Boat Accident Litigation

Boating is an enjoyable and exciting activity to enjoy, but it could be dangerous. If a negligent act leads to an accident, the victims and their families may be entitled to financial compensation for injuries and losses.

A NYC boat accident lawyer can assist injured victims in obtaining the maximum amount of compensation they are entitled to. A claim is an obligation to pay for medical expenses as well as other financial damages.

Damages

While many people associate bodies of water with the Wild West in the United States There are laws that govern the vessels on rivers and lakes as well as oceans. Boat accidents may be a result of a number of federal and state laws which are considered when determining negligence. If a boater is drunk, they could be liable for negligence. There are also federal laws that deal with the issue of pollution and deaths at sea. There are also maritime regulations, like the Jones Act, that provide injured workers and their families with a similar compensation options to other industries.

If a loved one was killed in a tragic boat accident, the family may sue for damages, including loss of companionship and funeral expenses. They can also sue for pain and suffering. Families can collect money to cover past medical costs and future treatment.

A New York City boat accident lawyer can assist you to determine whether you or your loved one was injured in a boating accident. 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 are eligible to receive as part of an agreement or jury verdict. Additionally, a skilled lawyer can assess whether there are any additional parties who could be responsible for the accident, including the manufacturer of the defective boat or part.

Liability

Generally, injured boaters pursue damages to recover medical expenses (past and expected), lost income due to absences from work as well as pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and damage to their boats. Serious injuries commonly involve back and neck injury and brain trauma, fractured bones, paralysis and organ damage.

Boating accidents can involve many individuals who could be accountable for the accident. This includes the operator of the boat, any passengers on board at the time of the accident, other boats or watercraft involved, manufacturers of boats, their parts, engines, and government agencies that place buoys to warn the public of dangers. A personal injury lawyer will be aware of the ins and outs of state law as well as federal maritime laws to determine who might be responsible in a collision.

Under the Jones Act a worker on a vessel who is injured at sea has similar rights to those of workers compensation beneficiaries. Similar to that, sailors injured in international waters or outer continental shelf water are entitled to claim compensation 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

The evidence collected in the beginning stages of the legal process could aid in determining the strength of your case. Photographing the scene of the accident will help determine the liability and determine the circumstances of the boating accident. Eyewitnesses also can provide valuable information that will support your claim.

Medical records are crucial for understanding the severity of your injuries and associated damages. The records should contain thorough details of doctor and hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitative treatments, and the expenses associated with these. It is also necessary to keep track of any changes in your employment and income capacity and any other non-financial losses.

Injuries to the spinal cord and brain are a common occurrence in boat accidents. The injuries in this category can result from oxygen deficiency carbon monoxide poisoning, blunt force trauma from hitting the head against areas like the propeller or side of the boat. The majority of the time, these injuries are life-changing.

Other kinds of marine injuries are caused by mechanical failures, such as electrical or engine problems, steering problems, and problems with gear shifts. Our NYC boating accident attorneys will examine these cases to determine whether the manufacturer can be accountable for the injuries sustained by accident victims.

Filing a Claim

It is important to seek medical attention right away following an incident on the boat. However, it is recommended to consult with a lawyer prior to giving an account to the insurance adjuster or another party. A lawyer can help protect your rights and Boat ensure you receive the compensation that you are entitled to for the damages you have suffered.

In order to seek compensation following a boating collision you must file an insurance claim, or a lawsuit against the party(ies) responsible. This typically includes presenting evidence to support a claim for economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages are those incurred as a result of medical treatment and other expenses related to the accident, like lost earnings from work missed. Noneconomic damages are those that result from pain and suffering and other intangible losses that are difficult to quantify.

In some instances the manufacturer of a vessel or one of its parts could be held accountable for an accident in the event of a product that was defectively designed or manufactured. A New York boating accident lawyer may investigate the possibility of product liability and seek compensation from the responsible parties.

In some instances, it is not just the boat's operator that could be held accountable for a crash. The owner of a vessel is liable also, particularly when they are responsible for hiring or training the person operating their boat or permit someone who is unfit to operate an unfit boat to use their property.