Boat Accident Attorneys

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

Some victims might also be eligible for punitive damages if the defendant's behavior was egregious or reckless. These awards are intended to penalize the defendant for their conduct and to discourage future offenses.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can cause serious injuries, but a majority are preventable. Inexperienced and untrained 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 resulting from brain injury or a spinal cord injury.

Victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for medical bills as well as the loss of work or income while recovering from their injuries. If their injuries are severe they may also recover costs for long-term medical care. Insurance companies often try and accept less than the victims should receive when estimating claims' value. An experienced lawyer can help ensure that you receive the highest settlement that is feasible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the incident to ensure all relevant evidence is gathered. 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 accident site and the property damage. Medical records can also provide vital information, like detailed reports of the injuries, expenses and the future costs. The lawyer will then negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault person or the insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are frequently exposed to dangers in the course of their job. They are at risk of getting injured not only by falling equipment or cargo as well as 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 negligence by employers. If they suffer injuries due to these incidents, they are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages could include medical expenses and lost income, as well as the cost of living during recovery the injury, pain and Boat Accidents suffering, and other monetary benefits.

Often, seamen who are injured on supply vessels tugboats, dredgers and tugboats oil tanks, barges cruise or sightseeing vessels need more than workers' compensation to compensate for their losses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims that a seaman might be entitled to compensation, including claims of a lack of seaworthiness or the employer's failure to maintain the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will collect crucial documents and evidence related to your claim. These include medical records, information regarding insurance policies, police reports, and many more. They will then negotiate a settlement with the defendant's attorney and the insurance company you have named. If a fair settlement is not reached, they will then prepare an effective case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

While most boat accidents occur because of negligent or reckless behavior of the boat operator, there are also many instances where a crash was actually caused by faulty equipment. In such cases, the victims may seek compensation from the company that manufactured the defective product through a lawsuit. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these instances.

Boats and defective equipment can be covered under strict liability, boat accidents negligence, or warranty law. A warranty claim could be the result of a breach implied or express warranties imposed by law, for example the New Jersey used car lemon laws or the warranties of merchantability and fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies too. Although some people think a problem is clear or obvious, courts typically require an expert witness from a surveyor or another expert to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or any other damage resulted from a hidden condition.

Some defects are found after a boat has been sold. These are generally deemed manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is accountable for them. Other defects are discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and may be the responsibility of the owner. One example is when a boat owner does not emptying of the water from the engine and the water freezes and affects the motor in 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 among residents. But, as with all sports, they also carry certain risks and liabilities that can have a negative impact on the lives of participants.

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

Insurance companies can be difficult to work with in a case involving boats especially when their primary goal is to settle the lowest amount they can. Bring the game level by hiring an NYC attorney for boating injuries who will work with insurers to ensure that all parties are accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will go through all evidence available including police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. They will then engage in discussions with both the at-fault person and their insurance company to reach an equitable settlement. If they fail to reach an agreement the attorneys of our firm will prepare for trial. We are skilled at presenting evidence in support of your claim and securing the maximum amount of financial compensation.