Boating accidents occur on commercial and recreational vessels every year, and for victims, an accident is a frightful and painful experience. Following an accident, a Hamburg boat accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for your injuries and manage the legal process. Here is what you should know about boat accident compensation.
Boat Accident Compensation | Liability
Boat operators and commercial cruise or ferry operators have a responsibility to protect their passengers and other boaters on the water. Therefore, if a boating operator acts in a negligent manner, that operator may be liable for the accident. An operator can be deemed negligent for many different reasons. Some of the most common include:
- Operators that do not adhere to safety precautions, e.g. excessive speed or insufficient onboard safety devices
- Operating a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Creating a wake that causes another boat to capsize or become damaged
- Operating a boat in unsafe weather conditions
- Operating a vessel that hasn’t been properly maintained
These are just a few examples of operator negligence. There are many more. It’s your attorney’s responsibility to investigate and determine the liable party in the accident. Typically, that includes a thorough investigation of the accident and the steps that led up to it. Your attorney may also contact witnesses, collect reports from investigators and first responders, and/or work with experts to reconstruct the accident.
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Boat Accident Compensation | Types of Compensation
No matter what types of injuries you have sustained, you are entitled to compensation for out-of-pocket expenses and emotional, financial and physical distress. An experienced Hamburg boat accident lawyer can help you by fighting for full compensation for your injuries.
There are many types of compensation available for victims that help to offset the costs of injuries and recovery. Compensatory damages cover all out-of-pocket expenses, as well as costs related to physical, financial and emotional suffering. This type of compensation can cover:
- Past and future medical bills
- Loss of future earnings
- Loss of wages
- Medical costs, rehabilitation costs, and diagnostic testing
- Pain and suffering
- Property loss
- Loss of normal life
Punitive Damages. In cases of gross negligence or malice, victims may be entitled to punitive damages. This type of compensation is a financial punishment for the operator’s negligence, and it is awarded by the jury if your case goes to trial. Your attorney can help you determine if punitive damages are appropriate in your case.
If you have been injured in a boat accident and want to know more about receiving boat accident compensation, please contact our experienced Hamburg boat accident lawyer today to schedule a free consultation.