There are different forms of boating accidents In Mississippi. Some may involve dockworkers, fishing crews, commuter boats, and cruise ships.
Other boat accidents can occur when people are out for fun activities like cruising, sailing, or fishing.
Boating accidents can cause damage, injuries, or worse still, death. If you sustain a boating accident injury through no fault of your own, you can file a claim to receive compensation for the damages. A Mississippi boating accident from Ben Bowden, Attorney at Law, can help.
Boating accidents fall under the maritime or admiralty law. The law governs accidents and injuries, legal contracts, and crimes on waterways. Some boating accidents that involve pleasure craft may not fall under the admiralty law, but rather personal injury law. Our attorneys have experience in maritime law, premise liability, and workplace injury and are ready to offer the help you need to achieve the best results.
Some of the most common boating accident injuries include:
A Mississippi boating accident attorney from Ben Bowden, Attorney at Law, can help you recover damages depending on the severity of your injuries. However, we must prove that the other party caused your injuries.
Some of the damages you can recover from a boating accident include:
Whether you suffered injuries while engaging in watersport activities or working on a boat, you are entitled to receive fair compensation for your losses. We can help you get rightful compensation whether your injuries occurred while at work or at play.
You have three years to file a lawsuit after the accident. This time limit is known as the Statute of Limitations. While every situation is different, it is important to begin building your case as soon as possible.
If another person’s negligence caused your boating accident injuries or damages, you have the right to recover compensation. Do not let the at-fault party’s insurance undermine your rights by paying you less. Ben Bowden, Attorney at Law, is a law firm with years of experience handling the types of cases. Contact us to learn more about how we can represent your interests.
After a boating accident, get medical help as soon as possible, even if you are not sure how badly you were hurt. Report the accident when required, gather names and contact information from witnesses, take photos if you can, and keep copies of medical records, repair estimates, and any communication with insurance companies. You should also avoid giving a recorded statement before speaking with a lawyer.
Yes. If you were injured while riding on a recreational boat, fishing boat, jet ski, or other watercraft, you may have a claim if another person’s negligence caused the accident. This may include careless operation, speeding, boating under the influence, unsafe equipment, overcrowding, or failure to follow boating safety rules.
Responsibility depends on what caused the accident. A boat operator, boat owner, rental company, equipment manufacturer, marina, employer, or another negligent party may be responsible. In some cases, more than one person or company may share fault. A boating accident lawyer can review what happened and determine who may be legally responsible for your injuries.
Some boating accident cases may fall under maritime or admiralty law, while others may be handled as personal injury claims. The answer depends on where the accident happened, what type of vessel was involved, and whether the injured person was working or enjoying recreational activities. Because these rules can affect your rights, it is important to speak with a lawyer who understands boating accident and maritime injury claims.
You may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, future medical care, lost wages, reduced earning ability, property damage, out-of-pocket costs, pain and suffering, and other losses. If the accident caused a death, surviving family members may also have a wrongful death claim.
If you were hurt while working on a boat, your claim may involve different laws than a standard personal injury case. Depending on your job, where you were working, and how the accident happened, your case may involve maritime law, workplace injury rules, or other legal protections. Ben Bowden, Attorney at Law can help you understand which laws apply to your situation.
In many Mississippi personal injury cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, some boating and maritime claims may involve different deadlines depending on the facts of the case. It is best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible so evidence can be preserved and important deadlines are not missed.
Be careful before accepting a settlement. Insurance companies may try to resolve a claim quickly for less than it is worth. Once you accept, you may not be able to ask for more money later, even if your injuries get worse or you need more treatment. A lawyer can review the offer and help you understand whether it accounts for your full losses.
You are not required to hire a lawyer, but it can be more than just a good idea, especially if you were seriously injured, multiple parties were involved, maritime law may apply, or the insurance company is disputing your claim. A lawyer can investigate the accident, gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and pursue the compensation you may be owed.
If you were hurt in a boating accident in Gulfport or anywhere in Mississippi, Ben Bowden, Attorney at Law can help you understand your rights and next steps. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with Mr. Bowden.