Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries in an accident on the water which was not your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. This could include medical bills, physical therapy, and loss of income due to inability to work.

Certain victims may also be awarded punitive damages, in cases where the conduct of the defendant was egregious and reckless. These kinds of awards are designed to penalize the defendant and deter similar actions in the future.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can cause serious injuries, but a majority are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the most common cause of boat accidents along with other reckless 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 the brain or spinal cord.

Victims who suffer injuries in a boating incident can get compensation for their medical expenses and lost income or work as they recuperate. If their injuries are severe they can also claim costs for long-term medical care. Insurance companies usually try to settle for less than the victims deserve when estimating a claim's value. An experienced lawyer can ensure that you receive the highest settlement that is possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to ensure all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes obtaining important documents, like police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance logs chemical tests, photographs of the accident scene and the property damage. Other vital information can be obtained from medical records including detailed accounts of the injuries sustained along with the costs incurred as well as estimated future costs. The lawyer can then negotiate a fair settlement with the person who was at fault and/or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers working on workboats and other vessels, including supply ships, are subject to dangerous conditions during their employment. They are at risk of being injured not just by cargo or equipment falling and cargo, but also due to boat accidents caused by the negligence or recklessness of other parties on board 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. These damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, cost of living during recovery, pain and suffering, as well as other benefits in the form of money.

A lot of times, injured seamen on supply vessels, tugboats, dredgers, barges, oil tanks, cruise or sightseeing boats need more than workers' compensation to pay for their expenses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims for which a seaman might be entitled to compensation, including allegations of insecurities and the employer's failure to keep a safe vessel.

Your lawyer will collect crucial documents and evidence related to your claim. This includes medical records, information about insurance policies, police reports, and much more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the defendant's attorney and insurance company in your name. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial in order to make a convincing argument in the court on your behalf.

Product Defects

While most boat accidents occur because of negligent or reckless actions of the boat operator However, there are a number of instances where a crash was actually the result of defective equipment. In those cases, victims may seek compensation from the manufacturer of the defective product by filing a lawsuit. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these cases.

Defective equipment and boats can be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. A warranty claim could be caused by a breach of implied or express warranties that are created by law, for example the New Jersey used car lemon laws, or the warranties of the merchantability and fit and finishing under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies usually cover latent defects too. Although some consumers may claim that the issue is evident or obvious but courts typically require expert testimony by an engineer or other expert to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or damage was caused due to a hidden condition.

Certain defects are discovered after a boat has been sold. These are usually considered manufacturing defects and boat Accident law firms are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Others are discovered after a boat has been operated and owned and could be the responsibility of the owner. One example is when the owner doesn't emptying of the water from the engine and the water freezes, which damages the motor during winter.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are popular in New York, a state with easy access the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. However, like most recreational activities, they carry certain risks and liabilities that can impact the lives of participants.

Injured people may file a personal injury claim or wrongful-death suit to seek compensation. Damages may include medical costs, loss of income, property losses as well as pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other expenses. Victims may also seek punitive damages when they are the result of reckless or gross negligence behaviour by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies aren't always easy to work with in a boating dispute particularly when their main goal is to settle as little as they can. Make sure you are level playing field by hiring an NYC lawyer for boating injuries who will work with insurers to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will go over all evidence available such as police reports and medical records. They will also look into witnesses' testimony. Then, they'll enter into negotiations with the at-fault party and their insurance company in order to reach an acceptable settlement. If they cannot agree on the amount of settlement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are experts in the presentation of evidence in support of your claim and securing maximum financial award.