If you or a loved one have been injured in a boating accident that was caused by another person’s negligence, please seek help from a Pittsburgh boating accident attorney as soon as possible. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we understand these cases can become complex, but we will work diligently to secure the compensation you deserve. Let our dedicated and experienced team get to the bottom of what happened so we can ensure you are treated fairly.
HOW DO THESE INCIDENTS HAPPEN?
You probably only hear about boating incidents when multiple fatalities occur in major crashes. However, boating injuries happen all the time in and around Pittsburgh. Some of the most common causes of boating accidents are:
- Boaters being improperly fastened into their seats
- Boaters failing to wear safety vests
- Boats capsizing
- Operating in poor weather conditions
- Faulty or defective equipment
- Improper loading techniques (cargo or people)
- Operating a boat while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Failure to follow state and federal boating laws and regulations
WHAT KIND OF INJURIES ARE COMMON IN BOATING ACCIDENTS?
Boat accidents can cause severe injuries to those on board. We commonly handle cases of clients suffering from:
- Broken or dislocated bones
- Severe lacerations or amputations
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
WHO CAN BE HELD LIABLE FOR THESE INJURIES?
Both private boat owners and commercial boat operators can be held liable for boating accident injuries. When the negligence of a boat owner causes harm, you should not be on the line for expenses. Boat owners and companies have a duty to their patrons and guests, including:
- Ensuring that all crew members are trained properly.
- Ensuring that the boat and all equipment are inspected regularly and well-maintained.
- Making sure crews follow all maritime laws and do not willfully operate in bad weather.
- Making sure the proper safety equipment, including lifejackets, are on board and everyone knows how to use them.
DEADLINE TO FILE A PITTSBURGH BOAT ACCIDENT LAWSUIT
If you or somebody you love has been injured in a Pittsburgh boating accident, you may need to file a lawsuit in order to recover the compensation you are entitled to. However, you need to keep in mind that federal law establishes a deadline for filing maritime personal injury cases.
The personal injury statute of limitations for boat and jet skis is three years from the date the injury occurs. This means that a boat accident victim has a three-year window with which to file a lawsuit against an alleged negligent party. Failing to file within this timeframe could result in a victim being unable to recover any compensation for their boat accident expenses. You should always consult a lawyer about the time limit because other factors may decrease the time limit.
As soon as you have sustained a boating injury, you need to contact the Pittsburgh boat accident lawyers at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman for assistance with your case.
HOW WILL AN ATTORNEY HELP A PITTSBURGH BOAT ACCIDENT CASE?
Many boat accident victims wonder if they need an attorney to help with their case. Please understand that a Pittsburgh boat accident case can become immensely complicated, particularly when insurance carriers and legal teams get involved. While you may think you have a cut-and-dry case against a negligent party, that does not mean it will be easy to prove.
A Pittsburgh boat accident lawyer at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman will have the resources and legal experience necessary to:
- Obtain all evidence related to the boat accident, including photo video surveillance, boat owner or operator safety logs, maintenance records for the boat, statements from eyewitnesses, and more.
- Work with trusted medical professionals to ensure their client’s well-being and to help calculate the total expected expenses.
- Negotiate with every party involved to obtain a fair settlement on behalf of their client or prepare the case for trial if necessary to obtain maximum compensation.
WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE WHO WORK ON THE WATER?
If you work primarily on the water, you likely do not fall under regular workers’ compensation laws. Instead, injured maritime workers are protected and eligible for compensation through the Jones Act or the Longshore Workers’ Compensation Act. Both of these serve as forms of workers’ compensation and provide extensive protections for maritime employees.
POPULAR PITTSBURGH BOATING AREAS
Pittsburgh has plenty of opportunities for residents and visitors to get out on the water and enjoy the warm summer weather. There are reports that Pittsburgh has the second largest number of registered pleasure boats in the United States, with more than 66,000 boaters registered in Allegany County alone.
It is not uncommon to see hundreds of watercraft on the three rivers on any given day. Whether fishing, enjoying some water sports, or just relaxing in the sun, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water. Within the Pittsburgh city limits, there are four public boat launches. There are 17 marinas in Allegheny County. Unfortunately, the Pittsburgh boat accident lawyers at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman know that, with so many boats on the water, that also means that there will be boat accident injuries. Not every boater operates safely, and this can cause harm to you or your loved ones.
WE ARE READY TO HELP WITH YOUR CASE
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a boating accident that was caused by another person’s negligence, seek legal assistance now. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we know that boating accidents can happen on private and commercial boats and that these injuries can be devastating. Let us get to work on securing the compensation you deserve. This can include:
- Your medical expenses related to the incident
- Lost wages and benefits if you cannot work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of personal enjoyment damages
- Possible punitive damages against those responsible
If you need a Pittsburgh boating accident lawyer, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 888-988-9467.