Henry Carus + Associates | Injury Lawyers
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Boat Accidents

Boat Accident Compensation Lawyers

What you’ll discover on this page:

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Accidents involving boats will generally fall under public liability, and include a range of scenarios such as poor driving of a boat, faulty maintenance issues, and freak accidents such as being knocked over board by the actions of other boats in the area.

In the worst-case scenario, if you have an ongoing injury or a permanent impairment, and it was due to negligence, the team at Henry Carus + Associates can help.

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We will use our experience and expertise in this area to investigate your claim and advise on the next steps – with a view to seeking compensation for medical expenses, out of pocket expenses, economic loss, as well as pain and suffering.

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Based on past experiences, we find that early investigation is a key factor to a successful outcome. So right from the start we will focus on identifying and analysing the details of the accident. In many cases this means visiting the site where the accident occurred, and retaining an appropriate expert.

Recreational Boat Accident Injuries

Victoria offers great opportunities to enjoy recreational boating. All sorts of vessels share the state’s coastal and inland waterways. Sailing, waterskiing, jet-skiing, motor-boating, kayaking, and canoeing are among the most popular forms of watersports.

For all the fun it offers, boating also carries significant risks. Drowning is perhaps the most obvious hazard recreational boaters face, but it is just one of many ways in which boating injuries occur. Other examples include:

  • Collisions with other vessels
  • Fires aboard boats
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning from poor ventilation
  • Groundings
  • Skier accidents
  • Collisions with fixed objects, such as piers, bridges or pilings
  • Flooding or swamping of a vessel

In many boating accidents, an operator or someone else made a careless error, with operator inattention and inexperience often playing a role. Alcohol is another common factor, while some boaters fail to observe navigational rules or go too fast. In other instances, improper maintenance is the root cause of the boating accident.

If you have been hurt in a Victorian boating accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation through a public accident claim. The personal injury lawyers at Henry Carus + Associates are ready to review the circumstances of the incident and determine what legal options you may have.

Work-related Boat Accident Injuries

Many people earn a living working on the water in Victoria. The Port of Melbourne is Australia’s busiest port and handles large oceangoing ships, while smaller ports and harbours dot Victoria’s coastline. Inland lakes and rivers also support commercial activity.

If you are injured in a work-related boating accident in Victoria, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your injuries through the WorkCover system. If your injuries qualify as “serious” and someone else was to blame you may also be entitled to bring a common law claim for additional compensation.

Examples of injuries that may result from a work-related boating accident include:

  • Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
  • Back and spinal cord injuries, including those that cause paralysis
  • Injuries requiring amputation
  • Burn injuries
  • Injuries from falls
  • Crushing injuries caused by being caught in a piece of equipment
  • Injuries caused by exposure to harmful chemicals or substances
  • Cuts and bruises
  • Broken bones

These are just a sample of the virtually endless scenarios that could result in a compensable public liability claim.

Types Of Compensation Available For Boating Injuries

A public liability claim for injuries suffered in a recreational boating accident may entitle the victim to compensation such as:

Henry Carus Personal Injury Lawyer in Victoria

A public liability claim for injuries suffered in a recreational boating accident may entitle the victim to compensation such as:

  • Payment of hospital, rehabilitation, and other medical bills, both past and future
  • Replacement of lost wages – both past and future – that result from missed work due to the injuries
  • Pain and suffering damages
  • Payment for in-home assistance

If the accident was related to work, the Victorian WorkCover system may provide benefits such as:

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Payment of all injury-related medical expenses, including in-home assistance

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Partial replacement of lost wages

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A lump-sum payment for permanent impairment caused by the accident

Most injured people do not understand their right to compensation after a boating accident. That’s why it’s important to work with lawyers like those at Henry Carus + Associates. We deal with the insurers and the legal system every day. Our experience can help you recover the full compensation you deserve.

Why Choose Henry Carus + Associates?

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We bring expertise to all areas of compensation law. -

The Henry Carus + Associates team brings with it a diverse range of national and international experience across the insurance and boating industry.

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We have an exemplary record. -

Since we started we have enjoyed a 98% success rate on all compensation cases we’ve been involved in.

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We have experience where it counts. -

Our highly valued insurance experience, gained through working with the likes of major US and Australian public liability clients, gives us a great foundation from which to build a successful case for you.