Part of the thrill of a vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands is the excitement you feel when out on a boat with your friends and family. However, if you or a loved one are injured on a boat trip, legal proceedings can get complicated. If you believe that such an injury was caused by a defective boat part, you may have to untangle some complicated legal proceedings in order to find fault with the manufacturer or the company you rented the boat from. Do not risk taking your case to court alone. Get the help you need from a trusted personal injury attorney.

Injuries Due to Defective Boat Parts

The types of accidents that can happen due to defective boat parts can vary depending on the situation. Faulty equipment might lead to flooding, capsizing, loss of control, or a crash due to navigation or electrical issues. Assuming that you are renting a boat while on vacation, you and your attorney would have to decide whether to pursue legal action against the boat's owner, the manufacturer, or a combination of both. Lawsuits due to defective parts can get complicated, because it is the owner's responsibility to ensure that the boat is in good working order before letting you take it into the water. If you can prove that the necessary precautions were taken, but there was still a malfunction, the manufacturer may be held liable under U.S. law. 

Legal Action Against the Boat Manufacturer

There are several reasons to file a lawsuit against a boat manufacturer if you suspect that an accident was due to defective design or assembly. Medical expenses you paid because of any resulting injuries take priority, but you can also receive compensation for any wages that you lost because of time away from work during the recovery process. You and your attorney can also push to get the manufacturer to cover less tangible costs, such as emotional trauma or, in a wrongful death case, loss of companionship.

If you are renting a vehicle while you are on vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands, do not forget that you will have to adjust to driving on the left side of the road. You will most likely have many activities planned, and you may be excited to start exploring the area, but there are a few things that you should keep in mind to ensure your and your passengers’ safety. The traffic laws on the islands may be different from your home state. In some cases, car accidents with minor to serious injuries occur even with careful driving. A skilled personal injury lawyer in the U.S. Virgin Islands can help you navigate the post-accident process smoothly.

Adjusting to the Left Side of the Road

One very important element to note about driving in the U.S. Virgin Islands is that it is not like driving in the United Kingdom. For example, your rental car will most likely be a U.S. import, and the driver’s seat will still be on the left side of the vehicle like you are used to. Since the interior of a rental vehicle will feel no different, you must focus on changing your perspective at intersections. Always remember to look right first when making a turn, since that is where the oncoming traffic will come from. Before driving each day, take a moment to visualize that when you are making a right turn, you must aim for the far left side of the road. If you are on a road with more than two lanes, always driving on the leftmost side can help you grow accustomed to this more quickly. Lastly, know that many other drivers will be getting used to this new perspective, so remember to slow down, drive defensively, and be cautious and aware of your surroundings at all times. 

Many people enjoy seeing and experiencing other cultures throughout their lifetime. Traveling to a foreign destination can be an exciting but potentially dangerous adventure. The idea of going to an unfamiliar place can draw out the wanderlust in all of us, but many do not realize the danger that you can easily place yourself in by traveling to somewhere you have never been before. The U.S. Virgin Islands is a popular vacation spot for Americans and it has been regarded as a fairly safe beach haven for travelers. However, regardless of the popularity of the place that you are visiting, there is always the potential for dangerous encounters that result in severe or life-threatening injuries.

Security Issues

The U.S. Virgin Islands are known for their remoteness and tranquility. Being away from the rest of the world can seem like a dream until you are thrown into an unsafe environment and do not know where to turn for help. Keeping in mind the following travel advice can help you avoid hazardous situations that you may encounter while abroad:

Most people rent vehicles while on vacation to increase their mobility and allow them to see the sights without relying on public transport. With the remoteness of common vacation spots such as St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John, many travelers will rely on car rental companies to enjoy their vacations to the fullest. It is fairly well known that auto rental companies charge high fees for any damage done to their vehicles, but what if you are not the one responsible for a collision and sustain injuries because of the actions of a negligent driver? It is important to understand the liability issues involved in rental car accidents and your options for pursuing compensation for any injuries suffered in a collision.

What Should I Do if I Have Been in a Crash?

Being involved in an automobile accident can be a scary experience for everyone involved. In these cases, taking the proper steps post-accident can help you protect your ability to recover compensation from the person or people who were responsible. The first thing anyone should do after a crash is to make sure everyone is okay and contact local law enforcement. Working with the police may seem extreme, especially if it was just a fender bender, but having officials document the details of your accident can be especially useful when determining liability for the accident. You should be sure to keep your own record of the incident as well, including the involved parties’ names and contact information, photos of the damage and the injuries you have suffered, and a written record of any pertinent details.

Many people who live or vacation near water own or rent boats. Although boating can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors, especially in warm weather, it can also pose risks to everyone on the water. According to reports by the U.S. Coast Guard, in 2018, there were 4,145 recreational boating accidents that involved 633 deaths, 2,511 injuries, and approximately $46 million in damage to property. Any person who wishes to operate a watercraft in the U.S. Virgin Islands is required to complete a safety course. Despite this regulation, accidents can and do happen on the waterways. In some cases, the injuries can be life-threatening. That is why it is important to understand boating safety and what factors can lead to an accident. 

Watercraft Safety 

Even if all safety precautions are taken, it is impossible to control the weather or the actions of other boaters. Similar to driving a vehicle, the operator and occupants of a boat must be alert and aware of possible dangers when on the water. Regardless of whether a boat is a small or large vessel, everyone on board must wear life jackets for their safety in the event that an accident or bad weather causes the boat to capsize. Severe winds and high waves can limit visibility and result in a boat taking on a lot of water.  

The owner or boat rental company is responsible for ensuring that a watercraft is properly maintained and routinely checked for faulty machinery or parts. In addition, there are other potential distractions or hazards when aboard a boat which can lead to a crash. In many cases, collisions are the direct result of another boater’s negligent actions. For example, if a driver of a boat does not qualify for a license or is impaired after having too many drinks, he or she is putting other lives in danger.   

The job duties a worker performs on a daily basis can vary depending on the occupation. For example, an employee may have a “desk job” and work on the computer all day, or he or she may be a doctor or nurse in a hospital. A longshoreman, also referred to as a harbor worker, is a common occupation in areas or locations that are near or on the water. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, many residents are employed by shipping or docking companies. Typical jobs include cargo loaders, ship mechanics, shipbuilders, and people who work on the docks or piers. These harbor workers may be at risk for unique injuries, and they should be sure to understand if they are entitled to compensation and how to file a claim.

Common Types of Harbor Accidents and Injuries

Due to the nature of their jobs and where they are located, workers in the maritime industry face dangers that office workers would not. For instance, these individuals may be loading and unloading cargo or repairing ships in port. Longshoremen often use large and hazardous machines to lift heavy cargo while working on wet and slippery surfaces.

Here are a few of the most common types of accidents that can take place in a workplace that is on or near the water, and the resulting injuries that a harbor worker may suffer:

The U.S. Virgin Islands is a beautiful location for tourists to visit and individuals to work. Due to the growing popularity of the islands, new construction projects are starting every day. Additional roads, hotels, restaurants, and attractions are constantly being added to meet tourism needs. However, many of the construction sites that are associated with these projects are linked to interchangeable workers, language barriers, inadequate time frames, improper training, and dangerous equipment. Carelessness and negligent behaviors in an already hazardous environment could lead to workplace injury.  

Workers’ Compensation Rights in the U.S. Virgin Islands

In the U.S. Virgin Islands, an employer must have workers’ compensation insurance coverage if the organization has more than one employee. Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides medical and disability benefits to employees who suffer injuries in a workplace accident. If the employee accepts medical treatment and benefits through workers’ comp insurance after an injury, he or she forfeits the right to sue his or her employer. However, a worker can take legal action to cover the costs of medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering if the company does not have workers’ compensation coverage. Furthermore, the employer will be responsible for any additional fines and penalties.  

A vacation is supposed to provide a person with a stress-free environment, relaxation, and an overall fun experience. Getting to see new places, try new foods and activities, and create long-lasting memories is why many people travel. However, a trip can take a turn for the worse if you or a loved one suffer an injury. Most commonly, a tourist-related injury can result from negligence, personal altercations, societal differences, car accidents, slip and fall accidents, or defective products. When an injury occurs far away from home, speaking to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible may provide clarification on the steps that should be followed. Before going on a vacation, it may be beneficial to consider the following safety tips:

Understand Where You Are Going

Traveling can be one of the riskiest activities a person can do. Unfamiliarity with the location, laws, and customs could leave a tourist in an unsafe situation. When planning a trip, researching the areas you want to visit ahead of time may be a good idea. Although the U.S. Virgin Islands are considered American soil, there are differences between the Islands and the mainland. For example, unlike the United States, motorists in the Virgin Islands drive on the left side of the road. 

The Virgin Islands are one of the most beautiful places in the world. However, it is also a territory plagued with violent crime. In fact, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime ranks the Virgin Islands as the fourth highest in the world for homicides. Unfortunately, some vacations to these Caribbean islands are ruined after a tourist is assaulted or otherwise personally injured during a criminal act. Being attacked by another person while visiting a place far from home can be one of the most terrifying experiences a person can endure. Often, these tourist attacks could have been prevented if the hotel, resort, retail store, or other establishment in which the attack occurred had better security. If you or a loved one were injured in the Virgin Islands due to inadequate security, a premises liability lawsuit can allow you to pursue compensation for your damages.

Negligence Can Result in Increased Criminal Activity

Premises liability claims are a specific type of personal injury claim that deals with faulty or unsafe conditions on another party’s property. Sometimes, the defective condition is something like broken stairs or icy walkways, while other times, the negligence is caused by a lack of appropriate security measures. Property owners and possessors have a legal obligation to ensure that their properties are reasonably safe for visitors. This often means employing security guards, installing security cameras, making sure that parking lots are well-lit, and taking other precautions to prevent foreseeable crime. When property owners fail to uphold this duty, they put visitors to the property in unnecessary danger. Through a personal injury lawsuit, you can hold these negligent parties accountable for their wrongdoing and pursue compensation for your damages. Premises liability claims can be brought against both residential and commercial property owners.

With tourism being the primary economic engine for the U.S. Virgin Islands, the islands welcome more than 2 million visitors each year. Along with this large number of tourists, the islands also get their share of car accidents. This is made worse by the fact that drivers on the islands must keep left, not to the right as they are used to if they come from the United States.

What to Do If Involved in a Car Accident in the Virgin Islands

1. Get Medical Attention: Even when there are no obvious injuries, you should visit a hospital. Many people walk away from an accident and fail to get medical attention – assuming they are not hurt – only to find out later they have suffered internal injuries, which are by then worse than they would have been if they had immediately sought medical attention.
   
2. Get Detailed Information: To the extent that you are able, document the accident by taking pictures, including the vehicle, the scene and any visible injuries on you. If the accident involved another vehicle, get the other driver’s license and insurance information. If there are witnesses, take their names and contact information. This information will be useful down the road when you seek compensation for your injuries.
   
3. Preserve Your Account of the Incident: Write down or record a narrative of what you recall happened right before the accident. This information can be useful in establishing or bolstering evidence to determine who was at fault.
   

Complexities in Virgin Island Accidents

As noted above, the U.S. Virgin Islands is a popular vacation destination. Chances are if you are involved in a car accident here, you are either yourself from outside the island or the other driver is. This makes any case complicated because one must deal with multiple jurisdictions or even foreign countries to get to the bottom of things.

Contact a Virgin Islands Auto Accident Attorney

When your dream vacation in the Caribbean is ruined by an accident – especially one you were not at fault for – you may find yourself uncertain as to what to do or where to turn for help. Our skilled attorneys at Colianni & Colianni, LLC, will help you understand your rights and your best options for receiving compensation for the damages you have suffered. We will evaluate your case and provide you with dedicated representation, working to ensure that you are compensated for your medical costs, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. Contact a U.S. Virgin Islands personal injury lawyer today at 340-719-1766 to arrange a free consultation.

When someone slips and falls in a restaurant, shop, or other place of business, they can suffer serious harm such as broken bones, back and neck injuries, or brain trauma. If this happens to you, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, including medical expenses not covered by your own health insurance, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

However, not every slip-and-fall will be awarded compensation. You have to have evidence that the business owner was negligent in their duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for their customers. 

Consumers have a right to expect that the products sold to them by leading manufacturers are safe for use as directed. When a manufacturer fails to live up to that expectation, and a consumer is harmed by a hazardous or defective product, the consumer has the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the manufacturer seeking compensation for the harm done to them.

Personal Injury Lawsuits Involving Hazardous Products

Obtaining compensation through a personal injury lawsuit can be a lengthy and costly process. In some cases, it is only after years or even decades of use that the danger of a product is realized. First, someone must start to suspect a link between a certain product and a particular illness or injury. After that, it may take years for scientists to identify the specific toxic chemical or design defect in the product and then to prove the causal connection between the product and the illness. At least one costly lawsuit must usually be fought before a hazardous product’s manufacturer can be made to take responsibility and pay compensation to consumers who were injured by the product. After one case is tried and won, it finally becomes easier for others to obtain compensation for similar injuries caused by the same product.

Because these trials can be so costly, people who have been injured by the same product will often join together in a mass tort action to achieve economies of scale. While each person’s case has its own unique circumstances and must be tried separately, some of the evidence and arguments can be shared across the cases.

If you or a loved one is injured while on vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands, here are four steps you should take: (1) get medical care, (2) document the incident, (3) determine who was at fault, and (4) obtain local legal assistance before accepting any settlement from an insurance company or other responsible parties.

1. Obtain Medical Treatment and Diagnosis of Your Injuries

First, seek medical attention and determine the severity of your injuries. If your injuries are severe enough that recovery will cost thousands of dollars in medical expenses and lost wages, perhaps leaving you with permanent dysfunction or disfigurement, you will definitely want to explore options for compensation.

2. Document the Personal Injury Incident

Once the immediate medical emergency has been handled, take the time to document the incident. Obtain the names and contact information of everyone involved, including eyewitnesses and medical professionals. Take photographs of the area where the accident happened, any equipment or vehicles involved, and your injuries. Write down everything you can remember about the incident, including dates and times. These details can be easily lost in the aftermath of an emergency but will be crucial to proving your right to compensation.