Boat Accident Litigation

Boating is an enjoyable and exciting recreational activity that can be dangerous. If a negligent act causes to an accident, the victim and their families could be entitled to financial compensation for injuries and losses.

A NYC boat accident lawyer will assist victims of injuries to claim the maximum amount of compensation they are entitled to. A claim will include an obligation to pay for medical expenses as well as other financial damages.

Damages

Although 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 accidents may be governed by a variety of federal and state laws that are considered in determining whether negligence occurred. If a boater is drunk, they could be sued for negligence. There are also federal laws that address the issue of pollution and deaths at sea. There are maritime regulations, such as the Jones Act, that provide injured workers and their families with a similar compensation pathway to other industries.

If a loved-one was killed in a boating accident, the family members may sue for damages including lost companionship, funeral expenses as well as pain and loss. Families can even recover money for past medical bills and future treatment costs.

If a boating accident has caused injuries to you or accident your loved ones, a New York City boat accident attorney can help you determine what damages you may be entitled to claim. A personal injury lawyer can examine your insurance policy and the policies on boat liability of the responsible party to determine what amount of compensation you could be entitled to receive as part of the settlement or verdict of a jury. Additionally, a knowledgeable lawyer can assess whether there are any other parties who may be accountable for the accident such as the manufacturer of the defective boat or component.

Liability

In general, boaters who are injured seek damages to recover medical expenses (past and future), lost income from time away from work emotional trauma, and pain and suffering. Injuries that are serious typically involve back and neck injury or brain trauma, broken bones, paralysis and accident internal organ damage.

Boating accidents often involve multiple parties who could have legal liability for a accident, including the vessel's operator, any passengers who were aboard at the time of the accident or other watercraft and boats involved in the collision, manufacturers of the boats and their parts or engines, and even government agencies responsible for placing buoys to warn people of danger conditions. A personal injury lawyer is well-versed in federal and state maritime laws in order to determine who is responsible for an accident.

Under the Jones Act, a worker on a vessel who is injured at sea is entitled to compensation that are similar to those of workers' compensation recipients. Similar, sailors who suffer injuries in international waters or outer continental shelf water can make claims under the Jones Act as well as other federal maritime regulations. Workers' compensation laws also apply to maritime workers who are injured and the families of sailors who died.

Gathering Evidence

The evidence gathered in the beginning stages of the legal process can help determine the strength of your case. For instance, taking photos of the scene of the accident could help determine the the extent of liability and the circumstances of the boating accident. Eyewitnesses can also provide important information to back your claim.

Medical records are vital for understanding the severity of your injuries, as well as the damage that resulted from it. These records should include precise account of hospital and doctor visitations surgery, rehabilitation as well as the expenses associated with them. You should document any changes in your income or employment capacity, as well for any other financial loss.

Brain and spinal cord injuries are common in boat accidents. These injuries may be caused by carbon monoxide poisoning, oxygen deprivation, or blunt force trauma if the head hits the propeller of the boat. These injuries could have a life-altering effect.

Other kinds of marine accidents involve mechanical failures, such as electrical or engine malfunctions, steering problems, and problems with gear shifts. In these instances our NYC boating accident lawyers will determine if a company should be held liable for the injuries suffered by accident victims.

How to File a Claim

While it is important to seek medical attention immediately following a boat accident but you should not provide a statement to an insurance adjuster, or another party without consulting a lawyer. Your lawyer will protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation that you need for your losses.

The legal process to seek compensation in the event of a boating accident is to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the party or parties that are accountable. This typically includes presenting evidence to support a claim for financial and non-economic damages. Economic damages include the costs of medical treatment and other expenses arising from the accident, like lost earnings due to missed work. Non-economic damages can include pain, suffering, and other intangible loss that is difficult to quantify.

In some instances, the manufacturer of a boat or one of its components may be held accountable for an accident when their product was not properly created or manufactured. A New York boating accident lawyer can investigate the possibility of product liability and seek compensation from the parties responsible.

In some instances it's not only the person who operates a boat that could be held accountable for an accident. The owner of a vessel could be held accountable as well, especially if they are responsible for hiring or training the person who is operating their craft or if they allow someone who is not fit to operate an unfit boat to use their property.