Have you been hurt in a boating accident in Columbia, Missouri? If so, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Contact Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers at (573) 702-3285 to schedule a free consultation with a Columbia boating accident lawyer and learn more about your legal options.
Boating accidents can cause serious injuries and leave victims facing medical expenses, lost income, and a difficult recovery. When another person or party is responsible for an accident, an injured victim may have the right to pursue compensation for their losses.
How Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Boating Accident in Columbia, MO
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers has recovered more than $100 million for clients. Our Columbia personal injury lawyers have more than 100 years of combined experience, and some are members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Our team can help by:
- Investigating the accident and gathering evidence
- Interviewing witnesses
- Working with boating experts when needed
- Identifying liable parties and available insurance coverage
- Reviewing your medical records
- Documenting your damages
- Negotiating with insurers and other parties
- Filing a lawsuit when necessary
We can handle the legal process while you focus on recovering. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Columbia boating accident attorney.
What Are Common Causes of Boating Accidents?
Boats can provide a lot of fun and entertainment, but they can also be very dangerous in some cases. In many cases, someone’s negligence is what ultimately leads to an accident. This means that someone else acted in an unreasonable manner, and you were injured as a result.
Some of the most common causes of boating accidents include:
- Inexperienced operator
- Operator error
- Unexpected wakes or water conditions
- Poor weather conditions
- Poor visibility
- Equipment malfunction
- Improper lookout
The first step to recovering compensation after your accident is to determine exactly what caused it. This step forms the basis for building a strong claim and getting the compensation you are owed.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for My Boating Accident Injuries?
The party who has liability for your injuries depends on the specific facts and circumstances of your case. Generally, establishing liability requires proving negligence. This means that you must show a duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages.
Some of the parties who may face liability for your accident are:
- The boat operator
- The boat owner
- Third-party watercraft operators
- Equipment manufacturers
- Boat service or maintenance providers
At Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers, we can help you identify all potential defendants who may be responsible for your injuries.
What Types of Damages Are Victims of Boating Accidents Entitled to Recover?
Victims of boating accidents may be entitled to recover compensation for their losses.
Economic damages are those that have a direct financial impact, such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages and benefits
- Diminished earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
On the other hand, non-economic damages are intangible and more subjective. These damages provide compensation for the physical and psychological trauma resulting from the accident.
Some common examples are:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Depression or anxiety
- Permanent scarring
- Loss of consortium
- Diminished quality of life
A thorough evaluation of your claim and your injuries can help identify all the damages that may be available in your case.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Boating Accident Lawyer?
Most personal injury lawyers handle boating accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you generally do not pay attorney’s fees upfront. Instead, the lawyer receives an agreed-upon percentage of the compensation recovered through a settlement or verdict.
If there is no financial recovery, you generally do not owe attorney’s fees. The specific fee arrangement and responsibility for case-related costs can vary, so your attorney should explain these terms before you agree to representation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Boating Accident in Missouri?
Missouri law generally provides a five-year statute of limitations for many personal injury claims. However, the deadline that applies to a boating accident can depend on the facts of the case, including where the accident occurred and who was involved.
Certain claims may be subject to different deadlines or procedural requirements. An attorney can review the circumstances of your accident and determine the deadline that applies to your claim.
Contact Our Columbia Boating Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you have been hurt in a boating accident in Columbia, MO, make the call to Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers today. We have the knowledge and experience you need on your side after one of these devastating accidents.
Call us now to schedule a free consultation with a Columbia boating accident attorney who is ready to get started helping you.
