Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries as a result of an accident while on a boat, and it was not your fault you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These costs could include physical therapy, medical bills as well as lost income because of inability to work.

Some victims may also qualify for punitive damages when the defendant's actions were egregious or reckless. These awards are intended to penalize the defendant for their conduct and to prevent future incidents.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can result in serious injuries, a majority of them can be avoided. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are a common cause of boat accidents along with other careless choices such as operating under the influence, transporting too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The injuries can range from minor bruises to paralysis caused by brain or spinal cord injuries.

Victims who suffer injuries in a boating accident may be compensated for medical expenses as well as lost income or job while they recuperate. If their injuries are permanent they may also be able to recover expenses for long-term care. Insurance companies usually try to settle for less money than the victims are entitled to when estimating a claim's value. An experienced lawyer can help you to fight for the highest settlement possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected. This includes the gathering of crucial documents such as police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance reports, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of the accident and the property damage. Other crucial information can be obtained from medical records, including detailed accounts of the injuries sustained, expenses incurred, and estimated future costs. Lawyers can negotiate an acceptable settlement with the at-fault person and/or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats as well as other vessels, such as supply ships, are exposed to hazardous conditions during their work. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment, they are also at risk of accidents that result from the negligence or reckless behavior of other passengers on the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. If they suffer injuries due to these kinds of incidents, they are entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). The damages could include medical expenses, lost income, cost of living during recovery the injury, pain and suffering, as well as other benefits in the form of money.

Many times, injured seamen on a supply vessel tugboats, dredgers and tugboats oil tanks, barges, cruise or sightseeing vessels need more than workers' compensation in order to compensate for their expenses. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third-party claims that a seaman may be entitled to like claims of unseaworthiness or the employer's failure 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 many more. They will then negotiate a settlement with the attorney of the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair agreement cannot be reached, they will prepare for trial to make a convincing argument in court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Although the majority of boat accident law firms accidents happen due to negligent or reckless behavior on the part of the boat operator, there are also many instances where a crash is actually the result of faulty equipment. In these cases, victims may sue the manufacturer that made the defective product to obtain compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these instances.

Defective equipment and boat Accident Law Firms boats may be covered by claims that are based on negligence, strict liability or warranty law. Warranty claims can be based on a breach of implied or express guarantees that are imposed by law, such as the New Jersey lemon laws for boat Accident Law firms used vehicles or the warranties of merchantability, or the guarantee of fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies typically cover hidden problems as well. While some people may argue that a problem is evident or obvious and obvious, courts typically require expert testimony from an engineer or other certified professional to determine if the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or was caused due to an unnoticed issue.

A few defects are discovered when a boat is sold. These are usually considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Others are discovered after a vessel is in operation and may be the responsibility of the owner. One example is when the owner fails to emptying of the engine's water and the water freezes, which causes damage to the motor during the winter.

Insurance

In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes such as boating, water sports and similar recreational activities are commonplace for residents. Like all recreational activities there are risks and liabilities that are involved.

If boating accidents happen and people are injured, they can pursue a personal injury wrongful death claim to compensate for their losses. Medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and suffering and pain are all considered damages. In cases of gross negligence, victims could also seek punitive damages.

Insurance companies can be difficult to work with in a boating case particularly when their primary goal is to compensate as little as they can. Find an NYC lawyer for boating accidents who will work closely with insurance companies to hold everyone accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will scrutinize all evidence available including police reports and medical records. They will also look into witness testimony. They will then engage in discussions with the at-fault party and their insurance company to secure an equitable settlement. If they are unable to agree on the amount of settlement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are adept at the presentation of evidence to support your claim and winning the highest amount of money.