Long Island Boat Accident

Because there are so many bodies of water in and around New York, water transit and recreational water sports are extremely popular. Many New Yorkers use water taxis and ferries regularly to get to work. Tourists and residents alike take advantage of the many boat tours. Individuals own a variety of personal watercraft from huge yachts to jet skis. While boats are both practical and fun, they can also be dangerous. If someone operates a boat or other type of watercraft negligently, then victims may end up with serious injuries. For example, if a boat is in an accident and a victim falls on the boat or into the water, the victim may suffer trauma to the head, an injury to the back or to the spinal cord injury. Such serious injuries could leave the victim with cognitive problems or mobility problems. In some cases, sadly, the victim does not survive. Because of the legal complexities often associated with a boat accident, if you were injured in a boat accident it is recommended that you call an experienced Long Island boat accident lawyer from our office who will aggressively work to protect your legal rights.

There are a variety of types of boat accidents such as passengers falling overboard, slip and fall accidents, trip and fall accidents, file, capsizing, and sinking or flooding. Each of these types of accidents is typically caused because someone was negligent. The specific types of negligence include:

• Operator inexperience
• Operator error
• Failure to maintain
• Operating the boat while drunk
• Mechanical failure

In Jane Smith was enjoying a day cruise with her family on a commercial boat. While injured her wrist as she tried to break her fall. Despite her efforts to avoid injury, Smith ended up hitting he head hard against the deck, resulting in a serious concussion. Smith was treated in the local emergency room, then she was admitted to the hospital for a few days. After she was released she suffered from blinding headaches, dizziness, and nausea for several months. Smith filed a personal injury claim against the operator of the cruise line claiming that they failed to maintain the boat in such a way that it was free from hazards, and as a result she suffered a serious injury.

Boat accident victims commonly suffer the following serious injuries:

• Injuries to the back and spinal cord
• Head and brain injuries
• Deep cuts and lacerations
• Internal injuries
• Nerve damage
• Broken bones

Boat accident injuries can be serious, and can lead to substantial medical expenses, extended recovery time, and missed to work. Through a personal injury claim there are a variety of types of financial compensation that may be available to you based on your losses. For example, seriously injured victims will undoubtedly face substantial medical expenses. These expenses include the fees your doctors charge, including fees charged by specialists. You may also have fees related to your visit to the emergency room and stay at the hospital fees. You treatment may include surgery, medication, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and psychological counseling. Furthermore, if you miss work for weeks, months or even years, the negligent party may be order to pay you compensation for the wages and other compensation that you lost.

Boat accident cases are extremely complicated and may involve state, federal as well as international law. To make sure that your case is properly handled, it is critical that those who represent you are experienced handling boat accident cases. Contact the staff at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates to discuss the details of your case. We are experienced in handling claims from people injured on a variety of watercraft including fishing boats, water skis, cruise ships, jet skis, commuter ferries, and sailboats. Contact our boat accident attorneys serving Long Island at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.