Boat Accident Litigation

Boating can be a thrilling and enjoyable leisure activity, however, it can be a danger. If negligence leads to an accident, the victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for injuries and loss.

A NYC boat accident lawyer can help injured victims demand the full amount of damages they are entitled to. A claim can include past medical expenses and other economic damages.

Damages

While many people imagine bodies of water as if they were the Wild West, there are laws that govern the vessels that travel on rivers, lakes and oceans throughout the United States. Boat accidents can be governed by multiple federal and state laws that are considered in determining if negligence occurred. For instance, if a boat operator was drunk, it could lead to civil action for negligence. Federal laws also deal with death and pollution at sea. There are also 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 law Firms accident, the family can sue on their behalf for damages, including the loss of companionship, funeral costs as well as pain and suffering. Families can also recover money for past medical bills and future costs for treatment.

If a boating accident has caused injuries to you or your loved ones and loved ones, a New York City boat accident attorney can assist you in determining the type of damages you might be entitled to claim. A personal injury lawyer will review your insurance policy and the policies governing boat liability of the responsible party to determine the compensation you are eligible to receive as part of the settlement or verdict of a jury. Additionally, a knowledgeable lawyer can determine if there are any additional individuals who are liable for the accident such as the manufacturer of a defective boat or boat part.

Liability

Generally, injured boaters pursue damages to recover medical expenses (past and expected), lost income due to absences from work as well as pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and damages to their boats. Injuries that are serious include neck and back injuries as well as brain traumas, fractured bones and internal organ damage.

Boating accidents typically involve multiple parties who could have legal responsibility for the crash, including the boat's operator, any other passengers who were aboard at the time of the crash along with other watercraft and vessels involved in the collision, manufacturers of the boats and their engines or parts and even the government agencies that are responsible for putting up buoys to warn people of danger conditions. A personal injury lawyer can be familiar with the specifics of state law as well as 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 as workers compensation beneficiaries. Similar to that, sailors who are injured in international waters or outer continental shelf water are able to submit claims under the Jones Act as well as other maritime regulations of the federal government. Families and maritime workers who have been injured as well as the relatives of sailors who died have claims under state worker compensation laws.

Gathering Evidence

Evidence gathered in the initial stages of the legal process will aid in determining the strength and viability of your case. For instance, taking photographs of the scene of the accident can be useful in determining the extent of responsibility as well as establishing how the boating collision occurred. Eyewitnesses also can provide valuable information that will support your claim.

Medical records are essential for finding out the extent of your injuries as well as the damages that resulted. They should contain detailed details of doctor and hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitative treatments, and the expenses associated with these. Additionally, you should record any changes to your employment and income capacity and any other non-financial losses.

Boat accidents are often linked to spinal cord injuries. Injuries in this category may be caused by oxygen deficiency carbon monoxide poisoning, blunt force trauma caused by hitting the head against areas such as the propeller or the side of the boat. Often, these injuries are life-changing.

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

How to File a Claim

It is important to seek medical attention right away following a boating accident. However, it is recommended to consult with a lawyer prior to giving a statement to the insurance adjuster or another party. A lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve for any damages.

The legal procedure for seeking compensation after a boat accident lawsuits accident involves filing an insurance claim or lawsuit against the person or parties who are accountable. This typically includes the presentation of evidence to support a claim for economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses and other expenses incurred as a result of the accident, which includes lost income due to missed work. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, boat accident Law Firms and other intangible loss that is difficult to quantify.

In certain cases, the manufacturer of a boat or one of its parts may be held accountable for an accident when their product was not properly designed or manufactured. A New York boating accident lawyer will investigate the possibility of product liability and seek compensation from the responsible parties.

In certain instances, it is not just the person who operates a boat that could be held accountable for the event of a crash. Owners of vessels can also be held responsible, especially if the owner is responsible for hiring and training the person operating their vessel or in the event that a person who isn't fit to operate a craft is allowed to use their property.