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Boat Accident Litigation

Boating is an enjoyable and thrilling activity for the whole family, but it could be dangerous. If negligence leads to an accident the victim and their families may be entitled to compensation for injuries and loss.

A NYC lawyer who handles boat accidents can help injured victims get the full amount they deserve. A claim can include past medical expenses as well as other economic damages.

Damages

Although many people imagine bodies of water like the Wild West, there are laws that govern vessels on lakes, rivers and oceans throughout the United States. Boat accidents can be governed by several federal and state laws that are considered when determining the degree of negligence. For instance, if a boat operator was drunk, it could lead to civil action for negligence. Federal laws also deal with death and pollution at sea. Additionally, there are specific maritime laws, like the Jones Act that give injured workers or their families access to compensation that is comparable to workers who receive compensation in other industries.

If a loved one was killed in a boating accident, the family can sue them on behalf of damages such as funeral expenses, lost companionship and pain and suffering. Families can get money to pay for medical expenses from the past as well as future treatment.

If a boating accident caused injuries to you or your loved ones If you or your loved ones were injured, a New York City boat accident attorney can help you determine what damages you could be entitled to claim. A personal injury lawyer can look over your insurance policy and the responsible party’s bergenfield boat accident lawyer liability policy to determine what compensation you are entitled to receive in a settlement or verdict. In addition, an experienced lawyer can determine if there are any additional parties that may be liable for the incident, such as the manufacturer of the boat or part.

Liability

Generally, injured boaters seek damages to recover medical expenses (past and anticipated) and lost income due to absences from work, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and damage to their boats. Injuries that are serious typically involve neck and back injuries or brain trauma, broken bones, paralysis and internal organ damage.

In boating accidents, there are a variety of people who could bear legal liability for a collision, such as the boat’s operator, any passengers who were aboard at the time of the accident, other boats and watercraft involved in the collision, as well as the manufacturers of the boats and their engines or parts and even government agencies responsible for putting buoys to warn people of danger conditions. A personal injury lawyer can be familiar with the rules and regulations of state law as well as federal maritime laws to determine who could be responsible in a collision.

Under the Jones Act, a worker on a vessel who suffers an injury on the sea has rights to compensation that are similar to those of workers’ compensation beneficiaries. In the same way, sailors injured on international waters or in outer continental shelf waters have the right to make a claim under the Jones Act and other federal maritime regulations. Workers’ compensation laws of the state laws also apply to maritime workers injured as well as the families of deceased sailors.

Gathering Evidence

Evidence collected in the early stages of the legal process will aid in determining the strength and legitimacy of your case. Photographing the scene of the accident will help determine the liability and help determine how the boating collision happened. Eyewitnesses also can provide crucial information that can back your claim.

Medical records are essential for understanding the severity of your injuries as well as the damage they cause. They should contain detailed reports of doctor and hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitative treatments, and the costs associated with these. It is also necessary to document any changes in your income and employment and other non-financial losses.

Spinal cord and brain injuries are common in boat collisions. These injuries may be caused by carbon monoxide poisoning, oxygen deprivation or blunt force trauma, when the head is struck by the propeller of the boat. Most often, these injuries are life-changing.

Other forms of marine injuries include mechanical failures like engine or electrical failure in the steering system, as well as gear shift problems. In these instances our NYC boating accident lawyers will determine if a manufacturer can be held liable for the injuries suffered by victims of accidents.

How to File a Claim

You should seek medical attention right away following an incident on the boat. However, it is recommended to consult with a lawyer before submitting a statement to the insurance adjuster or any other party. Your lawyer can protect your rights and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve for any damages.

The legal process for seeking compensation for a boating accident involves filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the party or parties that are liable. This typically includes providing evidence to justify a claim of economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages may include medical costs and other expenses that result from the accident, such as lost income due to missed work. Noneconomic damages include pain and suffering and other intangible damages that are difficult to quantify.

In some instances, a lasalle boat accident law firm manufacturer or parts of the phoenix boat accident lawyer could be held liable for a mishap if their product was designed or manufactured in a manner that was not safe. A knowledgeable New York boating injury lawyer can determine if a product’s liability is involved and pursue compensation from the responsible parties.

In some cases the boat’s owner might not be held liable for an accident. Boat owners can also be held responsible, especially if the owner is responsible for hiring and training the person operating their vessel or when a person not qualified to operate a craft is allowed on their property.