Boat Accident Litigation

Boating can be an exciting and fun recreational activity, however, it can be a danger. If a negligent decision leads to an accident and their families may be entitled to compensation for losses and injuries.

A NYC boat accident lawyer will assist victims of injuries to claim the amount of damages they are entitled to. A claim can be the need for past medical expenses and other economic damages.

Damages

While many people associate bodies of water with the Wild West in the United States There are laws that govern boats on rivers and lakes as well as oceans. boat accident lawyers accidents can be governed by several federal and state laws that are considered when determining negligence. If a boat driver is drunk, they may be sued for negligence. There are also federal laws that address pollution and deaths on the sea. Additionally, there are specific maritime regulations such as the Jones Act that give injured workers or their families access to compensation that is similar to workers' compensation in other industries.

If a loved one has been killed in a boat accident, family members can sue on their behalf for damages that include lost companionship, funeral expenses as well as pain and loss. Families can even recover money for past medical bills and future medical expenses.

A New York City boat accident lawyer can help you determine whether you or a loved one was injured in a boating accident. An attorney for personal injuries can review your insurance coverage and the responsible party's policies on boat liability to determine what type of damages you could be entitled to in a settlement or a verdict. Additionally, a knowledgeable lawyer can determine if there are any additional parties who may be accountable for the incident, such as the manufacturer of the boat or component.

Liability

In general, boaters who are injured seek compensation to cover medical costs (past and future), lost income from absence from work emotional trauma and suffering and pain. Injuries that are serious include back and neck injuries, brain traumas, broken bones, and internal organ damage.

Boating accidents may involve many people who could be held accountable for the collision. This includes the boat operator, passengers who were aboard at the time of the incident and other watercrafts or boats involved, the makers of boats and their components, engines and government agencies that place buoys to warn people of dangers. A personal injury lawyer will know the specifics of state law as well as federal maritime laws to determine who can be liable for a crash.

Under the Jones Act a worker on a vessel injured on the sea has similar rights as workers compensation beneficiaries. Similar to sailors injured in international waters, or outer continental shelf waters have the right to submit 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 deceased sailors also are entitled to compensation under state workers insurance laws.

Gathering Evidence

Evidence collected during the early stages of the legal process will help determine the strength and effectiveness of your case. For instance, taking photos of the scene of the accident could be useful in determining the degree of liability as well as establishing how the boating collision happened. Eyewitnesses can also provide important information to help you prove your claim.

Medical records are essential for determining the extent of your injuries, and the damage that resulted from it. These records should include detailed accounts of hospital and doctor visits, surgeries, rehabilitation treatments, and the costs associated with these. Additionally, you should record any changes to your income or employment as well as other losses that are not financial in nature.

Brain and spinal cord injuries are a common occurrence in boat accidents. These injuries can result from carbon monoxide poisoning, oxygen deprivation or blunt force trauma that occurs when the head strikes the propeller of the boat. These injuries could have a life-altering impact.

Other types of marine accidents involve mechanical problems, such as engine failure or electrical failure or steering issues, as well as problems with gear shifts. Our NYC lawyer for boating accidents will investigate these cases to determine if the manufacturer should be held responsible for the injuries sustained by accident victims.

Making a Claim

While it is essential to seek medical attention immediately following a boat accident, you should not offer a statement to an insurance adjuster or other party without consulting with a lawyer. Your attorney can protect your rights and ensure that you are compensated in a fair manner for damages.

The legal procedure to seek compensation following a boat accident involves filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the party or parties that are responsible. It is commonplace to present evidence in support of claims for both economic and noneconomic damage. Economic damages are medical expenses and other expenses incurred as a result of the accident, such as loss of income due to missing work. Noneconomic damages include pain and suffering and other intangible losses that are difficult to quantify.

In some cases the maker of a boat or one of its parts could be held responsible for an accident in the event that their product was defectively made or designed. A New York boating accident lawyer could investigate the possibility product liability and seek compensation from the parties responsible.

In some cases, it is not just the boat's operator who could be held responsible for a crash. Boat owners can also be held accountable, 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.