Boat Accident Litigation

Boating is an enjoyable and exciting recreational activity that could be dangerous. If a negligent act leads to an accident, the victim and their families may be entitled to compensation for the injuries and losses.

A NYC boat accident attorney can assist injured victims in getting the compensation they deserve. A claim may include past medical expenses, along with other economic damages.

Damages

While many people imagine waters like the Wild West, there are laws that govern the boats on rivers, lakes and oceans throughout the United States. boat accident lawsuit accidents can involve many laws, both state and federal, that are considered when determining the degree of negligence. For example, if a boat operator was drunk, this could be a cause for civil lawsuits based on negligence. There are also federal laws that address pollution and deaths on the sea. There are also maritime regulations, like the Jones Act, that provide injured workers and their families with similar compensation pathway to other industries.

If a loved one was killed in a boating accident, the family members may bring a lawsuit on their behalf to recover damages, including loss of companionship, funeral expenses and pain and suffering. Families can recover money to cover past medical costs and future medical treatment.

If a boating accident resulted in injuries to you or your loved ones and loved ones, a New York City brockton boat accident law firm accident lawyer can help you determine what damages you could be entitled to claim. A personal injury attorney can examine your insurance policy and the policies on boat liability of the responsible party to determine the compensation you may be eligible to receive as part of an agreement or jury verdict. Additionally, a knowledgeable lawyer can assess whether there are any other parties who could be responsible for the accident, including the manufacturer of the boat or part.

Liability

Generally, injured boaters seek damages to cover medical expenses (past and expected) and lost earnings due to the time they miss from work in pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and damages to their boats. Most serious injuries involve back and neck injury, brain trauma, broken bones, paralysis and organ damage.

Boating accidents may involve many individuals who could be accountable for the accident. These include the operator of the big Bear lake boat accident Lawyer, passengers on board at the time of the incident and other watercrafts or boats involved, boat manufacturers and their parts, motors and government agencies that place buoys to warn people about dangers. A personal injury attorney is well-versed in federal and state maritime laws in order to determine who is responsible in an accident.

Under the Jones Act a worker on the vessel that is injured at sea has similar rights to those of workers compensation beneficiaries. Similar to that, sailors who are injured in international waters or outer continental shelf water are entitled to claim compensation under the Jones Act as well as other maritime regulations of the federal government. Workers' compensation laws also apply to injured maritime workers and families of sailors who have died.

Gathering Evidence

Evidence gathered during the early stages of the legal process can aid in determining the strength and effectiveness of your case. For example, taking photographs of the scene of the accident can be useful in determining the degree of liability as well as establishing the circumstances of the boating accident. Eyewitnesses may also provide valuable information that will back your claim.

Medical records are essential to establishing the extent of your injuries and damage they cause. These records should include detailed accounts of hospital and doctor visits, surgeries, rehabilitation treatments, and the cost associated with these. You should also note any changes to your income or employment and other losses that are not financial in nature.

Boat accidents are frequently caused by brain and spinal cord injuries. These injuries may be caused by carbon monoxide poisoning, oxygen deprivation or blunt force trauma, when your head strikes the propeller of the boat. These injuries can have a life-changing effect.

Other types of marine injuries include mechanical issues, for example electrical or engine problems in steering, abrasions, and gear shift issues. Our NYC boating accident lawyers will examine these cases to determine whether the manufacturer is held responsible for the injuries sustained by accident victims.

How to File a Claim

You should seek medical attention immediately following a boating accident. However, it is recommended to consult a lawyer prior to submitting an account to the insurance adjuster or to any other party. A lawyer can defend your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for damages.

The legal process for seeking compensation after a boat accident is to file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the person or parties who are liable. It is commonplace to present evidence to support a claim for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are the cost of medical treatment and other expenses arising from the accident, such as lost earnings due to missed work. Noneconomic damages include pain, suffering, and any other intangible loss that may be difficult to quantify.

In some instances a boat manufacturer or a part of the vessel can be held accountable for causing an accident if their product was constructed or designed in a way that was defective. A knowledgeable New York boating injury lawyer will determine if product liability is involved and pursue compensation from the parties responsible.

In certain situations the boat's owner might not be held responsible for accidents the outcome of a collision. Owners of vessels can also be held responsible, especially if the owner is responsible for hiring and training the person operating their vessel or if a person unfit to operate a craft is allowed to use their property.