Boat Accident Litigation Boating can be a thrilling and enjoyable recreational activity however, it can also be dangerous. If a negligent decision leads to an accident, victims and their families could be entitled to financial compensation for the injuries and losses. A NYC boat accident lawyer can assist injured victims in obtaining the full amount of damages they deserve. The claim may cover past medical expenses and other economic damages. Damages While many people think of bodies of water similar to the Wild West, there are laws that govern vessels that travel on rivers, lakes, and oceans in the United States. Boat accidents can involve multiple federal and state laws that are considered to determine if negligence was the cause. If a boater is drunk, they may be liable for negligence. Federal laws also deal with pollution and deaths at sea. There are maritime regulations, such as the Jones Act, that provide injured workers and their families with similar compensation pathways to other industries. If a loved one has been killed in a tragic boat accident, the family can sue to recover damages, including lost companionship and funeral expenses. https://vimeo.com/709575999 can also sue for suffering and pain. Families can also recover money to pay medical bills in the past and future treatment costs. If a boat accident caused injuries to you or your loved ones If you or your loved ones were injured, a New York City boat accident lawyer can assist you in determining what damages you might be entitled to claim. An attorney for personal injury can review your insurance policy and the policies on boat liability of the responsible party to determine what compensation you are eligible to receive as part of a settlement or jury verdict. Additionally, a skilled lawyer can assess whether there are any other parties that may be liable for the accident such as the manufacturer of the boat or part. Liability In general, injured boaters seek damages to recover medical costs (past and future) and lost income due to time away from work, emotional trauma and suffering and pain. Most serious injuries involve back and neck injury, brain trauma, broken bones, paralysis or internal organ damage. Accidents involving boats can involve many people who could be held responsible for the crash. These include the operator of the boat, any passengers aboard at the time of accident as well as other watercraft or boats involved, boat manufacturers, their parts, engines, and government agencies that set up buoys to warn the public of dangerous conditions. A personal injury lawyer is well-versed in federal and state maritime laws in order to determine who is liable 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. Similarly, sailors who are injured on international waters or in the outer continental shelf waters have the right to claim compensation under the Jones Act and other federal maritime regulations. Workers' compensation laws of the state laws also apply to maritime workers injured and families of sailors who have passed away. Gathering Evidence The evidence collected during the initial stages of the legal process can help determine the strength of your case. Photographing the accident scene can help establish liability and determine how the boating collision happened. It is also essential to collect details from eyewitnesses as they can be a valuable source of evidence to support your assertions. Medical records are essential to in determining the extent of your injuries and the associated damages. These records should include detailed accounts of hospital and doctor visits, surgeries, rehabilitation treatments, and the costs associated with these. It is also necessary to keep track of any changes in your employment and income capacity along with other losses that are not financial in nature. Brain and spinal cord injuries are common in boating accidents. These injuries can result from carbon monoxide poisoning, oxygen deprivation, or blunt force trauma that occurs when your head strikes the propeller of the boat. These injuries could have a life-altering effect. Other types of marine injuries include mechanical failures like electrical or engine problems or steering system malfunctions and gear shift issues. Our NYC lawyer for boating accidents will examine these cases to determine whether the manufacturer can be held accountable for the injuries sustained by accident victims. The process of filing a claim It is important to seek medical attention immediately following an accident with a boat. However, you should consult a lawyer prior to submitting an admission to the insurance adjuster or any other party. A lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation that you need for your losses. In order to seek compensation for a boating incident it is necessary to submit an insurance claim or an action against the party(ies) responsible. This usually involves the presentation of evidence to support a claim for financial and noneconomic damages. Economic damages include the costs of medical treatment and other expenses associated with the accident, including lost income from missed work. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, and other intangible loss that may be difficult to quantify. In certain cases the maker of a vessel or one of its components could be held accountable for an accident in the event that their product was defectively created or manufactured. A knowledgeable New York boating injury lawyer will determine if product responsibility is involved and seek compensation from the parties responsible. In some cases, it is not just the person who operates a boat who may be held liable for an accident. The owner of the vessel may be held responsible also, particularly when they are accountable for hiring or training the person operating their vessel, or permit someone who isn't qualified to operate an unfit boat to use their property.