We all know how serious automobile accidents can be and how catastrophic the resulting injuries are. Boating accidents in Oklahoma can be just as 
serious and oftentimes more serious than automobile accidents. Additional risk exists when due to the inclusion of water. Thus, making all boating accidents potentially life-threatening situations. Whether you are an operator or passenger, you have obligations and rights when it comes to injuries suffered while boating. Our Oklahoma boating accidents attorney can help you deal with all types of boating injuries.
Where Oklahoma Boating Accidents Occur:
Many boating accidents in Oklahoma occur each year on privately owned recreational boats used for fishing, swimming and leisure. Boat owners are responsible to ensure the safety of each and every passenger. This includes following state laws and regulations governing boating activity. Any violation of the law could result in both criminal and civil penalties. For example, if a boat owner allows drinking on his boat and this leads to injury he’s responsible. Using that same example he may even be charged criminally. Below are some injuries that people suffer in boating accidents.
- Drowning deaths;
- Broken bones;
- Damage to internal organs;
- Internal bleeding;
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs);
- Spinal cord injuries; and
- Amputations.
One can only imagine just how horrific boating injuries can be. An individual receives horrific injuries if they go under a boat and come into contact with the boat’s rudder. In boating injury cases, a boat owner may be responsible for your injuries even if no intention to harm you existed. Intent is not a requirement to proving an individual or company has been negligent. As such, if you or a loved one suffered injuries in a boating accident, you may be able to receive compensation for the injury. It is also a requirement that you show the owner’s negligence.
How an Oklahoma Boating Accidents Attorney Can Help:
Because it is not always easy to determine if a boat owner or someone else has caused your injuries, it is important to discuss all of your options with a qualified attorney. Many personal injury lawsuits are straightforward, such as minor car accidents and some slip and fall cases. However, with boating accidents, a boat owner or operator may be found liable simply because he or she owns the boat where an individual was injured. By owning a boat, the owner takes responsibility for the potential consequences that go along with owning a boat. Therefore, linking a boat owner’s conduct to your injury is crucial. It ensures that you receive the compensation you deserve for your suffering.
Your attorney thoroughly evaluates the facts of your case. Next, they determine the extent of your suffering and the damages entitled to you. In addition to recovering your out-of-pocket medical expenses, you may be entitled to lost wages if you have been out of work for a period of time as a result of the injuries you suffered after being involved in a boating accident.
Further, if you cannot continue work, compensation to account for your lost chance at the ability to earn an income is possible. If your injuries are severe enough to require lifelong care, it may entitle you to compensation that adequately allows you to care for yourself for years to come. Regardless of the amount or type of damages, it is imperative that you speak with an attorney as soon as possible following your injuries. If you wait too long, you may compromise your right to bring a personal injury action against the responsible party in the future.
