Boat Accident Litigation

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

A NYC lawyer for boat accidents can assist injured victims in getting the compensation they deserve. A claim includes an obligation to pay for medical expenses as well as other economic damages.

Damages

While many people think of bodies of water with the Wild West in the United States, there are laws governing the boats on lakes and rivers as well as oceans. Boat accidents can trigger various laws, both state and federal, that are considered when determining negligence. If a boat driver is drunk, they may be sued for negligence. Federal laws also deal with pollution and deaths at sea. There are maritime regulations, like the Jones Act, that provide injured workers and their families with a similar compensation pathways to other industries.

If a loved-one was killed in a boat accident, the family members may sue for damages including funeral expenses, lost companionship, and pain and suffering. Families can get money to cover past medical costs and any future treatment.

If a boating accident has caused injuries to you or your loved ones If you or your loved ones were injured, a New York City de land boat accident law firm accident attorney can help you determine what damages you may be entitled to claim. A personal injury lawyer can look over your insurance policy and the policies regarding liability for boats of the responsible party to determine what compensation you might be able to receive as part of settlement or a jury verdict. A knowledgeable lawyer can determine if there are any additional parties who may be accountable for the incident, such as the manufacturer of a defective boat or boat part.

Liability

Generally, injured boaters seek damages to cover medical expenses (past and anticipated) and lost earnings because of time lost from work, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and damages to their boats. Injuries that are serious include neck and back injuries, brain traumas, broken bones and internal organ damage.

Boating accidents can involve a variety of parties who could be held accountable for the accident. These include the boat's operator, passengers aboard at the time of accident and other watercrafts or boats involved, manufacturers of boats and their parts, motors and government agencies that place buoys to warn people of dangers. A personal injury attorney is well-versed in both state and federal maritime laws to determine who is liable for an accident.

Under the Jones Act, a worker on a boat who is injured at sea is entitled to compensation similar to those of workers' compensation beneficiaries. Similar, sailors who are injured in international waters or the outer continental shelf waters can submit claims under the Jones Act as well as other maritime regulations of the federal government. Families of injured maritime workers as well as relatives of sailors who died have claims under state worker insurance laws.

Gathering Evidence

Evidence gathered during the early stages of the legal process can help determine the strength and validity of your case. Photographing the accident scene will help determine the liability and help determine how the boating incident occurred. Eyewitnesses may also provide crucial information that can aid in proving your claim.

Medical records are essential to establishing the extent of your injuries as well as the related damages. The records should contain thorough reports of hospital and doctor visits, surgeries, rehabilitation treatments, and the expenses associated with these. You should document the changes in your income and employment capacity, as with any other non-financial losses.

Boat accidents are typically linked to spinal cord injuries. These injuries can result from carbon monoxide poisoning, oxygen deprivation, Vimeo.com or blunt force trauma if the head strikes the propeller of the boat. Most often, these injuries are life-changing.

Other forms of marine injuries result from mechanical issues, such as electrical or engine failure or steering system malfunctions and gear shift problems. In these instances, our NYC lawyer for boating accidents will investigate to determine if a manufacturer should be held accountable for injuries sustained by accident victims.

How to File a Claim

It is important to seek medical attention immediately following an accident with a boat. However, it is recommended to consult with a lawyer prior to giving an account to the insurance adjuster or any other person. A lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve for any damages.

To seek compensation after a boating accident you must file an insurance claim, or an action against the party(ies) responsible. It is common to present evidence in support of claims for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages can include medical expenses and other expenses that result from the accident, as well as lost income due to missed work. Noneconomic damages include pain, suffering, and other forms of loss that can be difficult to quantify.

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

In certain situations the boat owner may not be held accountable for the outcome of a collision. The owner of a vessel can be held liable in addition, especially if they are responsible for hiring or training the person who is operating their boat or allow someone who isn't fit to operate a boat on their property.