Boat Accident Attorneys

If you were injured in an accident on the water which was not your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These costs could include medical bills, physical therapies and income loss due to the inability to work.

Certain victims may also be awarded punitive damages, if the defendant's conduct was reckless and indecent. These awards are intended to punish the defendant for their conduct and to discourage future offenses.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can cause serious injuries, however many are preventable. Boat accidents are usually caused by inexperienced and untrained boaters, as well as other reckless choices such as driving under the influence of alcohol, carrying more than one person, and reckless behavior. Injuries may range from lacerations and bruises to permanent paralysis resulting from neck or spinal cord injuries.

The victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for their medical bills and loss in income or work while recovering from their injuries. They also have the right to recover expenses of long-term care in the event that their injuries are irreparable. Unfortunately the process of estimating the value of an injury claim is not an easy task. Insurance companies often try to settle for less than victims deserve. A knowledgeable attorney can ensure that you receive the highest settlement that is possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident 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 documents, chemical tests and photographs of the accident site and the damage to property. Medical records can also provide crucial information, for example, detailed reports on the injuries, expenses and future costs. The lawyer may then negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault person or the insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats as well as other vessels, including supply ships, are subject to hazardous conditions throughout their employment. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment in the course of their work, they are also at risk of boat accidents caused by the negligent or reckless behavior of other people onboard the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. If they suffer injuries due to such incidents, they're entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages could include medical expenses loss of income, cost of living while recovering the injury, pain and suffering, as well as other benefits in the form of money.

Many times, injured seamen on supply vessels tugboats, dredgers and tugboats oil tanks, barges cruise boats, or sightseeing vessels require more than workers' compensation in order to cover their losses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer will be able to identify any other third-party claims for which a seaman could be eligible for compensation, such as allegations of unseaworthiness and the employer's inability to maintain the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will gather important documents and evidence pertaining to your claim. These include medical records, information about insurance policies, police reports, and many more. They will then negotiate a settlement with the defendant's attorney and the insurance company that you represent. If an acceptable settlement cannot be reached, they will then prepare a compelling case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

While the majority of boat crashes occur because of reckless or negligent behaviour on the part of the boat operator However, there are a number of cases where a crash is actually the result of defective equipment. In those cases, victims can seek compensation from the company that produced the defective product through a lawsuit. A Reston, Boat Accident Attorneys VA, product defect lawyer can help in these instances.

Defective equipment and boats may be covered by claims based on negligence, strict liability or warranty law. A warranty claim may be based on a violation of implied or express guarantees that are imposed by law, like the New Jersey lemon laws for used cars 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 obvious or clear however, courts usually require expert testimony from a surveyor or another expert to determine if a mechanical breakdown or damage was caused due to an unnoticed issue.

There are some defects that are discovered after a boat has been sold. These are usually considered to be manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Some are discovered after the boat has been owned and operated and could be the fault of the owner. A good example is the case of a boat owner who forgets to empty water out of the engine, and that water freezes in 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. Like any other recreational activity there are risks and liabilities involved.

Injured individuals can file a personal injuries claim or wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation. Damages include medical expenses, loss of income, property loss as well as pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement and other expenses. Victims can also pursue punitive damages in instances of reckless or gross negligence behaviour by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies can be difficult to work with in a boating dispute particularly when their main goal is to settle the lowest amount they can. Set the bar higher by hiring a NYC lawyer for injuries sustained in boating who will work with insurance companies to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will examine all evidence available including police reports, medical records and witness testimony. They will then enter into discussions with both the at-fault person and their insurance company to reach an equitable settlement. If they are not able to reach an agreement on an agreement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are experts in the presentation of evidence in support of your claim and securing the maximum financial award.