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Personal Injury Lawyer

Henry County Boat Accident Lawyer

Boat drivers have a legal duty to maneuver their watercraft in a manner that ensures the safety of themselves and others on the water. Boating could become dangerous when boat operators do not take necessary precautions.

When boaters fail to meet the standard of care applicable to them, it may result in a boat wreck that causes severe injury or even death. You may be able to recover financially with a Henry County boat accident lawyer’s help. If you have been involved in an accident on the water, a seasoned personal injury attorney could help you meet your legal needs.

Common Reasons for Boating Accidents

There are a few consistent reasons boating accidents occur. Equipment failure is a common culprit, typically either due to defective parts or a failure by the boat operator to maintain the watercraft. Reckless behavior and inexperience on the part of operators could play a significant role in causing boat accidents.

Boaters who consume excessive amounts of alcohol or use drugs illegally are typically more prone to accidents than sober operators, as are those who engage in excessive horseplay on a boat. In the same vein, some boat operators are inexperienced and may not even be aware of basic safety rules for traversing waterways in Georgia.

Negligence of Duty

While there are many potential causes for a boating accident, negligence is the most common legal basis for a personal injury lawsuit related to one. Similar to operators of motor vehicles, operators of boats and water-crafts have a duty to handle their vessels in a way that protects the safety of others.

Boaters could breach this duty when they operate boats in a reckless or careless manner, increasing the likelihood of accidents and injuries. A knowledgeable boat accident attorney in Henry County could help identify if negligence occurred and proceed with a potential case accordingly.

Potential Damages in a Boat Wreck

Damages that are available after a boating wreck in Henry County may differ based on the severity and nature of the accident. Recoverable damages might include but are not necessarily limited to:

Medical, surgical, and hospital expenses
Lost wages
Personal property damage
Pain and suffering

There are potential time limits on filing this type of action. Official Code of Georgia § 9-3-33 states that injured individuals must file a personal injury claim within two years of the date of the accident which led to their injury.

There are exceptions to these rules for actions involving minors and individuals who are legally incompetent. Failing to abide by this statute of limitations could leave a plaintiff unable to recover any damages whatsoever, a risk which further underscores the critical role a Henry County boat accident lawyer could play in preparing and filing a case.

Work with a Henry County Boat Accident Attorney

Injuries sustained in a boat accident could be severe and in some cases even life-altering. When these damages result from the negligence of a boat driver, plaintiffs may be entitled to compensation for their losses.