Boat Accident Litigation Boating can be a thrilling and enjoyable recreational activity but it's also a risky one. If a negligent action leads to an accident, the victim and their families could be entitled to monetary compensation for the injuries and losses. A NYC boat accident attorney can assist injured victims in getting the amount they deserved. A claim includes an obligation to pay for medical expenses as well as other economic damages. Damages Although many people imagine waters like 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 a result of various federal and state laws that are considered when determining the degree of negligence. If a boat driver is drunk, they may be sued for negligence. There are also federal laws that address death and pollution at sea. Additionally, there are specific maritime laws, like the Jones Act that give injured workers or their families a pathway to compensation that is similar to workers compensated in other industries. If a loved one has been killed in a boat accident, the family members may sue on their behalf for damages that include loss of companionship, funeral expenses as well as pain and suffering. Families can seek compensation to cover medical costs from the past and future treatment. If a boating accident caused injuries to you or your loved ones A New York City boat accident attorney can assist you in determining the kind of damages you are entitled to claim. A personal injury lawyer will review your insurance policy and the boat liability policies of the responsible party to determine the amount of compensation you could be entitled to receive as part of settlement or a jury verdict. A lawyer with experience can also determine if are any other parties that could be liable, such as the manufacturer or a component of the boat that was faulty. Liability Generally, injured boaters pursue damages to cover medical expenses (past and expected) as well as lost income due to time missed from work or pain and suffering emotional trauma, and damage to their boats. The most serious injuries are neck and back injuries, brain trauma, broken bones, paralysis, and internal organ damage. Boating accidents may involve many individuals who could be liable for the crash. These include the boat operator, passengers who were aboard at the time of the incident as well as the other watercraft or boats involved, manufacturers of boats as well as their parts, engines and government agencies that put up buoys to alert people of dangerous conditions. An attorney for personal injury is well-versed in federal and state maritime laws to determine who is at fault for an accident. Under the Jones Act, a worker on a boat who is injured at sea has rights to a compensation equal to that of workers' compensation recipients. Similar to sailors injured in international waters, or the outer continental shelf waters can claim compensation under the Jones Act as well as other federal maritime regulations. The state workers' compensation laws also apply to injured maritime workers and the families of sailors who have died. Gathering Evidence Evidence gathered during the early stages of the legal process will aid in determining the strength and viability of your case. Photographing the accident scene can help determine the extent of liability and determine how the boating incident occurred. It's also important to obtain details from eyewitnesses as they can provide evidence which can back up your claims. Medical records are essential to understanding the severity of your injuries and the damage that resulted from it. These records should include thorough details of doctor and hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitative treatments, and the cost associated with these. You should document changes in your income and capacity to work, as well with any other non-financial losses. Boat accidents are frequently related to brain and spinal cord injuries. Injuries in this category may be caused by oxygen deprivation carbon monoxide poisoning, blunt force trauma that results from hitting the head on places like the propeller, or on the side of the boat. These injuries can cause life-changing effect. https://vimeo.com/709574343 of marine injuries involve mechanical problems, such as electrical or engine malfunctions, steering problems, and gear shift issues. In these cases, our NYC boating accident lawyers will investigate to determine if a manufacturer can be held accountable for injuries sustained by victims of accidents. Making a Claim While it is vital to seek medical attention for injuries as soon as you can following a boat accident, you should not offer a statement to an insurance adjuster or other party without consulting with a lawyer. Your attorney can protect your rights, and ensure that you get the right amount of compensation for the damage. In order to obtain compensation after a boating accident, you will need to file an insurance claim, or an action against the party(ies) responsible. It is commonplace to present evidence in support of a claim for both economic and noneconomic damage. Economic damages include the costs of medical treatment and other expenses associated with the accident, for example lost income from missed work. Non-economic damages can include pain, suffering, and any other intangible loss that can be difficult to quantify. In some cases, a boat manufacturer or a part of the boat could be held responsible for causing an accident if their product was designed 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 some cases there are instances where it is not only the person who operates a boat that could be held accountable for a crash. The owners of boats can also be held accountable, in particular when they are responsible for the hiring and training of the person who operates their vessel or when a person not qualified to operate a craft is allowed to use their property.