Boat Accident Litigation

Boating can be an enjoyable and thrilling recreational activity that could be dangerous. If a negligent action leads to an accident, victims and their families may be entitled to financial compensation for the injuries and losses.

A NYC lawyer who handles boat accidents can help injured victims get the full amount they deserve. A claim could include past medical expenses, as well as other economic damages.

Damages

While many people imagine waters like the Wild West, there are laws that govern vessels on lakes, rivers, and oceans in the United States. boat accident law firms accidents can trigger multiple federal and state laws that are taken into consideration to determine if negligence was the cause. For instance, if the boat operator was drunk, this could open them up to civil action for negligence. There are federal laws that address the issue of pollution and deaths at sea. There are maritime regulations, such as the Jones Act, that provide injured workers and their families with similar compensation pathway to other industries.

If a loved one has been killed in a fatal boat crash, the family can sue for damages, including loss of companionship and funeral costs. They may also sue for pain and suffering. Families may also seek compensation for medical bills from the past and future costs for treatment.

A New York City boat accident lawyer can assist you to determine if you or your loved one was injured in an accident on the water. A personal injury lawyer will examine your insurance coverage and the responsible party's policies on boat liability to determine what compensation you are entitled to receive in a settlement or verdict. A lawyer with experience will also be able to determine if there are any other parties that could be liable, like the manufacturer or part of the boat that was faulty.

Liability

Generally, injured boaters pursue damages to cover medical expenses (past and anticipated) and lost income due to time missed from work in pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and damage to their boats. Serious injuries include back and neck injuries, brain traumas, broken bones and internal organ damage.

Boating accidents can involve many people who could be held liable for the crash. These include the operator of the boat, any passengers who were aboard at the time of the accident as well as the other watercraft or boats involved, boat manufacturers and their components, engines and government agencies that place buoys to warn people about dangers. A personal injury lawyer can be familiar with the ins and outs of both state law and federal maritime laws to determine who can be held accountable in the event of a collision.

Under the Jones Act a worker on a vessel who is injured at sea enjoys the same rights as workers compensation beneficiaries. Similar to sailors injured in international waters, or the outer continental shelf waters are able to submit claims under the Jones Act as well as other federal maritime regulations. Families and maritime workers who have been injured as well as the relatives of sailors who died are entitled to compensation under state workers' compensation laws.

Gathering Evidence

Evidence gathered in the initial stages of the legal process will help determine the strength and effectiveness of your case. For instance, taking photographs of the scene of the accident could be useful in determining the degree of responsibility as well as establishing how the boating collision happened. It is also important to obtain evidence from eyewitnesses, since they can provide evidence to support your claims.

Medical records are vital for finding out the extent of your injuries as well as the damages that resulted. These records should include detailed details of hospital and boat accident lawyer doctor visits as well as rehabilitation procedures, surgeries and the associated costs them. It is also necessary to keep track of any changes in your income or employment along with other losses that are not financial in nature.

Injuries to the spinal cord and brain are common in boating accidents. These injuries may be caused by carbon monoxide poisoning, oxygen deprivation, or blunt force trauma if the head strikes the propeller of the boat. In most cases, these injuries can be life-changing.

Other kinds of marine injuries are caused by mechanical failures, such as electrical or engine problems in steering, abrasions, and problems with gear shifts. 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.

Making a Claim

It is important to seek medical attention as soon as you notice a boating accident. However, it is recommended to consult a lawyer prior to submitting a statement to the insurance adjuster or boat accident lawyer any other person. A lawyer can defend your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation that you need for your losses.

In order to obtain compensation following a boating collision, you will need to submit an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the party(ies) responsible. It is standard to provide evidence to support a claim for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are medical expenses and other expenses incurred as a result of the accident, which includes the loss of income resulting from missing work. Noneconomic damages include pain and suffering as well as other intangible losses that may be harder to quantify.

In certain cases, the manufacturer of a boat or one of its parts could be held responsible for an accident in the event of a product that was defectively made or designed. A skilled New York boating injury lawyer can investigate whether product liability is involved and pursue compensation from the responsible parties.

In certain situations, the boat operator may not be held liable for the outcome of a collision. Owners of vessels can also be held accountable, particularly when they are responsible for the hiring and training of the person who operates their vessel, or if a person unfit to operate a boat is allowed to use their property.