Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured in an accident with a boat accident attorney which was not your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These expenses may include medical bills, physical therapies and lost income because of inability to work.

Some victims can be awarded punitive damages if the defendant's conduct was reckless and egregious. These types of awards are designed to punish the offender and deter similar actions in the future.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can cause serious injuries, but they are often preventable. Boat accidents are usually caused by inexperienced and untrained boaters, as well as other reckless choices such as driving under the under the influence of alcohol, transporting too many people, and reckless behavior. The injuries could be anything from bruising and cuts to permanent paralysis from neck or spinal cord injuries.

Victims who are injured in a boating incident can be compensated for medical expenses and lost earnings or work while they recuperate. If their injuries are severe they may also recover costs for long-term medical care. Unfortunately it is difficult to estimate the value of an injury claim isn't an easy task, and more.. insurance firms often attempt to settle for less than victims deserve. An experienced lawyer can help you fight for 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 gathered. This includes the gathering of crucial documents, such as police reports as well as witness statements, vessel maintenance documents, chemical tests and photos of the scene of the accident and property damage. Medical records can also provide important information, including detailed reports of the injuries, expenses and the future costs. The lawyer may then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person at fault and/or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are frequently exposed to hazardous conditions during the course of working. They are at risk of being injured not only from falling equipment or cargo, but also by boat accidents caused by negligence or carelessness of other people on the vessel.

Seamen have rights that are specific to them under the Jones Act and other federal laws that protect them from negligence by employers. If they sustain injuries as a result of such incidents, they're entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages can be a result of medical expenses, lost wages, cost of living during the recovery process, pain and suffering, and other financial benefits.

Often, seamen who are injured on a supply vessel, tugboats, dredgers, barges, oil tanks cruise boats, or sightseeing vessels require more than workers' compensation in order to cover their expenses. A New York boat accident attorney will be able to identify third-party claims seamen may be entitled to claims, for instance, allegations of unseaworthiness or the employer's failure maintain the safety of the vessel.

Your attorney will collect crucial documents and evidence that pertain to your claim, such as medical records and insurance policy details, police reports and more. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the lawyer for the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If there is no fair settlement reached, they will prepare an argument that is strong enough to be tried on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents are caused by defective equipment. Most accidents on boats are caused by the negligent or reckless actions of the boat's operator. In those instances, victims can seek compensation from company that manufactured the defective product through a lawsuit. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these cases.

Defective boats and equipment may be covered under strict liability, negligence, or warranty law. A warranty claim can be based on a breach of express or implied guarantees provided by law, such as 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 often covered by insurance policies too. While some consumers suggest an issue is evident or obvious, courtrooms frequently require an expert witness from a surveyor or another qualified professional to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or any other damage resulted from a hidden problem.

A few defects are discovered when a boat is sold. These defects are usually considered manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is accountable for the defects. Some are discovered after the boat has been operated and owned, and may be the fault of the owner. One instance is when the owner fails to emptying of the engine of water and the water then freezes and damages the motor in the winter.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are popular in New York, a state with easy access to Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. But, as with all sports, they also carry certain risks and liabilities that can affect the lives of the participants.

Injured persons can file a personal injuries claim or wrongful-death suit to seek compensation. Medical expenses, lost income, property losses, as well as suffering and pain are all damages. In the event of gross negligence, the victims may also pursue punitive damages.

Insurance companies involved in a maritime accident case are often difficult to deal with, particularly since their main objective is to pay you as little as is possible. Find an NYC lawyer for a boating accident who will work closely with insurers to hold all parties responsible for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will look over all evidence available such as police reports and medical records. They will also review witnesses' testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the at-fault person and their insurance company in order to reach an acceptable settlement. If they are unable to come to an agreement then our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are skilled at presenting evidence in support of your claim and obtaining the highest amount of money.