In Virginia, there are countless lakes, rivers, and coastal waters for residents and visitors to enjoy. Whatever part of the Commonwealth you are in, there are ample opportunities to go fishing, water skiing, jet skiing, sailing, or just enjoy a beautiful day out on the waters with family and friends.
The boundless boating opportunities the Old Dominion state has to offer also creates an increased risk of boat accidents, the majority of which are caused by operator error or the reckless actions of a passenger. These accidents can result in serious and catastrophic injuries. If you or someone close to you has been injured in a boating accident, you may have a right to compensation.
At Schilling & Esposito, we have several decades of experience representing clients injured in boating accidents and those who have suffered all other types of personal injuries in Virginia. Our lawyers have extensive knowledge of this area of the law, and we have a successful track record with even the most complex cases. We work closely with our clients, and we take the time to thoroughly investigate their case and pursue all potential legal avenues toward recovering full and fair compensation.
We are skilled negotiators and strong litigators. In general, it is in everyone’s best interests to work out a reasonable settlement without the need for costly and time-consuming litigation, and we look for opportunities to settle the case when it makes sense for our clients. That said, we fully prepare for trial from the outside of a case, and if the other side is not willing to negotiate in good faith, we are ready and able to pursue full damages through litigation.
There are a number of ways that accidents and injuries can occur on the waterways:
As mentioned earlier, operator negligence and reckless actions by passengers are to blame for the vast majority of boat accidents. Some of the most common reasons a watercraft accident may happen include:
When someone is seriously injured or killed in a boating accident, they or their loved ones deserve to be compensated. Compensatory damages available for these types of injuries may include:
In rare cases in which the actions of the responsible party were especially egregious, punitive damages may be awarded as punishment for the wrongdoing and to help deter similar behaviors from occurring in the future. In Virginia, punitive damages are capped at $350,000. There is also a two-year statute of limitations in this state for most personal injury lawsuits. For this reason, it is best to get in touch with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the accident.
At Schilling & Esposito, we understand that boat accidents can exact a major physical, emotional, and financial toll on those who are injured and their families, and we fight hard for every dollar of compensation you are entitled to. We take care of all of the complicated legal tasks, so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. And throughout the process, we provide frequent updates on the progress of your case, and we are always available to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have.
To schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Virginia personal injury attorneys, call our office today at 804-261-1001 or send us a message through our online contact form. We will meet with you to fully assess your case and advise you of your legal rights and options, so you can make the most informed decision on how you wish to proceed.
We accept all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay attorney fees if we win your case