Ylla | Gosney Attorneys at Law represent injured boating accident victims in Norman, OK. Whether you’re boating in Calypso Cove or Norris Marine, boating accidents can happen when someone is careless on the water. With less safety restrictions than most vehicles, boating accidents can result in horrific injuries, costing people a fortune in medical bills and damage to their well-being. But that’s where the Boating Accident Attorneys at Ylla | Gosney can help.
We understand the devastation a boating accident injury can have. From mounting medical bills to an inability to work and support your family. That’s why we protect you from liability and ensure you recover fair compensation. Contact Ylla | Gosney today for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation to see what legal options are available for your situation.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Boating Accident in Norman OK?
What most victims injured in a boating accident in Norman, OK, don’t realize until it is too late is that they do not have to bear the costs of another person’s careless actions. In fact, most injured victims in general do not receive full compensation for the damage done to their life, even when they do file a personal injury claim.
That’s because insurance companies are looking to undercompensate you for your injuries. They will take advantage of injured victims like yourself who are looking for any type of compensation as they miss more time at work, and medical bills begin to pile up. But that’s why it is strongly recommended to consult with a lawyer after suffering an injury.
At Ylla | Gosney, we stand up for the rights of injured victims in Norman, OK. An insurance company is supposed to be there for victims in their time of need, and we will take legal action on your behalf to hold them to that responsibility and ensure you are fully compensated for the following damages:
- Special Damages: medical bills, ongoing treatment, costs that accumulate when you’re unable to work, like rent or mortgage payments
- General Damages: these are non-economic hardships like pain and suffering, anxiety, depression, mental trauma
- Wrongful Death Damages: these damages may be sought by a spouse or close relative for funeral arrangements, burial expenses, and medical treatment before a loved one’s death
- Punitive Damages: these damages are rare, but if the driver engaged in reckless driving with the intention of hurting you, then you could sue for punitive damages
Steps to Take After a Boating Accident
If you’re injured while boating in Norman, OK, the next steps you take will play a crucial role in receiving a successful settlement. Here’s how we recommend you handle the situation:
- Seek medical attention: it is important to seek medical treatment immediately after suffering an injury. This is not only beneficial to your health, but to your personal injury claim as well. Any delay in medical treatment can only hurt your claim. So, even if you do not think your injury requires medical treatment, it’s always a good idea to consult with a doctor anyway.
- Report the injury: whether you’re injured on private or public property, it is important to report the injury to the property owner, a store manager, or the police. This will be dependent on where and how your accident occurred, but it is recommended to have immediate documentation of the accident.
- Document the scene: take your own photos of the scene and get witness statements, as well as their information. This will strengthen your case and make it difficult for the insurance to deny your claim.
- Follow up on your injuries with a doctor: Anything you’ve sustained from your accident will become a part of your case, and you will need a doctor to corroborate your injuries, especially if your condition worsens and you require additional treatment.
- Contact Ylla | Gosney: our attorneys are experienced at protecting injured victims’ right to compensation. Most accident victims find themselves overwhelmed after being injured and fail to realize the enormous impact a serious injury can have on their lives. Our team of attorneys can help you understand your options and get you the compensation you need to get your life back after suffering an unfortunate injury.
Who is Liable for a Boating Accident?
With the number of boats on the water in popular boating destinations like Little River Marina or Lake Thunderbird State Park, everyone on the lake is at risk of being injured in a boating accident. This is especially true if a boat owner is acting carelessly. But who can be held responsible for causing a boating accident? The most common liable parties include:
- The boat owner: most boats are independently owned, and the owner of the boat is responsible for safely operating their boat on the water. This includes following safety procedures and laws such as not drinking and driving, as well as traveling at a safe speed.
- The boat rental company: a boat rental company could have employees who operate their boats, or they could rent their boats to private citizens. If their boats are not safe to operate, or they fail to make their customers aware of hazards with the boat, and someone gets injured, they can be held liable for damages.
- The boat manufacturer: boat manufacturers could have built a faulty boat, or equipped it with defective parts. They can be held liable for damages if their boat does not operate in a safe manner and causes an accident.
- A government entity: police boats are on the water, and they are also responsible for operating their watercraft safely to prevent injuries. Also, if the boating area is on government land, then the government is responsible for making sure the area is safe for boats. If they fail to keep boaters safe, then they can be held liable for damages.
Proving Liability in a Boating Accident
When dealing with truck accidents, it is not always easy to prove fault. In some instances, there are multiple parties involved, as well as comparative negligence. Comparative negligence is when blame is divided amongst multiple “at-fault” parties. Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence system, which means your settlement can be reduced or eliminated if you’re found more than 49% at fault for your injuries. So, proving liability is an essential step in building a strong case and receiving a fair settlement.
The following are four elements necessary to prove liability:
- Had an obligation to act with reasonable care: If a person is driving a boat, they are expected to follow boating laws, as well as be aware of other people on the water.
- Breached their “duty of care:” The injured party (plaintiff) must demonstrate they were owed a duty of care by the person at fault (defendant). For example, in a boating accident, the duty of care would have been ignored if a boat operator broke a law like speeding and was boating dangerously before the collision.
- Acted careless or reckless: If the boat driver failed to follow the law or safety protocols and caused another’s death, the plaintiff must prove the other’s careless or reckless actions resulted in their injuries.
- Damages: The plaintiff must be able to prove they suffered damages due to the accident.
What is the Typical Compensation for a Boating Accident in Norman OK?
If you’re injured in a boating accident in Norman, OK, you may be able to receive compensation for your damages. There are three damages you can claim that will have a substantial impact on the amount of compensation you can receive. They include:
- Economic damages: financial damages you incurred due to the accident.
- Medical bills
- Lost Wages
- Loss of future potential earnings
- Loss of property
- Cost of repairs
- Non-economic damages: these are subjective, non-compensatory damages.
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages: these are damages awarded to serve as punishment to the at-fault party.
- Reckless behavior
- Actions performed out of spite
It is important to note the final settlement amount varies widely depending on the circumstances of each case and the severity of your damages. It is recommended to consult with one of our Boating Accident Attorneys to fully understand the value of your case. Contact us today for a free case review.
Contact Ylla | Gosney Attorneys at Law
If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident in Norman, OK, our Boating Accident Attorneys can help. We’ve handled numerous personal injury cases like yours and we will work tirelessly to get you fully compensated for your damages. The road to recovery can seem difficult, but it doesn’t have to be.
Contact us today for a free consultation and case evaluation. There are no upfront costs, and you won’t spend a dime until your case is won.