A fun day boating in the sun can take a serious turn in the blink of an eye. When boats sink, crash, or collide, the potential for injury can be shocking. If you suffered an injury due to an accident on the water, a personal injury attorney might be able to help.
When a boat accident is caused by the negligence of another person, that person may be liable for any resulting injuries. To learn how you can obtain financial compensation for your accident, schedule a consultation with a Lancaster boat accident lawyer today.
Compensation for Boating Accident Injuries
A boat accident victim could recover several types of damages in a successful lawsuit. Recoverable damages include compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Future medical costs
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income
- Permanent disability
- Lost earning capacity
There may be other damages your injuries warrant, as well. For example, if you suffer severe injuries, you may require ongoing medical care. We can seek compensation for such future medical expenses with your doctor’s prognosis. Our personal injury lawyers will fight for what you deserve so that you aren’t left footing the bill down the line.
Wrongful Death Damages
If you lost a loved one in a fatal boat accident, you deserve fair compensation to help your family cope in the wake of such a tragedy. We can seek awards to help you cover your loved one’s medical bills, funeral expenses, and income. Our wrongful death lawyers can also determine who in your family is eligible to file a lawsuit.
Types of Common Boating Wrecks
When investigating a potential case, a Lancaster boat accident attorney might review all of the available evidence from the crash, including accident reports, witness statements, and what is left of the boat itself. Lawyers in Lancaster see boat accidents occur in a variety of situations, and many involve other types of watercraft, such as jet skis.
Boat Collisions
One common type of boat accident involves two boats colliding. Collisions at high speeds can result in devastating injuries.
Colliding With an Object
Some boating injuries result from collisions with fixed options, such as rocks or piers. The careless or reckless operation of a watercraft can put both passengers and bystanders at risk.
Flooding or Sinking
Not every boat accident involves a crash. A seemingly simple event, such as a mechanical failure, could lead to the boat filling with water and eventually sinking. This is especially dangerous for anyone onboard unable to swim.
Falls Overboard
In some cases, an accident can occur when the boat is perfectly still. For a passenger who is unable to swim, is intoxicated, or is in poor physical condition, a fall into the water can be potentially deadly.
Determining Negligence in a Boating Accident Case
Every boater has an obligation to their passengers and others nearby to operate the boat safely and reasonably. If a boat operator acts in an unsafe manner, a jury may find them negligent and hold them responsible for any resulting injuries. To prove negligence, a Lancaster boat accident attorney may work to show that an operator violated a South Carolina safety law. Skilled attorneys know how to present their evidence in a way that leaves the jury with the impression that the boat operator failed to uphold their obligation.
How a Lancaster Boat Accident Attorney Could Help
If you suffered an injury in a boating accident, you deserve the financial compensation you need to get your life back on track. If another person was responsible for your injuries, you should not bear the burden of your medical expenses alone.
A Lancaster boat accident lawyer could help you pursue damages by filing a civil lawsuit and taking it to trial. To learn more, call Schiller & Hamilton to schedule a consultation with an attorney.