Boat Accident Litigation

Boating is an enjoyable and thrilling recreational activity that can be risky. 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 assist injured victims in obtaining the full amount of damages they are entitled to. A claim may include past medical expenses and other economic damages.

Damages

While many people imagine bodies of water like the Wild West, there are laws that govern vessels that travel on rivers, lakes and oceans throughout the United States. Boat accidents may be a result of several federal and state laws that are considered when determining negligence. For instance, if the boat accident lawsuit operator was drunk, it could make them vulnerable to civil litigation for negligence. There are federal laws that deal with pollution and deaths on the sea. There are also maritime regulations, like the Jones Act, that provide injured workers and their families with a similar compensation pathway to other industries.

If a loved one has been killed in a fatal boat crash family members can sue to recover damages, including loss of companionship and funeral expenses. They may also sue for pain and suffering. Families can also recover money for past medical bills and future medical expenses.

If a boat accident resulted in injuries to you or your loved ones If you or your loved ones were injured, a New York City boat accident lawyer can help you determine what type of damages you could be entitled to claim. An attorney for personal injury can review your insurance policy and the boat liability policies of the responsible party to determine what compensation you might be able to receive as part of a settlement or jury verdict. Additionally, a knowledgeable lawyer can assess whether there are any additional parties that may be liable for the incident, such as the manufacturer of the defective boat or part.

Liability

Generally, injured boaters pursue damages to cover medical expenses (past and anticipated) and lost earnings due to time missed from work, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and damages to their boats. Serious injuries include back and neck injuries, brain traumas, broken bones and internal organ damage.

Boating accidents may involve many parties that could be held accountable for the collision. This includes the boat's operator, passengers on board at the time of the collision as well as the other watercraft or boats involved, boat manufacturers, their parts, engines and government agencies that put up buoys to warn the public of dangers. A personal injury lawyer is aware of the specifics of both state law and federal maritime laws to determine who can be liable in a collision.

Under the Jones Act a worker on a vessel who is injured on the sea has similar rights to those of workers compensation beneficiaries. Similar to sailors injured in international waters or outer continental shelf water have the right to make claims under the Jones Act as well as other maritime regulations of the federal government. The families of injured maritime workers and the families of sailors who have died have claims under state workers' compensation laws.

Gathering Evidence

Evidence collected during the early stages of the legal process can aid in determining the strength and legitimacy of your case. For instance, taking photographs of the scene of the accident could help determine the who is responsible and the circumstances of the boating accident. It is also essential to collect information from eyewitnesses since they can provide valuable testimony to support your assertions.

Medical records are crucial for finding out the extent of your injuries as well as the associated damages. They should contain detailed account of hospital and doctor visits, surgeries, rehabilitation treatments, and costs associated with them. You should document any changes in your income or employment capacity, as as any other non-financial loss.

Boat accidents are usually associated with brain and spinal cord injuries. These types of injuries could result from oxygen deprivation carbon monoxide poisoning or blunt force trauma that results from hitting the head against areas like the propeller or side of the boat accident law firms. These injuries can have a life-changing effect.

Other kinds of marine injuries include mechanical problems, such as electrical or engine malfunctions in steering, abrasions, and gear shift issues. In these cases our NYC lawyer for boating accidents will determine if a company should be held accountable for injuries suffered by victims of accidents.

How to File a Claim

While it is essential to seek medical attention immediately following a boating accident, you should not offer an account to an insurance adjuster, or another party without consulting with a lawyer. Your lawyer can protect your rights and ensure that you get the money you deserve for any damages.

The legal procedure for seeking compensation after a boat accident law firm accident involves filing an insurance claim or lawsuit against the person or parties who are liable. This typically involves providing evidence to support a claim for economic as well as non-economic damages. Economic damages are the cost of medical treatment and other expenses related to the accident, including lost income from missed work. Noneconomic damages are those that result from pain and suffering and other intangible damages which are harder to quantify.

In some cases the manufacturer of a vessel or one of its parts could be held responsible for an accident if their product was defectively created or manufactured. A New York boating accident lawyer could investigate the possibility product liability and seek compensation from the responsible parties.

In some instances the boat's owner might not be held responsible for an accident. Owners of vessels can be held accountable, in particular when they are responsible for the hiring and training of the person who operates their vessel, or when a person not qualified to operate a craft is allowed to use their property.