boat accident law firms Accident Litigation

Boating can be a thrilling and fun recreational activity, but it is also dangerous. If negligence leads to an accident the victim and their families could be entitled to compensation for losses and injuries.

A NYC boat accident attorney can assist injured victims in getting the full amount they deserve. A claim will include 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 the vessels that travel on rivers, lakes and oceans in the United States. Boat accidents may be a result of various federal and state laws which are considered when determining the degree of negligence. If a boater is drunk, they could be sued for negligence. There are also federal laws that address pollution and deaths at sea. There are also maritime regulations, like the Jones Act, that provide injured workers and their families with similar compensation to other industries.

If a loved one died in a boating accident that killed them, the family can sue to recover damages, including loss of companionship and funeral costs. They may also sue for pain and suffering. Families may also seek compensation to pay medical bills in the past and future costs for treatment.

If a boat accident resulted in injuries to you or your loved ones and loved ones, a New York City boat accident attorney accident lawyer can assist you in determining what type of damages you could be entitled to claim. An attorney for personal injuries can review your insurance coverage and the responsible party's boat liability policies to determine what type of compensation you may be entitled to in a settlement or a verdict. An experienced lawyer can also determine if there are any other parties that could be responsible, for instance the manufacturer, or even a part of the boat that was faulty.

Liability

In general, boaters who are injured seek damages to recover medical expenses (past and future), lost income from working absences, emotional trauma and suffering and pain. Serious injuries commonly involve neck and back injuries as well as brain trauma, broken bones, paralysis or internal organ damage.

Boating accidents can involve a variety of parties who could be held liable for the crash. These include the operator of the boat, passengers aboard at the time of the accident, other boats or watercraft involved, the makers of boats and their parts, motors, and government agencies that put up buoys to warn the public of dangerous conditions. A personal injury lawyer will be familiar with federal and state maritime laws in order to determine who is at fault in an accident.

Under the Jones Act a worker on an vessel that is injured on the sea has similar rights to those of workers compensation beneficiaries. Additionally, sailors injured on international waters or in outer continental shelf waters have the right to claim compensation under the Jones Act and other federal maritime regulations. Families of injured maritime workers as well as families of deceased sailors also have claims under state workers insurance 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 example, taking photographs of the scene of the accident can be useful in determining the extent of responsibility as well as establishing what caused the boating crash. Eyewitnesses may also provide valuable evidence to back your claim.

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

Boat accidents are usually associated with brain and spinal cord injuries. These types of injuries could result from oxygen deprivation carbon monoxide poisoning, or blunt force trauma that results from hitting the head on places like the propeller, or on the side of the boat. These injuries could have a life-changing effect.

Other kinds of marine accidents involve mechanical issues, like electrical or engine malfunctions, steering problems, and gear shift issues. Our NYC lawyers for boating accidents will examine these cases to determine whether the manufacturer should be held responsible for the injuries suffered by accident victims.

The process of filing a claim

You should seek medical attention immediately following a boating accident. However, it is recommended to consult a lawyer before giving an admission to the insurance adjuster or another party. Your lawyer will protect your rights and ensure that you get the money you need for your losses.

To seek compensation following a boating collision it is necessary to file an insurance claim, or a lawsuit against the party(ies) responsible. It is typical to present evidence in support of the claim, which includes damages both economic and noneconomic. Economic damages are those incurred as a result of medical treatment as well as other expenses related to the accident, like the loss of income resulting from missing work. Non-economic damages can include pain, suffering, and other forms of loss that can be difficult to quantify.

In some instances the manufacturer of a vessel or one of its components could be held responsible for an accident in the event that their product was defectively constructed or designed. A New York boating accident lawyer will investigate the possibility of product liability and seek compensation from the responsible parties.

In some cases the boat's operator might not be held liable for a collision. The owners of boats can also be held accountable, in particular when the owner is responsible for the hiring and training of the person who operates their vessel, or in the event that a person who isn't fit to operate a vessel is allowed to use their property.