Boat Accident Litigation

Boating can be an enjoyable and thrilling activity for the whole family, but it can be risky. If negligence leads to an accident, the victims and their families could be entitled to compensation for the loss and injuries.

A NYC boat accident attorney can help injured victims get the amount they deserved. A claim is the need for past medical expenses as well as other economic damages.

Damages

Many people think of waters like the Wild West, there are laws that govern the vessels on lakes, rivers, and oceans in the United States. Boat accidents can trigger multiple federal and state laws which are weighed in determining if negligence occurred. For instance, if a boat operator was drunk, it could make them vulnerable to civil lawsuits for negligence. Federal laws also deal with pollution and deaths at sea. Additionally, 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 boating accident, the family members may sue them on behalf of damages such as funeral expenses, lost companionship as well as pain and suffering. Families may also seek compensation for medical bills from the past and future medical expenses.

If a shelbyville boat accident lawsuit accident has caused injuries to you or your loved ones A New York City boat accident lawyer can assist you in determining what damages you may 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 are entitled to in a settlement or a verdict. A knowledgeable lawyer can determine if there are any other parties who may be accountable for the incident, such as the manufacturer of the boat or part.

Liability

In general, boaters who are injured seek compensation to cover medical costs (past and future) and lost income due to working absences emotional trauma, and suffering and pain. The most serious injuries are neck and back injuries or brain trauma, broken bones, paralysis and organ damage.

Boating accidents may involve many parties that could be held liable for the crash. These include the operator of the boat, any passengers who were aboard at the time of the incident as well as other watercraft or boats involved, boat manufacturers, their parts, engines, and government agencies that place buoys to alert people of dangers. A personal injury lawyer is aware of the rules and regulations of state law as well as federal maritime laws to determine who can be responsible in a collision.

Under the Jones Act, a worker on a vessel who suffers an injury at sea is entitled to compensation that are similar to those of workers' compensation beneficiaries. Similarly, sailors who are injured in international waters or in the outer continental shelf waters are entitled to make a claim under the Jones Act and other federal maritime regulations. Workers' compensation laws also apply to maritime workers who have been injured as well as the families of sailors who died.

Gathering Evidence

The evidence you gather in the beginning stages of the legal process can help determine the strength of your case. For instance, taking photographs of the scene of the accident can be helpful for determining the extent of liability and how the boating collision occurred. It is also important to obtain evidence from eyewitnesses, since they can offer valuable evidence that can support your claims.

Medical records are essential to finding out the extent of your injuries, and the damages that resulted. These records should include thorough details of doctor and hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitation treatments, as well as the costs associated with these. You should document changes in your income and job capacity, as well as any other non-financial loss.

Spinal cord and brain injuries are common in boat accidents. These injuries can result from oxygen deficiency carbon monoxide poisoning, or blunt force trauma caused by hitting the head on places like the propeller or side of the boat. Often, these injuries are life-changing.

Other forms of marine injuries include mechanical failures that can result from electrical or engine problems as well as steering system malfunctions and gear shift issues. Our NYC boating accident attorneys will look into these cases to determine if the manufacturer should be held responsible for the injuries sustained by accident victims.

How to File a Claim

While it is important to seek medical attention for injuries immediately following a boating accident, you should not offer an account to an insurance adjuster or other party without first consulting a lawyer. Your lawyer will protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to for the damages you have suffered.

The legal procedure for seeking compensation in the event of a boating accident involves filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the party or parties that are liable. It is standard to provide evidence in support of a claim for both non-economic and economic damages. Economic damages are medical expenses and other expenses that are incurred due to the accident, including the loss of income resulting from missing work. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, and other types of intangible loss that is difficult to quantify.

In certain cases the boat manufacturer or parts of the boat may be held liable for a mishap if their product was created or manufactured in a flawed manner. A New York boating accident lawyer will investigate the possibility of product liability and seek compensation from the parties responsible.

In certain situations the boat's operator might not be held liable for an accident. Owners of vessels can also be held accountable, especially when the owner is responsible for the hiring and training of the person operating their vessel, or when a person not qualified to operate a boat is allowed on their property.