Boat Accident Litigation
Boating can be a thrilling and enjoyable recreational activity however, it can be a danger. If a negligent action leads to an accident, the victims and their families could be entitled to compensation for injuries and losses.
A NYC boat accident attorney can assist injured victims in getting the full amount they deserve. A claim may include past medical expenses, along with other economic damages.
Damages
Although many people associate bodies of water with the Wild West in the United States, there are laws that govern boats on lakes and rivers as well as oceans. Boat accidents may be a result of a number of laws,
Boat Accident Law Firms both state and federal, that are considered when determining the degree of negligence. For example, if a
boat accident law firms operator was drunk, it could make them vulnerable to civil litigation for negligence. There are federal laws that address pollution and deaths on the sea. Additionally, there are special 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 has been killed in a boating accident, family members can sue on their behalf for damages including lost companionship, funeral expenses as well as pain and loss. Families can even recover money to pay medical bills in the past and future costs for treatment.
If a boating accident has 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 the kind of damages you could be entitled to claim. A personal injury lawyer can review 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. A lawyer with experience will also be able to determine if there are other parties who may be responsible, for instance the manufacturer or a component of the boat that was defective.
Liability
In general, injured boaters seek compensation to cover medical expenses (past and future) as well as lost income resulting from working absences emotional trauma and suffering and pain. Serious injuries commonly involve neck and back injuries or brain trauma, broken bones, paralysis, and internal organ damage.
In boating accidents, there are a variety of parties that could potentially bear legal liability for a accident, including the vessel's operator, other passengers on board at the time of the incident as well as other watercraft and boats involved in the collision, manufacturers of the boats and their engines or parts as well as government agencies responsible for placing buoys to warn of dangerous conditions. An attorney for personal injury is familiar with both state and federal maritime laws to determine who is responsible for an accident.
Under the Jones Act a worker on a vessel who is injured at sea enjoys the same rights as workers compensation beneficiaries. Similar to that, sailors injured in international waters, or the outer continental shelf waters have the right to file claims under the Jones Act as well as other federal maritime regulations. The state workers' compensation laws also apply to injured maritime workers and families of sailors who died.
Gathering Evidence
Evidence gathered in the initial stages of the legal process can help determine the strength and legitimacy of your case. For instance, taking pictures of the scene of the accident could be helpful for determining the extent of liability and the circumstances of the boating accident. Eyewitnesses can also provide valuable evidence to back your claim.
Medical records are essential for establishing the extent of your injuries and associated damages. These records should include detailed reports of hospital and doctor visits, surgeries, rehabilitation treatments, and the costs associated with these. You will need to document changes in your income and job capacity, as well in any other losses that are not financial.
Boat accidents are usually related to brain and spinal cord injuries. These injuries can result from oxygen deprivation carbon monoxide poisoning, blunt force trauma caused by hitting the head on areas like the propeller or side of the boat. These injuries can cause life-changing effect.
Other kinds of marine accidents involve mechanical issues, like engine failure or electrical failure, steering problems, and problems with gear shifts. In these instances our NYC boating accident lawyers will investigate to determine if a company should be held liable for the injuries suffered by victims of accidents.
The process of filing a claim
It is important to seek medical attention immediately following a boating accident. However, it is recommended to consult with a lawyer prior to giving an assurance to the insurance adjuster or to any other party. A lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure that you get the compensation you are entitled to for the damages you have suffered.
The legal process to seek compensation for a boating accident is to file an insurance claim or
Boat accident law Firms lawsuit against the party or parties that are liable. This usually includes the presentation of evidence to justify a claim of economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages are medical expenses and other expenses that result from the accident, as well as lost income due to missed work. Non-economic damages can include pain, suffering, and any other intangible loss that is difficult to quantify.
In some instances, a boat manufacturer, or a component of the
boat accident lawyer could be held responsible for an accident if their product was manufactured or designed in a way that was defective. A skilled New York boating injury lawyer can determine whether a product liability is at stake and seek compensation from the responsible parties.
In some cases the boat owner may not be held accountable for an accident. Owners of vessels can also be held responsible, especially when the owner is responsible for hiring and training the person who operates their vessel or in the event that a person who isn't fit to operate a vessel is allowed on their property.