Boat Accident Litigation

Boating can be an exciting and enjoyable recreational activity however, it can be a danger. If a negligent act causes to an accident, victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for the injuries and losses.

A NYC lawyer for boat accidents can assist injured victims in obtaining the amount of damages they deserve. A claim can be the need for past medical expenses as well as other financial damages.

Damages

Although many people imagine bodies of water similar to the Wild West, there are laws that govern vessels that travel on rivers, lakes and oceans throughout the United States. Boat accidents may be governed by a variety of federal and boat accidents state laws that are taken into consideration to determine if negligence was the cause. For instance, if the boat operator was drunk, this could open them up to civil lawsuits based on negligence. There are federal laws that deal with death and pollution at sea. There are maritime regulations, like the Jones Act, that provide injured workers and their families with a similar compensation to other industries.

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

A New York City boat accident lawyer can help you determine whether you or your loved one was injured during an accident on the boat. A personal injury lawyer can look over your insurance policy and the responsible party's boat liability policies to determine the type of compensation you might be entitled to receive in a settlement or verdict. A lawyer with experience can also assess if there are other parties who may be accountable, such as the manufacturer or part of the boat that was faulty.

Liability

In general, boaters who are injured seek compensation to cover medical expenses (past and future), lost income from working absences emotional trauma, as well as suffering and pain. Serious injuries include neck and back injuries, brain traumas, broken bones, and internal organ damage.

Boating accidents can involve a variety of parties that could be held responsible for the crash. This includes the boat's operator, passengers who were aboard at the time of the incident as well as the other watercraft or boats involved, the manufacturers of boats, their parts, engines and government agencies that put up buoys to warn people about dangerous conditions. An attorney for personal injury will be knowledgeable of federal and state maritime laws in order to determine who is accountable for an accident.

Under the Jones Act a worker on a vessel who is injured at sea has similar rights to those of workers compensation beneficiaries. Also, sailors who are injured in international waters or in the outer continental shelf waters are entitled to file a claim under the Jones Act and other federal maritime regulations. Families of injured maritime workers as well as family members of sailors who have passed away have rights under state workers law on compensation.

Gathering Evidence

Evidence gathered in the initial stages of the legal process can help determine the strength and viability of your case. For example, taking photographs of the scene of the accident could be helpful for determining liability as well as establishing what caused the boating crash. Eyewitnesses also can provide valuable evidence to support your claim.

Medical records are critical for in determining the extent of your injuries and related damages. The records should contain thorough reports of doctor and hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitation treatments, and the costs associated with these. You will also need to keep track of any changes in your employment and income capacity and other non-financial losses.

Brain and spinal cord injuries are common in boat accidents. These types of injuries could be caused by oxygen deficiency, carbon monoxide poisoning or blunt force trauma from hitting the head on places like the propeller or sides of the boat. These injuries can have a life-altering impact.

Other types of marine injuries are caused by mechanical issues, like electrical or engine malfunctions in steering, abrasions, and gear shift issues. In these instances, our NYC lawyer for boating accidents will investigate to determine if a company should be held liable for the injuries suffered by victims of accidents.

Filing a Claim

You should seek medical attention immediately after an accident with a boat. However, you should consult with a lawyer prior to giving an account to the insurance adjuster or any other party. Your attorney can protect your rights, ensuring that you receive the proper compensation for the damage.

The legal procedure for seeking compensation in the event of a boating accident involves filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the person or parties who are liable. This typically includes the presentation of evidence to support a claim for economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages refer to the cost of medical treatment and other expenses arising from the accident, including lost earnings due to missed work. Non-economic damages include pain, suffering, and other forms of losses that are difficult to quantify.

In certain cases, a boat manufacturer, or an element of the boat could be held liable for an accident when their product was created or manufactured in a way that was defective. A New York boating accident lawyer can investigate the possibility of product liability and seek compensation from the responsible parties.

In certain instances the boat owner may not be held liable for the outcome of a collision. The owner of the vessel could be held accountable in addition, especially if they are responsible for hiring or training the person who is operating their boat or allow a person who is not fit to operate the vessel on their premises.