Boat Accident Attorneys

If you were injured by an accident on the water, and it was not your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial settlement. This could include physical therapy, medical bills as well as loss of income due to the inability to work.

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

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, but they are often avoidable. Boat accidents are usually caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, in addition to other careless choices like driving under the influence of alcohol, carrying more than one person, and reckless behavior. The severity of the injuries vary from minor bruising to paralysis due to brain or spinal cord injuries.

Victims who suffer injuries in a boating incident can be compensated for medical expenses and lost earnings or work while they recuperate. If their injuries are irreparable they can also claim costs for long-term care. Unfortunately the process of estimating the value of a personal injury claim is not a simple task and insurance companies often settle for less than victims are entitled to. A skilled attorney can help you to fight for the highest amount of compensation possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to ensure all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes collecting important documents, like police reports and witness statements as well as logs of maintenance for the vessel chemical tests, photographs of the scene of the accident and property damage. Other vital information can be obtained from medical records including detailed accounts of the injuries sustained as well as the expenses incurred and estimates of future costs. Lawyers can negotiate with the at-fault party or the insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers working on workboats and other vessels, including supply ships, are subject to dangerous conditions during their employment. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo and equipment, they also are at risk of being involved in boat accidents caused by negligence or reckless behavior of other people onboard 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. These damages could include medical expenses loss of 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, oil tanks, barges, cruise or sightseeing boats need more than workers' compensation to compensate for their expenses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims for lawyers which a seaman could be eligible for compensation, including claims of unseaworthiness and the failure of the employer to maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence related to your claim, such as medical records as well as insurance policy information as well as police reports and other. They will then enter into settlement discussions with the lawyer of the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial so that they can make a convincing argument in the court on your behalf.

Product Defects

While the majority of boat crashes occur because of reckless or negligent behavior on the part of the boat's owner There are also instances where a crash is actually the result of faulty equipment. In these cases, victims may sue the company who made the defective product to claim compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these instances.

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

Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies too. While some consumers may suggest that a problem is clear or obvious, courtrooms often require expert testimony from a surveyor or another expert to determine if a mechanical breakdown or other damage was caused by a hidden condition.

Some defects are discovered after the boat is sold. These are usually considered to be manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. They are often discovered after the boat was operated and owned and may be the fault of the owner. One example is when the boat owner doesn't emptying of the water from the engine and the water gets frozen and damages the motor during winter.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state with easy access the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. As with all recreational activities, there are risks and responsibilities associated with it.

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

Insurance companies aren't easy to work with in a boating case particularly when their primary objective is to pay the lowest amount they can. Make sure you are level playing field by hiring an NYC attorney for boating injuries who will work with insurers to ensure all parties involved are held accountable for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will look over all evidence available, including police reports and medical records. They will also look into witnesses' testimony. Then, they'll engage in discussions with the party at fault and their insurance company in order to reach a fair settlement. If they are not able to reach an agreement on an agreement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are experienced in presenting evidence in support of your claim and securing maximum amount of money.