Boat Accident Litigation

Boating can be an exciting and enjoyable leisure activity, but it's also a risky one. If negligence causes an accident the victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for losses and injuries.

A NYC lawyer for boat accidents can help injured victims claim the maximum amount of compensation they are entitled to. A claim may include past medical expenses and other economic damages.

Damages

Many people think of waters like the Wild West, there are laws that govern vessels on lakes, rivers and oceans in the United States. boat accident attorney accidents can involve several laws, both state and federal, that are considered when determining the degree of negligence. If a boat driver is drunk, they may be liable for negligence. Federal laws also deal with pollution and deaths on the sea. In addition, there are specific maritime regulations such as the Jones Act that give injured workers or their families access for compensation similar to workers' compensation in other industries.

If a loved one was killed in a boat accident, family members can sue for damages, including lost companionship, funeral expenses, and pain and suffering. Families may also seek compensation to pay medical bills in the past and future medical expenses.

If a boating accident has caused injuries to you or your loved ones, a New York City boat accident law firm accident attorney can help you determine what type of damages you are entitled to claim. A personal injury lawyer will review your insurance coverage and the responsible party's policies on boat liability to determine the type of compensation you might be entitled to in a settlement or a verdict. Additionally, a skilled lawyer can assess whether there are any other individuals who are liable for the incident, such as the manufacturer of the defective boat or part.

Liability

In general, injured boaters seek compensation to cover medical costs (past and future) as well as lost earnings due to time away from work, emotional trauma and pain and suffering. The most serious injuries are back and neck injuries and brain traumas, boat accident law firm as well as broken bones, and internal organ damage.

Boating accidents can involve many individuals who could be accountable for the collision. These include the boat operator, passengers who were aboard at the time of the incident and other watercrafts or boats involved, manufacturers of boats as well as their parts, engines and government agencies who place buoys to warn people about dangerous conditions. A personal injury lawyer is aware of the specifics of state law as well as federal maritime laws to determine who could be liable for a crash.

Under the Jones Act, a worker on a boat who suffers an injury at sea has rights to a compensation equal to that of workers' compensation recipients. Similarly, sailors who are injured in international waters or in outer continental shelf waters are entitled to make a claim under the Jones Act and other federal maritime regulations. Injured maritime workers and family members of sailors who have passed away are entitled to compensation under state workers' compensation laws.

Gathering Evidence

The evidence collected during the initial stages of the legal process can help determine the strength of your case. For example, taking photographs of the scene of the accident can be useful in determining the extent of the extent of liability and the circumstances of the boating accident. Eyewitnesses also can provide valuable evidence to help you prove your claim.

Medical records are crucial for understanding the severity of your injuries, and the damages that resulted. The records should include thorough account of hospital and doctor visits surgery, rehabilitation, and costs associated with them. It is also necessary to record any changes to your employment and income capacity as well as other losses that are not financial in nature.

Boat accidents are typically linked to spinal cord injuries. The injuries in this category can be caused by oxygen deficiency carbon monoxide poisoning, blunt force trauma that results from hitting the head on areas like the propeller, or on the side of the boat. Most often, these injuries are life-changing.

Other types of marine injuries include mechanical failures that can result from engine or electrical failure as well as steering system malfunctions and gear shift issues. In these instances, our NYC boating accident lawyers will determine if the manufacturer should be held accountable for the injuries suffered by accident victims.

How to File a Claim

While it is essential to seek medical attention immediately after a boating accident however, you shouldn't make a statement to an insurance adjuster or any other party without first consulting with a lawyer. Your lawyer can help protect your rights, and ensure that you receive the proper compensation for the damages.

To seek compensation for a boating incident and you need to file an insurance claim, or an action against the party(ies) responsible. This usually involves presenting evidence to back a claim for economic as well as non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses and other expenses that result from the accident, as well as the loss of income resulting from missing work. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering and other intangible damages that are difficult to quantify.

In some instances, the manufacturer of a boat or one of its components may be held accountable for an accident when their product was not properly designed or manufactured. A skilled New York boating injury lawyer can determine if a product's liability is involved and pursue compensation from the parties responsible.

In some cases there are instances where it is not only the person who operates a boat who could be held responsible for the event of a crash. The owner of the vessel is liable too, particularly if they are responsible for hiring or training the person operating their vessel or allow a person who isn't fit to operate the boat on their property.