Boat Accident Litigation

Boating can be an exciting and enjoyable activity for boat the whole family, but it's also a risky one. If negligence leads to an accident the victims and their families could be entitled to compensation for the loss and injuries.

A NYC lawyer for boat accidents can help injured victims demand the amount of damages they deserve. The claim may cover past medical expenses as well as other economic 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 lakes and rivers as well as oceans. Boat accidents can trigger multiple federal and state laws which are weighed in determining whether negligence occurred. If a boater is drunk, they may be sued for negligence. There are federal laws that address pollution and deaths on the sea. Furthermore, there are specific maritime laws, like the Jones Act that give injured workers or their families access for compensation similar to workers who receive compensation in other industries.

If a loved one has been killed in a boat accident, the family can sue for damages including the loss of companionship, funeral costs as well as pain and loss. Families can also recover money for past medical bills and future medical expenses.

If a boating accident resulted in injuries to you or your loved ones, a New York City boat accident attorney can assist you in determining what damages you could be entitled to claim. A personal injury lawyer will examine your insurance policy and the policies on boat liability of the responsible party to determine what compensation you might be able to receive as part of an agreement or jury verdict. In addition, an experienced lawyer can assess whether there are any other parties that may be liable for the accident, such as the manufacturer of a defective boat or boat part.

Liability

Generally, injured boaters seek damages to cover medical expenses (past and anticipated) as well as lost income because of time lost from work in pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and damages to their boats. Serious injuries commonly involve back and neck injury as well as brain trauma, broken bones, paralysis or internal organ damage.

Boating accidents can involve many parties who could be held accountable for the accident. These include the operator of the boat, boat any passengers aboard at the time of the collision, other boats or watercraft involved, the manufacturers of boats, their parts, engines, and government agencies that put up buoys to warn people about dangerous conditions. An attorney who handles personal injury cases will be knowledgeable of both state and federal maritime laws to determine who is responsible in an accident.

Under the Jones Act, a worker on a boat who suffers an injury at sea is entitled to compensation that are similar to those of workers' compensation beneficiaries. Additionally, sailors injured in international waters or in outer continental shelf waters have the right to make a claim under the Jones Act and other federal maritime regulations. Workers' compensation laws of the state laws also apply to maritime workers injured and families of deceased sailors.

Gathering Evidence

Evidence gathered in the initial stages of the legal process will help determine the strength and effectiveness of your case. Photographing the scene of the accident will help determine the liability and reveal how the boating incident occurred. Eyewitnesses can also give valuable information that will help you prove your claim.

Medical records are vital for in determining the severity of your injuries, as well as the damages that resulted. The records should contain thorough reports of doctor and hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitation treatments, and the costs associated with these. You will need to document changes in your income and capacity to work, as well for any other financial loss.

Spinal cord and brain injuries are common in boating accidents. These injuries can result from carbon monoxide poisoning, oxygen deprivation or blunt force trauma if your head strikes the propeller of the boat. In most cases, these injuries can be life-changing.

Other types of marine injuries include mechanical issues, like electrical or engine malfunctions, steering problems, and gear shift issues. Our NYC boating accident lawyers will investigate these cases to determine whether the manufacturer should be held responsible for the injuries suffered by accident victims.

How to File a Claim

It is important to seek medical attention immediately following an accident with a boat. However, you should consult with a lawyer before submitting an assurance to the insurance adjuster or another party. An attorney can help protect your rights, including ensuring that you receive adequate compensation for damages.

The legal procedure for seeking compensation in the event of a boating accident is to file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the party or parties that are accountable. It is common to present evidence to support claims for both non-economic and economic damages. Economic damages are medical expenses and other expenses caused by the accident, such as loss of income due to missing work. Non-economic damages can include pain, suffering, and any other intangible loss that is difficult to quantify.

In some instances, a boat accident lawyer manufacturer or a component of the boat may be held accountable for an accident if their product was created or manufactured in a manner that was not safe. A skilled New York boating injury lawyer can determine whether a product liability is involved and pursue compensation from the parties responsible.

In some instances the boat's operator might not be held responsible for the outcome of a collision. The owner of the vessel may be held responsible too, particularly if they are responsible for hiring or training the person who is operating their vessel or allow a person who isn't fit to operate an unfit boat to use their property.