Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured in an accident in the boating industry, and it was not your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These costs may include medical bills, physical therapies and income loss because of inability to work.

Some victims might also be eligible for punitive damages if the defendant's conduct was inexplicably reckless. These types of awards are intended to punish the perpetrator and discourage similar conduct in the future.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries but many are avoidable. Boat accidents are often caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, and other reckless choices such as driving under the effects of alcohol, carrying too many people, and reckless behavior. The severity of injuries can vary from lacerations and bruising to permanent paralysis resulting from neck or spinal cord injuries.

Victims of injuries sustained in a boating incident can receive compensation for their medical expenses and loss of income or work as they recover. They also have the right to recover costs of long-term care if their injuries are permanent. Insurance companies usually try to accept less than the victims have earned when estimating a claim's value. An experienced attorney can help in negotiating the best settlement that is possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes gathering important documents, including witness statements and police reports, vessel maintenance logs chemical tests, and photographs of the accident scene and the property damage. Other important information can be obtained from medical records, which include detailed reports of the injuries suffered as well as the expenses incurred and estimates of future costs. The lawyer may then negotiate with the at-fault party and/or the insurance company for an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on supply ships, Boat accident attorneys workboats and other vessels are frequently exposed to hazardous conditions during the course of their job. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo as well as falling equipment, they are also at risk of accidents caused by negligent or reckless conduct of other passengers on the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The damages could include medical expenses, lost income, cost of living during recovery the injury, pain and suffering, and other monetary benefits.

Many times, seamen who are injured while on a supply ship, tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing boat accident lawsuit require more than just workers' compensation to cover their losses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawsuit accident lawyer can identify other third-party claims that a seaman could be eligible to recover compensation, for instance, allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or the employer's inability to maintain a safe vessel.

Your lawyer will collect crucial documents and evidence related to your claim. These include medical records, information about insurance policies, police reports and much more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney for the defendant and the insurance company that you represent. If a fair agreement cannot be reached, they will prepare for trial and present a strong case in court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents result from defective equipment. However, the majority of boat accidents result from the reckless or negligent behavior of the boat's owner. In these instances, victims are able to seek compensation from the company that produced the defective product in a lawsuit. In these cases, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

Boats and defective equipment can be covered under strict liability, negligence, or warranty law. A warranty claim may be based on a violation of implied or express guarantees made by law, such as the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles or the warranties of merchantability or fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies, too. While some consumers suggest an issue is evident or obvious, courtrooms often require expert testimony from a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine whether an issue with a mechanical component or any other damage was caused by a hidden condition.

Some defects are found after a boat is sold. These are typically considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. They are often discovered after the boat has been owned and operated, and may be the fault of the owner. One example is when the owner doesn't empty the engine of water and the water gets frozen and affects the motor in winter.

Insurance

In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes and waterways, boating and other water recreation activities are common for residents. Like any other recreational activity, there are risks and responsibilities involved.

In the event of boating accidents and people are injured, they can pursue a personal injury wrongful death claim for compensation to compensate for their losses. Medical expenses loss of income, property losses and suffering and pain are all examples of damages. Victims can also seek punitive damages when they are the result of reckless or gross negligence behavior by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies aren't always easy to work with in a boating dispute, especially when their main goal is to pay as little as they can. Set the bar higher by hiring an NYC boating injury attorney who will work with insurance companies to ensure all parties involved are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will scrutinize all evidence available including police reports as well as medical records. They will also examine witness testimony. Then, they'll enter into negotiations with the person at fault and their insurance company to obtain a fair settlement. If they are unable to agree on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for trial. We are experienced in presenting evidence to support your claim and winning the highest amount of money.