Get A Free Consultation
(832) 449-8230
Boat accidents often result in life-changing injuries, property damage, and fatalities. Because many of these incidents stem from negligence, victims have the right to pursue legal action for compensation. By exploring personal injury laws, they can claim damages for lost wages, treatment costs, loss of property, pain and suffering, loss of future income, emotional distress, and more.
If you have been injured while boating on Texas waterways, someone may have disregarded your safety. Our dedicated La Porte boat accident lawyers are here to investigate every detail of the incident. We will help establish negligence and secure the compensation you deserve.
Determining fault in a water-vessel accident is a necessary yet challenging step. It’s the only way to identify the party responsible for your injuries and losses. By establishing liability, you get the chance to properly sue for compensation. Some of the parties that could be at fault in a boat accident case include:
Boat operators are the most common defendants in boat accident cases. This is primarily because they are the first line of defense for passengers. They must exercise high caution for everyone’s safety. Actions deemed negligent include violating maritime laws, operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol, speeding, and reckless driving. A skilled La Porte boat accident attorney will review the operator’s behaviors to determine whether they are liable.
Boat owners can also be sued for damages following an accident. Even if they are not directly responsible for the operations of their vessel, they could bear liability for the negligence of their operator. Vessel maintenance is also their responsibility. If someone is injured due to improper maintenance or driver negligence, the boat owner may carry some of the fault.
Additionally, vicarious liability allows injured persons to sue an employer for employee negligence.
Some boat accidents are beyond the control of vessel operators and owners. The manufacturer may be sued when a defective part or system results in a boat accident. However, the defect must be directly traced back to the manufacturer. A product liability claim is filed when a manufacturer is aware of defects but fails to warn or recall their products. Suing billion-dollar companies without legal representation is not recommended. Hiring a boat accident lawyer helps level the playing field and maximize compensation.
Yes. You can be eligible for compensation if you were hurt as a maritime worker. Maritime work is one of the riskiest jobs. Workers face untold hazards, such as harsh weather conditions. For example, high winds, storms, and rough seas significantly contribute to life-threatening incidents such as drowning and hypothermia.
As in any workplace in Texas, your employer has a legal responsibility over your safety and well-being. They must take all necessary measures to ensure your safety while aboard a vessel. Whether you work in a cargo ship, tour boat, coast guard, cruise ship, or fishing vessel, employers must adhere to safety and health regulations as applicable in your line of work.
When negligence causes foreseeable harm, maritime workers can file a worker’s compensation claim with their employer. Specifically, the Jones Act allows seamen to sue their employers for injuries and losses that occur while on navigable waters. Non-seamen and other maritime workers can also claim compensation from negligent employers through the Longshore Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act (LHWCA). While negligence, no matter how small, must be shown under the Jones Act, claimants in LHWCA are not required to demonstrate negligence. A knowledgeable La Porte boat accident attorney will help you understand these laws and navigate the legal system on your behalf.
Yes. There are time limits for filing claims after a boat accident. Usually, potential claimants have up to two years from the day of injury to pursue an injury claim. However, there may be variations, such as when a minor is involved. If you are considering filing a personal injury claim following a maritime accident, it’s important to consult with seasoned boat accident attorneys in your area.
No amount of money can make up for the harm and trauma of an accident. However, recovering maximum compensation helps relieve the financial burden of a serious injury. Let our La Porte boat accident lawyers help you get the money you rightfully deserve. Call us now to arrange a free consultation with our team at Lone Star Injury Attorneys.
Lone Star Injury Attorneys, PLLC
N/a
