Boating accidents are not uncommon. Depending where the accident occurred, federal, state and sometimes international laws govern these types of accidents. Regardless of where the accident occurs, a boating accident can be frightening and result in very serious injuries. The injuries that are often seen with these accidents can range from spinal cord injuries, to head injuries, paralysis and even death. If you have been injured, it is important to seek legal guidance from a New York City Boat Accident Lawyer at Stephen Bilkis and Associates. You deserve to be compensated for your injuries.
In the aftermath of the accident you could be dealing with the inability to work, while contending with ever increasing medical expenses. You may be wondering if you should pursue a claim, but don't know how to approach valuing a boat accident case.
Hiring the right law firm is crucial. The lawyers here at Stephen Bilkis and Associates have successfully represented thousands of clients and helped them get the compensation they deserve. The total of these jury verdicts and settlements is well over one half billion dollars ($500,000,000).
Valuing a Boat Accident CaseWhether you have been in a recreational boating accident, a ferry accident or jet ski accident, there are many factors to consider in valuing your case. Some of these considerations will include:
Physical Injuries: What are the amount of medical bills involved? This is the most important consideration in determining the value of your case. Are you able to work? What is the extent of your injuries? These and other questions need to be determined by a boat accident lawyer familiar with New York City law and procedure.
Pain and Suffering/Quality of Life: The laws allow a plaintiff to collect compensation for pain and suffering. While no amount of money can fully compensate you for your injury, your lawyer will try to determine a dollar amount that reflects the extent of your injuries. To determine this amount, your medical records and the extent of your injuries will be assessed. If you have permanent injuries, that will be considered. Loss of quality of life will also be determined. If you were an avid runner for instance, and because of the accident lost the use of your legs, you have a significant loss of quality of life.
Money Damages: Money damages address your lost wages. This may include past loss of income as well as anticipated future loss of income. If the nature of your injuries will permanently prevent you from working, this amount alone can run into the millions of dollars. The court will also adjust this amount based on cost of living increases and inflation.
Insurance: Every insurance company operates according to a different set of policies and procedures. Insurance policy limits will be a key issue. If for example, the policy limits of the defendant's insurance policy are $750,000, it will be difficult to obtain a higher amount. Your New York City boat accident lawyer may find other avenues to pursue however, sometimes there will be an umbrella policy for example, that will provide additional coverage.
Recent injury cases have had the following outcomes:
Nassau County, New York-$2,490,000 Verdict Plaintiff was injured by defectively designed watercraft.
New York County, New York-$10,346,656 Verdict Plaintiff falls into gap at subway station.
Nassau County, New York-$1,200,000 Verdict Plaintiff prevailed in a head on collision case.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, you probably have a lot of questions. You may be healing from emotional and physical injuries, and at the same time be overwhelmed with medical bills and supporting your family. Contact the experienced attorneys at Stephen Bilkis and Associates for guidance. The sooner you contact us, the sooner our legal team can set to work gathering evidence and creating a strategy to move forward. You deserve compensation for your injuries. Contact a boat accident lawyer at one of our New York city locations today at 800.696.9529. We have offices in Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island, as well as Nassau County, Suffolk County and Westchester County.