boat accident law firm Accident Litigation

Boating can be an enjoyable and exciting recreational activity that can be dangerous. If negligence causes an accident the victims and their families could be entitled to compensation for losses and injuries.

A NYC lawyer who handles boat accidents can assist injured victims in getting the amount they deserved. A claim can be the demand for past medical expenses as well as other economic damages.

Damages

Although many people imagine waters like the Wild West, there are laws that govern vessels that travel on rivers, lakes and oceans throughout the United States. Boat accidents can be governed by many laws, both state and federal, that are considered when determining the degree of negligence. If a boater is drunk, they could be sued for negligence. Federal laws also deal with pollution and deaths on the sea. There are maritime regulations, boat accidents such as the Jones Act, that provide injured workers and their families with similar compensation options to other industries.

If a loved one has been killed in a boating accident that killed them, the family may sue for damages, including lost companionship and funeral costs. They may also sue for pain and suffering. Families may also seek compensation for past medical bills and future medical expenses.

If a boat accident caused injuries to you or your loved ones and loved ones, a New York City boat accident attorney can help you determine what damages you could be entitled to claim. An attorney for personal injury can review your insurance policy and the policies governing boat liability of the responsible party to determine the compensation you may be eligible to receive as part of the settlement or verdict of a jury. Additionally, a skilled lawyer can determine if there are any other parties who may be accountable for the accident such as the manufacturer of the defective boat or component.

Liability

In general, boaters who are injured seek damages to recover medical expenses (past and future), lost income from working absences emotional trauma and pain and suffering. Injuries that are serious include back and neck injuries, brain traumas, broken bones and internal organ damage.

Boating accidents may involve many parties who could be held liable for the crash. This includes the operator of the boat, any passengers on board at the time of the incident as well as other watercraft or boats involved, manufacturers of boats and their components, engines and government agencies that place buoys to alert people of dangerous conditions. A personal injury lawyer will be aware of the rules and regulations of state law as well as federal maritime laws to determine who can be liable in a collision.

Under the Jones Act a worker on a vessel injured on the sea has similar rights as workers compensation beneficiaries. Also, 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 of injured maritime workers as well as families of deceased sailors also are entitled to compensation under state workers compensation laws.

Gathering Evidence

The evidence gathered during the initial stages of the legal process could help you determine the strength of your case. Photographing the accident scene can help determine liability and reveal what caused the boating collision. It is also essential to collect details from eyewitnesses as they can provide evidence that supports your claims.

Medical records are crucial for finding out the extent of your injuries, and the damages that resulted. They should contain detailed account of hospital and doctor visits surgery, rehabilitation as well as the expenses associated with them. You should also keep track of any changes in your income or employment and other non-financial losses.

Injuries to the spinal cord and brain are a common occurrence 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 cause life-altering impact.

Other types of marine injuries are caused by mechanical issues for example, electrical or engine failure or steering system malfunctions and gear shift issues. In these instances our NYC lawyer for boating accidents will determine if the manufacturer should be held liable for the injuries suffered by accident victims.

How to File a Claim

It is important to seek medical attention immediately following a boating accident. However, it is recommended to consult with a lawyer prior to giving a statement to the insurance adjuster or any other party. A lawyer can safeguard your rights, and ensure that you get the right amount of compensation for damages.

The legal process for seeking compensation after a boat accident involves filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the party or parties that are accountable. It is common to present evidence in support of an insurance claim for both economic and noneconomic damage. Economic damages are the cost of medical treatment as well as other expenses arising from the accident, like the loss of income resulting from missing work. Non-economic damages include pain, suffering, and any other intangible loss that may be difficult to quantify.

In certain cases the manufacturer of a vessel or one of its parts could be held responsible for an accident in the event that their product was defectively made or designed. A New York boating accident lawyer can investigate the possibility of product liability and seek compensation from the responsible parties.

In certain instances, the boat operator may not be held liable for the outcome of a collision. Boat owners can also be held responsible, especially when they are responsible for hiring and training the person operating their vessel, or when a person who is not fit to operate a craft is allowed on their property.