You enjoyed the Manhattan skyline and your time on the water as your boat sailed through New York Harbor. Unfortunately, your day out didn’t end as planned. Instead of a relaxing afternoon or evening, you are in pain from an unexpected accident.
The New York and New Jersey maritime injury lawyers at Hofmann & Schweitzer understand the shock and confusion passengers experience after being hurt due to someone else's negligence. We're here to guide you through the crucial steps to protect your physical recovery and legal rights.
First, Take Action Before You Leave the Boat
Your well-being is the top priority after any passenger boat injury in New York. Don't try to "tough it out" or wait until you get home to see if you feel better. Insist that the crew call for medical assistance, even if you think it's just minor aches and pains. Some serious injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away. Failure to get prompt medical care could jeopardize your health and your potential injury claim.
Before you leave the ship, it’s also essential to:
- Report the incident to the boat's crew or management. Ask for a copy of the written report for your records.
- Notify the U.S. Coast Guard after a serious accident. Federal authorities may investigate, and their findings could support your claim.
- Get contact information for any witnesses. Their statements could be vital evidence in your case.
- Take pictures. Photograph visible injuries, unsafe conditions on the vessel, and any warning signs, or lack thereof.
Finally, it’s important to avoid signing anything from the boat operator or insurance representative without legal review.
Together, these steps can help you get the evidence you need to proceed with a claim.
Next, Read Your Passenger Ticket Carefully
After reporting the incident, your next priority is to find your passenger ticket and read it thoroughly. It is likely full of tiny print and confusing legalese. However, buried in that fine print may be strict deadlines and requirements that could make or break your case.
Many passenger tickets have very short windows for filing injury claims. Some require you to file your claim within six months of the incident date. You could lose your right to compensation entirely if you miss this deadline.
Additionally, your ticket may also require you to file a lawsuit within one year of the incident. That might sound like plenty of time, but maritime cases require extensive investigation and preparation. Waiting too long to consult an attorney could weaken your claim.
Watch Out for Forced Arbitration Clauses
In addition to the tight deadlines, some passenger tickets require injury claims to be resolved through private arbitration.
While arbitration may sound like a faster, easier alternative to court, the reality is often quite different. Arbitration may heavily favor boat owners and can severely limit your compensation.
You're not alone if you're feeling overwhelmed deciphering your passenger ticket. The terms are confusing, and you have the right to bring your ticket to a New York City maritime injury lawyer who can help you understand your rights.
Now, Get Help From an Experienced Maritime Injury Lawyer
The maritime attorneys at Hofmann & Schweitzer have been fighting for injured passengers' rights for decades. We know the tactics boat owners use to avoid liability, and we don't let them get away with it.
Our team can review your passenger ticket and explain your rights in plain language. We'll help you meet all the necessary deadlines and requirements to preserve your claim. If your ticket contains an unfair arbitration clause, we'll explore all options to challenge it and protect your access to the court system.
Meanwhile, we'll thoroughly investigate the incident to determine who was at fault and how to hold them accountable. Our attorneys regularly work with marine safety experts to build a strong case for full and fair compensation.
After a passenger boat injury, you have enough to worry about without trying to untangle complicated maritime laws and ticket provisions. Let us handle the legal issues so you can focus on healing.
