Boating is a great recreational activity that many people enjoy. However, a boat collision or capsize can result in significant property damage and physical injury.
If you harmed in a boating accident, you may be facing expensive medical bills and wondering how you will replace your watercraft. Contacting a Norristown boat accident lawyer and discussing your options for filing a lawsuit could be the first step in getting you monetary compensation for damages.
Depending on how severe your injuries are and how much property damage was done, you might qualify for significant compensation. A skilled local attorney could walk you through how to file a personal injury lawsuit and begin seeking damages for your boating wreck.
Common Injuries in Boating Accidents
A passenger falling overboard or a boat capsizing, running aground, or colliding with another boat are examples of different accidents that can occur on a watercraft. These can be serious or even fatal. Some common injuries include:
- Trauma to the brain or spine
- Broken bones
- Amputations
- Burns
- Whiplash and neck injuries
Those who have suffered any of these injuries in a boat wreck should seek medical attention immediately. Once their wounds get treated, it is wise to consult a watercraft accident lawyer in Norristown to learn how to file a claim.
When to File a Boating Injury Claim in Norristown
Before filing an injury claim, injured persons in Norristown must report the boat accident within 48 hours if anyone involved required hospitalization or died. In addition, if the accident caused boat damage that exceeded $2,000, those involved have ten days to report the accident to the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission. These reports could be crucial in helping the plaintiff win their lawsuit, as they provide documentation of the incident and the damage it caused.
When it comes time to file a lawsuit, plaintiffs in Norristown should follow the guidance of their boat crash attorney, who could assist with filing or might even be able to file a claim on their behalf. Per 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524, the victim must submit a claim no later than two years from the boat accident
Recoverable Damages After a Watercraft Wreck
To win a boat accident injury lawsuit, the plaintiff or their local lawyer must prove that another party was negligent, and their negligence caused the accident. For example, steering a boat while intoxicated is a form of negligence. The plaintiff will also need to prove their injuries and damage done to their property were the results of the other party’s negligent behavior.
Compensation gets determined by the value of the property damage done and the monetary deficit the claimant’s physical injuries caused. Some frequently awarded damages are:
- Medical expenses
- Disability
- Lost wages
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
With clear documentation of the accident and the severity of the damage that resulted, a boat injury attorney in Norristown could make a strong case for their client.
Team up with a Boat Collision Attorney in Norristown
The sooner you can hire a Norristown boat accident lawyer, the better. An early investigation allows your attorney to identify and preserve evidence that could disappear if they do not get to the accident scene in time. Reach out to a member of our team to learn whether you have a solid foundation for a lawsuit. Contact us today.
