Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured in a boating accident and it wasn't your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial payout. These expenses could include medical bills, physical therapy, and loss of income due to inability to work.

Certain victims could also be eligible for punitive damages if defendant's behavior was egregious or reckless. These awards are designed to punish the defendant for their misconduct and also to deter further incidents.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can result in serious injuries, the majority of them are preventable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are common causes of boat accident law firm-related accidents as well as other naive choices like operating under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, or reckless behavior. Injuries can be anything from bruising and cuts to permanent paralysis resulting from neck or spinal cord injuries.

Victims who are injured in a boating accident may get compensation for their medical expenses and lost income or work as they recuperate. They may also be able to recover the costs of long-term medical care for injuries that are permanent. Insurance companies usually try to settle for less than the victims are entitled to when estimating a claim's value. A knowledgeable attorney can assist you in negotiating the highest possible settlement.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the incident to ensure all relevant evidence is collected. This includes the collection of important documents such as police reports as well as witness statements, vessel maintenance reports, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of the accident and the property damage. Other essential information may be gathered from medical records, which include detailed accounts of the injuries sustained, the expenses incurred, as well as estimated future costs. The lawyer can then bargain with the party at fault or the insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are frequently exposed to dangers in the course of their employment. They are at risk of being injured not only by cargo or equipment falling, but also by boat accidents caused by the negligence or carelessness of other people 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. These damages may include medical expenses and lost income, as well as the cost of living during recovery from injuries, pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money.

A lot of seamen injured on a supply vessel, tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing vessel need more than just workers' compensation to cover their injuries. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third-party claims that a seamen might be entitled to compensation, including claims of a lack of seaworthiness or the failure of the employer to maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will collect crucial documents and evidence related to your claim. These include medical records, details about insurance policies, police reports, and much more. They will then negotiate a settlement with the attorney for the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair and reasonable settlement cannot be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial to argue your case in court on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents result from defective equipment. The majority of accidents on boats are caused by the reckless or negligent actions of the boat's operator. In these instances, the victims may sue the manufacturer that made the defective product in order to recover compensation. In these situations, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist.

Defective equipment and boats could be covered by claims based on negligence or strict liability law. A warranty claim could be based on a violation of implied or express guarantees that are imposed by law, such as the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles, or boat Accident attorneys the guarantees of merchantability or quality and fit under Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies can cover nebulous defects, too. While some people may argue that a problem is evident or obvious but courts typically require expert testimony from an expert surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or was caused by 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. An example of this is when a boater forgets to empty water out of the engine, and the water freezes in winter months and causes damage to the motor.

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 recreation activities are common among residents. Like any other recreational activity there are risks and responsibilities associated with it.

Injured people may file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages. Medical expenses as well as lost income, property losses and suffering and pain are all examples of damages. Victims can also pursue punitive damages in instances of reckless or gross negligence actions by the responsible party.

Insurance companies aren't easy to work with in a boating dispute particularly when their main goal is to pay the least amount possible. Find a NYC lawyer for boating accidents who will work closely with insurance companies to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will scrutinize all evidence available including police reports and medical records. They will also examine witnesses' testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the at fault person and their insurance company in order to negotiate a fair settlement. If they can't agree on an agreement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are skilled at the presentation of evidence to support your claim and winning the highest amount of money.