Boat Accident Litigation

Boating is an enjoyable and boat accidents thrilling activity for the whole family, but it can be risky. If negligence leads to an accident the victim and their families may be entitled to compensation for losses and injuries.

A NYC lawyer for boat accident attorney accidents will assist victims of injuries to claim the full amount of damages they are entitled to. The claim may cover past medical expenses and other economic damages.

Damages

Although many people imagine bodies of water as if they were the Wild West, there are laws that govern the boats that are moored on lakes, rivers and oceans in the United States. 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 may be sued for negligence. There are also federal laws that deal with death and pollution at sea. In addition, there are specific maritime regulations, such as the Jones Act that give injured workers or their families a pathway to compensation similar to workers compensated in other industries.

If a loved one was killed in a fatal boat crash, the family can sue for damages, including lost companionship and funeral costs. They may also sue for suffering and pain. Families can collect money to cover past medical costs and any future treatment.

A New York City boat accident lawyer can help you determine if you or your loved one was injured during a boating accident. A personal injury lawyer will look over 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 settlement or a jury verdict. A lawyer with experience can also determine if there are any other parties that could be liable, such as the manufacturer or part of the boat that was faulty.

Liability

In general, injured boaters seek damages to recover medical costs (past and future) as well as lost earnings due to absence from work emotional trauma and suffering and pain. The most serious injuries are back and neck injury or brain trauma, broken bones, Boat accidents paralysis, and internal organ damage.

Accidents involving boats can involve many individuals who could be accountable for the accident. These include the operator of the boat, passengers aboard at the time of the accident as well as the other watercraft or boats involved, the makers of boats and their parts, motors, and government agencies that place buoys to warn people of dangers. A personal injury attorney will be knowledgeable of federal and state maritime laws to determine who is liable in an accident.

Under the Jones Act, a worker on a boat who is injured at sea is entitled to compensation that are similar to those of workers' compensation beneficiaries. Similar to that, sailors who are injured in international waters or the outer continental shelf waters can submit claims under the Jones Act as well as other maritime regulations of the federal government. Families of injured maritime workers as well as families of deceased sailors also have claims under state workers insurance laws.

Gathering Evidence

The evidence gathered during the initial stages of the legal process could aid in determining the strength of your case. For instance, taking pictures of the scene of the accident can be helpful for determining the extent of liability and how the boating collision happened. It is also essential to collect evidence from eyewitnesses, since they can be a valuable source of evidence that can support your assertions.

Medical records are crucial for understanding the severity of your injuries and the related damages. The records should include thorough details of hospital and doctor visitations, surgeries, rehabilitation treatments and the costs associated with them. You should document any changes to your income and employment capacity, as with any other non-financial losses.

Spinal cord and brain injuries are common in boat accident lawyers accidents. These types of injuries could be caused by oxygen deficiency carbon monoxide poisoning, or blunt force trauma that results from hitting the head on areas such as the propeller or the side of the boat. These injuries could have a life-altering effect.

Other kinds of marine injuries involve mechanical issues, like electrical or engine malfunctions in steering, abrasions, and problems with gear shifts. Our NYC boating accident lawyers will analyze these cases to determine if the manufacturer should be held accountable for the injuries suffered by accident victims.

Filing a Claim

While it is important to seek medical attention immediately after a boating accident and you should not make an account to an insurance adjuster, or another party without first consulting a lawyer. Your attorney can protect your rights, and ensure that you are compensated in a fair manner for damages.

To seek compensation following a boating accident you must make an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the party(ies) responsible. This usually involves providing evidence to support a claim for economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages are those incurred as a result of medical treatment as well as other expenses related to the accident, such as lost income from missed work. Non-economic damages can include pain, suffering, and other forms of loss that can be difficult to quantify.

In certain instances the boat manufacturer or a component of the boat can be held liable for causing an accident if their product was created or manufactured in a manner that was not safe. A knowledgeable New York boating injury lawyer can investigate whether product liability is involved and seek compensation from the parties responsible.

In certain situations the boat's owner might not be held liable for an accident. Owners of vessels can be held accountable, particularly in the event that the owner is responsible for hiring and training the person who operates their vessel, or when a person who is not fit to operate a vessel is allowed to use their property.