Boat Accident Litigation

Boating is an enjoyable and thrilling activity for the whole family, boat Accident law firm but it could be dangerous. If negligence leads to an accident the victim and their families may be entitled to compensation for injuries and loss.

A NYC boat accident attorney will assist victims of injuries to get the amount they are due. A claim includes the need for past medical expenses as well as other financial damages.

Damages

While many people imagine 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 trigger multiple federal and state laws that are taken into consideration in determining if negligence occurred. For instance, if a boat operator was drunk, this could lead to civil action for negligence. Federal laws also address death and pollution at sea. There are also maritime regulations, like the Jones Act, that provide injured workers and their families with similar compensation pathways to other industries.

If a loved one was killed in a boating accident, boat accident law firm family members can sue on their behalf for damages that include funeral expenses, lost companionship as well as pain and suffering. Families can even recover money for past medical bills as well as future costs for treatment.

If a boat accident resulted in injuries to you or your loved ones, a New York City boat accident law firm accident lawyer can assist you in determining what damages you might be entitled to claim. A personal injury lawyer will review your insurance coverage and the responsible party's boat accident Law firm liability policy to determine what type of compensation you may be entitled to in a settlement or a verdict. A knowledgeable lawyer can determine if there are any other parties who may be accountable for the accident, including the manufacturer of a defective boat or boat part.

Liability

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

Boating accidents often involve multiple parties who could have legal responsibility for a collision, including the boat's operator, other passengers on board at the time of the incident or other watercraft and boats involved in the collision, the makers of the boats as well as their parts or engines and even government agencies responsible for putting buoys to warn people of danger conditions. A personal injury lawyer will know 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 boat who suffers an injury on the sea is entitled to compensation similar to those of workers' compensation recipients. Similarly, sailors who are injured on international waters or in outer continental shelf waters have the right to claim compensation under the Jones Act and other federal maritime regulations. Workers' compensation laws of the state laws also apply to maritime workers injured as well as the families of sailors who have passed away.

Gathering Evidence

Evidence gathered in the initial stages of the legal process can help determine the strength and viability of your case. Photographing the scene of the accident can help establish liability and determine how the boating collision happened. It's also important to obtain details from eyewitnesses as they can provide evidence to support your assertions.

Medical records are vital for determining the extent of your injuries, as well as the damages that resulted. These records should include detailed reports of hospital and doctor visits surgery, rehabilitation, and costs associated with them. It is also necessary to record any changes to your income or employment and other losses that are not financial in nature.

The spinal and brain injuries are common in boat collisions. These injuries may be caused by carbon monoxide poisoning, oxygen deprivation, or blunt force trauma if the head is struck by the propeller of the boat. Often, these injuries are life-changing.

Other kinds of marine injuries are caused by mechanical issues, for example electrical or engine malfunctions, steering problems, and gear shift issues. In these instances our NYC boating accident lawyers will determine if a company should be held accountable for injuries suffered by victims of accidents.

How to File a Claim

You should seek medical attention immediately following an accident on the water. However, you should consult with a lawyer before submitting an admission to the insurance adjuster or to any other party. Your lawyer can help protect your rights, and ensure that you get the right amount of compensation for damages.

The legal process for seeking compensation for a boating accident involves filing an insurance claim or lawsuit against the party or parties that are accountable. It is typical to present evidence in support of claims for both economic and noneconomic damage. Economic damages may include medical costs and other expenses that are incurred due to the accident, as well as loss of income due to missing work. Noneconomic damages are those that result from pain and suffering, as well as other losses that are more difficult to quantify.

In certain instances, a boat manufacturer or an element of the boat can be held responsible for an accident when their product was designed or manufactured in a defective manner. A skilled New York boating injury lawyer will determine if product responsibility is involved and seek compensation from the parties responsible.

In some cases it's not just the person who operates a boat who is liable for the event of a crash. The owner of a vessel can be held liable also, particularly when they are responsible for hiring or training the person who is operating their craft or if they permit a person who is unfit to operate the vessel on their premises.