There is nothing more satisfying that many Americans love to do during summer than boating. Boating is one of the greatest ways that one gets to relax and cool off from the hustle and bustle of the city. You get to spend quality time with family and friends. Even without a boating license or boat, you can still find your way into the lakes or the Gulf of Mexico. In fact, being a passenger can be more satisfying and fulfilling than when one is the captain.
According to data from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, at least 12 million water vessels are operating in the U.S. This figure doesn’t take into account other vessels used in drilling, long shoring and commercial fishing. With the waterways being crowded on weekends, holidays, and during other festivities, the risk of having a boating accident increases drastically. After sustaining injuries in a boat accident, you may wonder what steps you need to take to be compensated. Filing a personal injury lawsuit with the help of our Pasadena boat accident lawyer could be your only way to financial freedom.
Some of the most common types of boat accidents that result in personal injury lawsuits include:
Defective parts of a boat pose a serious risk to boat operators and passengers. When such defects result in an accident, the injured party can file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer, distributor and retailer of the product. Generally, the manufacturer has the legal responsibility of guaranteeing the quality of their products. But very often, they deny liability when their products contribute to an accident. Therefore, having a knowledgeable Pasadena lawyer is essential to mounting a strong boat wreck case against the manufacturer.
Just as is the case in car accident lawsuits, you can file a personal injury claim in a boat accident caused by the negligence of the operator. Typically, acts such as recklessness, drunkenness, speeding, distraction, or lack of proper training are considered negligence by law. The burden of proof will be on you and your watercraft accident attorney, and the jury or judge must be convinced that you were below 50% at fault for the crash. Otherwise, if your degree of fault is 51% or above, you may fail to recover compensation.
While cruise ships offer passengers luxury, accidents still occur. It’s common for passengers to slip and fall over wet or cluttered floors. When this happens, you can sue the cruise management for unsafe conditions. On top of that, if you fall ill due to food poisoning or other causes while aboard the ship, there is a chance for you to be compensated for the terrible cruising experience.
If you work in a boating company, you are protected under certain federal laws in case you are injured while dispensing your duties. It allows injured persons to seek compensation for harm suffered, as is the case with Texas Workers Compensation Act. However, you will need the legal service of a skilled boat accident attorney to fully understand your rights under this act.
Not all boat accidents justify filing a personal injury lawsuit. For example, if you escape unhurt or suffer minor cuts and bruises that heal on their own, filing a claim may not be feasible. So, before you think of suing the party at fault, you should consult with a seasoned lawyer on whether your boat collision case warrants legal action.
Some of the instances where filing a lawsuit is necessary include:
Depending on the extent of harm suffered, you may be compensated for damages such as:
You can also be compensated for property damage.
Boating activities are highly regulated. So when an accident occurs, you are likely to face multiple state and federal rules that may be difficult to navigate. Fortunately, our highly credentialed Pasadena boat accident lawyers can help you. We understand that the money you have should be channeled into your well-being and adjusting to your injuries. Therefore, through our contingency fee arrangement, we only collect attorneys fees once we recover a settlement on your behalf. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
