Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured in an accident while on a boat which was not your fault, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. These expenses could include physical therapy, medical bills and income loss due to inability to work.

Some victims may be awarded punitive damages, in the event that the defendant's behavior was reckless and egregious. These types of awards are intended to punish the offender and discourage similar behavior in the future.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, but they are often preventable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are the main cause of boat accidents, along with other careless choices such as driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. Injuries can vary from lacerations and bruising to permanent paralysis caused by neck or spinal cord injuries.

Victims who suffer injuries by a boating accident could be compensated for medical bills and lost income or work while they recover. They can also recover the expenses of long-term care when their injuries are permanent. Unfortunately finding out the value of an injury claim is not an easy task. Insurance companies frequently try to accept less than the victims are entitled to. An experienced attorney will assist you in negotiating for the highest settlement possible.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to collect all relevant evidence. This includes gathering important documents, such as witness statements and police reports and logs of maintenance on the vessel chemical tests, photographs of the scene of the accident as well as property damage. Medical records can provide essential information, such as detailed reports on the injuries, expenses and any future costs. The lawyer may then bargain with the party at fault or the insurance company for a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are typically exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of their employment. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo as well as falling equipment, they are also at risk of boat accidents caused by the negligent or reckless actions of other passengers on the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. If they suffer injuries due to such incidents, they're entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages may include medical expenses and lost income, as well as the cost of living while recovering the injury, pain and suffering, and other monetary benefits.

A lot of times, injured seamen on supply vessels such as tugboats or dredgers oil tanks, barges cruise or sightseeing vessels need more than workers' compensation in order to cover their losses. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third party claims that the seaman could be entitled to like claims of unreliability or the employer's inability to keep a safe vessel.

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence regarding your claim, attorneys such as medical records and insurance policy details, police reports and more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the defendant's attorney and the insurance company you have named. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached then they will prepare for trial in order to present a strong case in court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents are caused by defective equipment. However, the majority of accidents on boats are caused by the reckless or negligent behavior of the boat's owner. In those cases, victims are able to seek compensation from the company that made the defective product through a lawsuit. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these cases.

Defective equipment and boats could be covered by claims that are based on negligence or strict liability law. A warranty claim may be based on a breach of implied or express warranties that are created by law such as the New Jersey used car lemon laws, or the warranties of quality and fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies often cover latent defects, too. While some consumers suggest the issue is obvious or obvious, courts often require expert testimony from a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if a mechanical breakdown or other damage resulted from a hidden condition.

Some defects are discovered after a boat accident lawyer has been sold. These are generally deemed manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is accountable for the defects. Some are discovered after the boat was operated and owned and could be the owner's fault. One example is when the owner does not emptying of the water from the engine and the water then freezes and damages the motor in the winter.

Insurance

In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes boats and other water recreation activities are common among residents. However, like all sports, they also carry certain risks and liabilities that could affect the lives of those who participate.

In the event of boating accidents and people are injured, they can pursue a personal injury wrongful death claim to compensate for their losses. Damages include medical expenses, loss of income, property loss in addition to pain and suffering diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other costs. In cases of gross negligence, victims could also seek punitive damages.

Insurance companies aren't easy to work with in a boating dispute especially when their primary goal is to pay the least amount possible. Bring the game level by hiring an NYC lawyer for boating injuries who will collaborate with insurers to ensure all parties involved are accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will scrutinize all evidence available such as police reports and medical records. They will also investigate witnesses' testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the at fault person and their insurance company in order to reach an acceptable settlement. If they fail to reach a settlement the attorneys of our firm will prepare for trial. We are skilled at the presentation of evidence in support of your claim and securing maximum amount of money.