Boat Accident Attorneys

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

Certain victims may also be eligible for punitive damages if the defendant's actions were egregious or reckless. These awards are intended to punish the defendant for their actions and to discourage future offenses.

Personal Injury

Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries, but a majority are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the main cause of boat accidents, along with other reckless choices, such as operating under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, or reckless behavior. Injuries can be anything from bruising and cuts to permanent paralysis from head injuries or a spinal cord injury.

Victims of injuries sustained by a boating accident could 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. Insurance companies usually try to accept less than the victims deserve when estimating a claim's value. A skilled 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 that all relevant evidence is collected. This includes the collection of important documents such as police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance documents, chemical tests and photos of the scene of the accident and property damage. Other vital information can be gathered from medical records including detailed reports of the injuries suffered as well as the expenses incurred and estimates of future costs. The lawyer can then negotiate a fair settlement with the person who was at fault or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are often exposed to hazardous conditions during the course of their employment. They are at risk of getting injured not just by falling equipment or cargo, but also by boat accidents resulting from the negligence or inattention of other passengers on the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The damages may include medical expenses as well as lost wages, the cost of living during the recovery process as well as pain and suffering and other financial benefits.

A lot of times, injured seamen on supply vessels tugboats, dredgers, barges, oil tanks cruise or sightseeing boats require more than workers' compensation to pay for their expenses. A skilled New iberia boat accident attorney York willows boat accident law firm accident lawyer will be able to identify any other third-party claims where a seaman could be eligible to recover compensation, such as allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or the employer's inability to maintain a safe vessel.

Your lawyer will collect crucial documents and evidence in connection with your claim. This includes medical records, information on insurance policies, police reports and much more. They will then enter into settlement discussions with the lawyer of the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If there is no fair settlement reached, they will then prepare an effective case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

Although the majority of boat accidents happen due to reckless or negligent behavior on the part of the boat owner However, there are a number of instances where a crash is actually the result of defective equipment. In those cases, victims may seek compensation from the company that made the defective product through a lawsuit. In these instances, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

Defective equipment and boats can be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. Warranty claims can be based on a violation of implied or express guarantees made by law, such as the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles or the warranties of merchantability or the guarantee of fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies often cover latent problems as well. Although some consumers may claim that the issue is evident or obvious, courts often require expert testimony by an engineer or other qualified professional to determine whether an issue with a mechanical component or damage resulted from an unnoticed condition.

There are some defects that are discovered after a boat is sold. These are generally deemed manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is responsible for these. Some are discovered after the boat has been owned and operated and could be the owner's fault. One example is when the owner forgets the empty the water from the engine and the water gets frozen and causes damage to the motor during the winter.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state with easy access to Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. However, like most sports, Latrobe boat accident law firm they also carry certain risks and liabilities that could have a negative impact on the lives of participants.

When boating accidents happen and people are injured, they can pursue a personal injury wrongful-death claim for compensation to cover their damages. Damages may include medical costs, loss of income, property losses as well as pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, lake Charles boat accident law firm permanent disability, disfigurement and other costs. Victims can also demand punitive damages in the event of gross negligence or reckless behavior by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies aren't always easy to work with in a boating case especially when their primary objective is to pay as little as they can. Employ a NYC lawyer who will work closely with insurance companies to hold all parties responsible for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will scrutinize all evidence available including police reports as well as medical records. They will also examine witnesses' testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the responsible person and their insurance company in order to negotiate a fair settlement. If they are unable reach an agreement then our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are experienced in presenting evidence in support of your claim and winning the maximum financial award.