Boating Accident Lawyers

Boating accident compensation claims

Boating accident compensation claims can occur in a number of circumstances and include the following:

• An injury whilst a customer on a ferry
• Being hit by a boat which should have seen and avoided you
• Crush injuries between a boat and a pier
• Injuries as a result of jet ski accidents
• Injuries as a result of yachting accidents
• Slip and falls on ferry or boat

Who is responsible for my injury sustained on a boat?

The boat operator or the person who is in charge of the boat will have responsibility for any personal injury sustained on the boat. The owner of a vessel may also owe a duty of care in some circumstances. It is not compulsory for people who own and operate boats to have insurance that covers them for any injury sustained due to their negligence. Nonetheless, the majority of commercial vessels and most recreational boats and jetskis do have public liability insurance that covers them in case they negligently injure a third party. In those cases, a claim is made against the public liability insurance policy.

What Type of Compensation Could I be Entitled to Receive?

If your injury was sustained as a result of the negligence of the boat operator, you are entitled to claim compensation as allowed under the Civil Liability Act, 2002 (NSW) and may be entitled to the following:

1. Pain and suffering – this is an amount of compensation for pain and suffering, loss of amenities, disfiguration, loss of life expectancy and loss of enjoyment of life.
2. Past and future loss of income – if you are employed at the time of the accident and cannot work as the same capacity as before the accident or at all, you are entitled to claim compensation for loss of wages, bonuses, overtime and superannuation.
3. Past and future out of pocket and medical expenses – if because of your injury you have incurred medical treatment, including travel expenses due to your injuries you are entitled to claim those expenses that you have incurred in the past and are likely to incur into the future. This would include the cost of doctors, physiotherapy, medication and hospital treatment.
4. Past and future care and assistance – you are entitled to claim any domestic or personal care and assistance such as help with gardening, cooking and washing that you may have needed both in the past and future because of the injuries you have sustained.