A frightening accident on the water involving a Coast Guard boat can leave victims with major injuries and confusion about how to get help with their medical bills.
Victims can seek help by filing a claim with the Coast Guard. But since the Coast Guard is one of the United States’ Armed Forces, it’s under federal control. Victims would need to ask for compensation for accident hardships through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).
Unfortunately, any injury claim filed with the federal government will be complex and require special evidence to be successful. Victims aren’t required to have a Maritime lawyer. They are permitted to file a claim and represent themselves, but with the complexity level, it’s a good idea to at least speak with an attorney with Maritime Law experience.
The Hazards Around Coast Guard Vessels and Coast Guard Members
The Coast Guard is charged with protecting all navigable waters in California. They rescue boaters, swimmers, and others put in danger by water accidents and bad weather. They also help monitor for unsafe boaters and provide law enforcement on the water.
Unfortunately, accidents can happen in civilian and military roles, and people can get hurt. Coast Guard members put their lives on the line in difficult situations. That doesn’t change the fact that the federal government should help civilian victims hurt by a careless or reckless action by a Coast Guard member.
There are many ways an accident can occur during the normal and extraordinary duties of a military member.
These are just a few of the types of accidents that might force civilians to seek help with recovery expenses from the Coast Guard:
- Your boat is struck by a Coast Guard vessel
- Being struck by a Coast Guard vessel while you are swimming
- Being knocked off a pier or off a boat and into the water
- Injuries caused by a Coast Guard rescue helicopter
- Injuries caused by a Coast Guard member’s mistake
- Errors during an emergency operation
- Slip-and-fall injuries while a guest at Coast Guard stations and aboard a vessel
- The tragic drowning of a loved one that could have been prevented (leading to a Wrongful Death Claim)
Anyone can be held liable for an accident they contributed to. However, proving what happened, who was at fault, and how much money your recovery will cost can be difficult. A skilled Maritime Lawyer can help victims figure out who is responsible and help them file a strong claim that can’t have holes poked in it by government lawyers.
Where You Will See Coast Guard Boats in California
The Coast Guard is definitely front and center along the California Coast, working out of stations like Sector San Francisco to cover the Bay Area. They work out of Station Los Angeles/Long Beach to provide security for the Santa Monica Bay.
Many people don’t realize that the Coast Guard has jurisdiction over California Lakes. They maintain a station on Lake Tahoe. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary members monitor Lake Shasta, Lake Berryessa, and Big Bear Lake.
The Coast Guard is also seen on California rivers. Coast Guard Air Station Humboldt Bay sends crewmembers on frequent river rescue missions.
How a Maritime Law Attorney Can Help
If you are hurt in an accident on or around the water, and the Coast Guard is involved, a qualified lawyer can help make sure you are treated fairly.
Government lawyers can try to pin your accident on your own carelessness. They may even try to say you are faking your injuries or that your injuries aren’t as bad as your doctor claims.
A Maritime Law Attorney can keep the facts straight and help earn settlement money to last until you are fully recovered.
A lawyer provides these advantages and more:
- Investigates your accident and collects all evidence
- Gathers important documents and makes sure federal forms are filled out correctly
- Files your claim for you
- Helps you meet important federal deadlines for your case, including a statute of limitations of two years to file a claim. Then, if the Coast Guard decides not to accept liability, make sure you file a lawsuit within the given 6-month deadline.
- Examines any settlement offer you receive and demands more if it won’t cover all of your recovery costs.
- Demands enough in support to cover your current medical bills and those expected in the future.
- Demands the replacement of any paychecks you’ve missed at your place of work while injured.
- Demands support for the pain you’ve endured and the emotional trauma that a frightening accident on the water may have left you to cope with.
- Demands wrongful death support for families who lose a loved one in a boating accident.
If you are hurt around the water, and a government entity contributed to the accident. Reach out to a maritime law lawyer and take advantage of a free case review. It’s a no-risk way to determine how to get help at such a difficult time.
