Corpus Christi Boat Captain Negligence: When Victims Can Recover Compensation in Texas

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Safety should be a major concern for boat captains operating in oceanic waters near Corpus Christi, Texas. They are responsible for the safety of their crew and guests, but also for nearby vessels when there is a risk of collision. If you were the victim of a boating accident caused by a boat captain's negligence, you can seek compensation for your injuries. Hiring an experienced lawyer from Carabin Shaw will help you to pursue full compensation for your damages.

Our law firm’s client reviews speak for themselves. We have decades of experience successfully litigating Texas personal injury claims, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call or contact us online to find out how you can get the compensation you deserve.

Being a boat captain can mean many things when you’re talking about boating in the Gulf of Mexico. Private individuals may charter a boat with a captain for fishing, snorkeling, cruising, or sightseeing. Commercial fishing vessels and cargo ships require professional captains to navigate safely to Texas ports and cargo docks. Vessel operator negligence occurs when a captain fails to fulfill their duties. This may include:

• Ignoring weather alerts
• Leaving the vessel unattended
• Reckless maneuvering or speeding
• Operating a vessel while intoxicated
• Failing to oversee crew members
• Lack of vessel maintenance

A boat accident lawyer in Corpus Christi must prove the elements of negligence to hold the captain liable for accident-related injuries. The four elements of negligence are duty of care, breach of duty, damages, and causation. If any one of these elements is lacking, your lawyer will have to identify a different negligent party or pursue a different legal theory for justification of a lawsuit.

The injuries that a victim receives in a boating accident range from minor to deadly, and your lawyer must properly account for all current and future damages in one claim. Compensable damages in a boating accident include:

• Medical costs
• Lost income
• Property damage
• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental suffering

You’ll have to provide proof of your damages to calculate a fair boating accident injury claim, so you can get the compensation you need for as much recovery as possible. In wrongful death cases, only the parents, children, or spouse of the deceased party can file a lawsuit. The estate of the deceased victim may file a survival claim. Speaking to a Corpus Christi attorney about your legal options ensures that you make informed decisions that benefit you and your family.

One important aspect of boating accident cases in Corpus Christi, Texas, is that state personal injury laws may not govern them. Instead, liability for accidents in oceanic waters falls under the jurisdiction of maritime liability laws. Hiring a Corpus Christi maritime injury lawyer helps you avoid mistakes when filing your claim, as in some cases, there is joint jurisdiction between state and federal entities.

It is also important to understand that civil litigation is separate from criminal prosecution. Whether a captain pays a fine or serves jail time has minimal bearing on whether you receive a settlement. Breaking Texas or maritime laws may contribute to the cause of a boat accident, but a conviction does not automatically mean compensation. Your attorney must prove the elements of negligence and negotiate a settlement using civil law for you to receive money for injuries.

A maritime negligence lawyer from Carabin Shaw can help you navigate the legal system to get justice for your injuries caused by boat captain negligence. If you are suffering from injuries sustained because of someone else’s poor judgment, we want to help you seek a fair and comprehensive financial recovery.

Call the Texas boat accident attorneys at Carabin Shaw toll-free at 1-800-862-1260. Someone is available to speak with you 24/7, and we have English- and Spanish-speaking staff. Schedule your free consultation today.

For more information:

• Negligence Definition
• Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 41
• 46 USC Subtitle III: Maritime Liability