Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of an accident in the boating industry and it wasn't your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial payout. This could include physical therapy, medical bills and lost income due to the inability to work.

Certain victims may also be eligible for punitive damages in the event that the defendant's conduct was shocking or reckless. These awards are designed to penalize the defendant for their blunders and to discourage future offenses.

Personal Injury

Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries, but a majority are avoidable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the main cause of boat accidents, as are other reckless choices like driving under the influence, bringing too many passengers, or reckless behavior. Injuries may range from bruising and lacerations to permanent paralysis resulting from head injuries or a spinal cord injury.

Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for medical bills and loss in earnings or work as they recover from their injuries. They can also recover the cost of long-term treatment when their injuries are permanent. Insurance companies frequently try to settle for less than the victims are entitled to when estimating a claim's value. An experienced attorney can help to get the highest settlement possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes the collection of crucial documents, such as police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance documents, chemical tests and photos of the accident site and property damage. Other essential information may be gathered from medical records, including detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained as well as the expenses incurred and estimates of future costs. The lawyer will then negotiate with the at-fault party or the insurance company for an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats and other vessels, including supply ships, are subject to hazardous conditions throughout their work. They are at risk of being injured not only by falling equipment or cargo but also from boat accidents caused by negligence or recklessness of others on the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The damages could include medical expenses as well as lost income, the cost of living during recovery from injuries, pain and suffering and other financial benefits.

Most often, seamen injured on a supply ship tugboat, dredger or tugboat barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing boat need more than just workers' compensation in order to cover their loss. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer (Full Article) can help identify other third party claims where a seaman might be entitled to compensation, including allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or the failure of the employer to maintain a safe vessel.

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence related to your claim. These include medical records, information on insurance policies, police reports and much more. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the defendant's lawyer and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not reached, they will draft an effective case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

Although the majority of boat accidents happen because of reckless or negligent behavior of the boat operator However, there are many cases where a crash is actually the result of defective equipment. In these cases, victims can sue the company that made the defective product to claim compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these cases.

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

Insurance policies often cover latent problems as well. Although some people believe that an issue is evident or obvious, courts typically require expert testimony from a surveyor or other certified professional to determine if the mechanical breakdown or another damage was caused by a hidden issue.

Certain defects are discovered after the boat is sold. These are usually considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Other defects are discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and may be the responsibility of the owner. One example is when the boat accident law firms owner doesn't emptying of the engine's water and the water freezes and damages the motor in the winter.

Insurance

In a state like New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes and waterways, boating and other water recreational activities are commonplace for residents. However, like most recreational activities, they are accompanied by certain risks and liabilities that could have a negative impact on the lives of participants.

In the event of boating accidents and people are injured, they can make a personal injury claim or wrongful death claim to cover their losses. Medical expenses as well as lost income, property loss, and suffering and pain are all examples of damages. In cases of gross negligence, the victims may also seek punitive damage.

Insurance companies aren't always easy to work with in a boating case especially when their primary objective is to pay the least amount possible. Level the playing field by hiring an NYC attorney for boating injuries who will work with insurers to ensure all parties involved are accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will review all evidence available, including police reports and medical records. They will also examine witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the at-fault person and their insurance company in order to negotiate an acceptable settlement. If they can't agree on the amount of settlement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are proficient in presenting evidence to support your claim and winning the maximum financial award.