a boating accident, the family can sue for damages that include the loss of companionship, funeral costs and pain and suffering. Families may also seek compensation for past medical bills and future costs for treatment.

If a boating accident has caused injuries to you or your loved ones, a New York City boat accident lawyer can assist you in determining the kind of damages you are entitled to claim. A personal injury attorney can review your insurance policy and the boat liability policies of the responsible party to determine the compensation you might be able to receive as part of the settlement or verdict of a jury. A lawyer with experience can also determine if there are any other parties that could be responsible, for instance the manufacturer, or even a part of the boat that was defective.

Liability

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

Boating accidents can involve a variety of people who could be held accountable for the collision. This includes the boat operator, passengers who were aboard at the time of the incident and other watercrafts or boats involved, boat manufacturers and their components, engines and government agencies who place buoys to warn people about dangerous conditions. An attorney who handles personal injury cases will be knowledgeable of federal and state maritime laws in order to determine who is responsible in an accident.

Under the Jones Act a worker on the vessel that 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 have the right to file a claim under the Jones Act and other federal maritime regulations. Workers' compensation laws of the state laws also apply to maritime workers who are injured as well as the families of sailors who have passed away.

Gathering Evidence

The evidence collected in the beginning stages of the legal process can help determine the strength of your case. Photographing the scene of the accident will help determine the liability and establish how the boating incident occurred. It is also essential to collect evidence from eyewitnesses, since they can offer valuable evidence that can support your claims.

Medical records are vital for determining the extent of your injuries as well as the damages that resulted. They should contain detailed reports of hospital and doctor visits and surgeries, rehabilitation treatments and the costs associated with them. You will need to document the changes in your income and employment capacity, as as any other non-financial loss.

Spinal cord and brain injuries are common in boat accidents. Injuries in this category may be caused by oxygen deficiency, carbon monoxide poisoning or blunt force trauma that results from hitting the head on places like the propeller or sides of the boat. Most often, these injuries are life-changing.

Other forms of marine injuries involve mechanical failure for example, electrical or engine problems as well as steering system malfunctions and gear shift issues. In these cases, our NYC boating accident lawyers will determine if the manufacturer should be held liable for the injuries suffered by accident victims.

How to File a Claim

It is crucial to seek medical attention immediately for injuries following a boat accident, you should not offer a statement to an insurance adjuster or any other party without consulting with a lawyer. Your lawyer can help protect your rights, ensuring that you are compensated in a fair manner for damages.

In order to seek compensation following a boating accident it is necessary to file an insurance claim, or a lawsuit against the party(ies) responsible. This usually includes the presentation of evidence to back a claim for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are those incurred as a result of medical treatment and other expenses related to the accident, for example lost income from missed work. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering as well as other intangible losses that are difficult to quantify.

In certain cases the manufacturer of a boat accident law firms [click through the following web page] or one of its components may be held accountable for an accident in the event that their product was defectively created or manufactured. A skilled New York boating injury lawyer can investigate whether product liability is involved and pursue compensation from the responsible parties.

In certain instances the boat owner may not be held responsible for the outcome of a collision. boat accident lawyers owners can also be held responsible, especially when 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.