Boat Accident Attorneys

If you were injured in an accident with a boat that wasn't your fault, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. This could include physical therapy, medical bills and lost income due to the inability to work.

Some victims might also be eligible for punitive damages when the defendant's conduct was inexplicably reckless. These kinds of awards are crafted to punish the defendant and discourage similar behavior in the future.

Personal Injury

Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries, but a majority are avoidable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the most common cause of boat accidents, along with other careless choices such as driving under the influence, transporting too many passengers, and 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 can receive compensation for their medical expenses as well as lost earnings or work while they recuperate. They can also claim the cost of long-term treatment if their injuries are permanent. Unfortunately finding out the value of a personal injury claim isn't an easy task. Insurance firms often attempt to settle for less than victims deserve. An experienced attorney will assist you in negotiating for the most lucrative settlement you can get.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to collect all relevant evidence. This includes the gathering of crucial documents such as police reports and witness statements, boat maintenance documents, chemical tests and photographs of the accident site and the property damage. Other essential information may be obtained from medical records, including detailed reports of the injuries suffered, expenses incurred, and estimates of future costs. The lawyer can then bargain with the party at fault or the insurance company to negotiate an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are typically exposed to hazardous conditions during the course of their job. They are at risk of being injured not just from falling equipment or cargo, but also by boat accidents caused by the negligence or inattention of other passengers 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 damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages could include medical expenses loss of income, Firms 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 injuries. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims that a seaman could be eligible to recover compensation, including allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or the employer's failure to keep an appropriate vessel.

Your attorney will collect important documents and evidence in connection with your claim. These include medical records, information regarding insurance policies, police reports, and many more. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the lawyer of the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair agreement cannot be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial and make a convincing argument in the court on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats result from defective equipment. The majority of accidents on boats are caused by the reckless or negligent behavior of the boat's operator. In those cases, victims are able to seek compensation from the manufacturer of the defective product in a lawsuit. In these cases, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

Defective equipment and boats may be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. Warranty claims can be based on a breach of implied or express warranties created by law, like the New Jersey lemon laws for automobiles used for sale or the warranties of merchantability, or quality and fit under Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies as well. While some individuals may assert that a problem is obvious or clear, courts often require expert testimony by a surveyor or another expert to determine if a mechanical breakdown or damage resulted from an unnoticed issue.

Certain defects are discovered after the boat is sold. These defects are usually considered manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is accountable for the defects. Other defects are discovered after the boat is operated and owned and may be the fault of the owner. An example is when a boat owner forgets to drain water from the engine, and the water freezes in the winter, causing damage to the motor.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are popular in New York, a state that has easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. However, like all recreational activities, they carry certain risks and liabilities that could affect the lives of the participants.

In the event of boating accidents, injured individuals may file a personal injury or wrongful death claim for compensation to pay for their damages. Medical expenses as well as lost income, property damage, and suffering and pain are all considered damages. Victims can also seek punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or reckless actions by the responsible party.

Insurance companies involved in a maritime accident case can be difficult to work with, especially when their primary objective is to pay you as little as they can. Hire an NYC lawyer who will work closely with insurance companies to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will thoroughly review all available evidence that is available, including police reports medical records and witness testimony. Then, they'll engage in negotiations with the at-fault party and their insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement. If they fail to come to an agreement then our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are experts in presenting evidence in support of your claim and securing maximum financial award.