Whether you’re going tubing or fishing, enjoying time on a boat with friends and family is the perfect way to spend the summer days. Unfortunately, like with any outdoor activity, potential dangers place you and others at risk.
In New York’s 2021 Recreational Boating Report, the fatality rate was 4.10 deaths per 100,000 registered watercraft. While some accidents may occur from one’s own mistakes, others result from the boat’s operator, passenger, designer, manufacturer, or distributor’s negligence. If you suffer from a severe New York boating accident due to someone else’s behavior, you can hold them accountable and recover your losses.
Who Is Responsible for Your Injuries in a Boating Accident?
A boating accident can result in long-term injuries and even death. Not only is the accident itself dangerous, but there’s an added level of uncertainty and risk depending on the water and location of the accident. The water current, depth, and pressure can all transform a minor collision into a severe injury case.
A boating accident should never be downplayed. Whether they drove the boat you occupied or the one that collided with your watercraft, the person operating the boat is often responsible for your injuries. However, suppose a manufacturing error, design error, or malfunction resulted in the accident. In that case, you may be able to hold the individuals responsible for ensuring the boat’s safe usability liable for your losses.
To hold a person responsible for your boating accident losses, you must prove their actions resulted in the crash and your injuries. Gathering evidence for a boating accident is extremely challenging and requires expert opinions from professionals like biomedical engineers who combine their knowledge of engineering principles with sciences to map accidents from sustained injuries and damage. Getting into contact with these individuals can be challenging without an experienced lawyer. Speak with a highly-qualified boating accident lawyer to learn more about the specifics of your case.
Compensation After a Boating Accident in New York
When you suffer long-term, debilitating injuries in a boating accident, the physical and financial losses you suffer can place a heavy burden on you and your family. You may be unable to work or participate in activities you once loved. Working with a lawyer will allow you to have someone who understands your pain and communicates the full extent of your damages to a judge. Some examples of the recoverable losses you may receive compensation for include:
- Pain and suffering
- Treatment and rehabilitation costs
- Prescription medication fees
- Surgical expenses
- Past and future medical expenses
- Physical disfigurement and impairment
- Property damage
- Lost wages or income
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages
Suppose the boat’s driver is acting recklessly and runs into a large rock or bridge. If a person is thrown into a strong current and pushed under, they may suffer a severe brain injury and even death. A boating accident injury lawyer can provide the knowledge and resources for a smooth, stress-free recovery.
Speak With an Award-Winning New York Boating Accident Lawyer Today
When dealing with the complexities of a boating accident, having responsive and award-winning lawyers by your side makes a great deal of a difference. Our attorneys at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP have over 100 years of combined experience advocating for New York residents. We believe in holding people accountable for their actions and utilize our knowledge and connections to provide victims with the closure and compensation they deserve.
With positive past results and testimonials, future clients can feel confident in our team to represent them in their legal proceedings. To schedule a free consultation, call (516) 358-6900 or complete our contact form today. If you want to learn more about our firm, subscribe to our YouTube channel.