Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of an accident while on a boat and it wasn't your fault you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These expenses may include physical therapy, medical bills as well as lost income due to the inability to work.

Certain victims may be awarded punitive damages, in cases where the conduct of the defendant was reckless and egregious. These awards are intended to penalize the defendant for their actions and to discourage future offenses.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, but a majority are preventable. Boat accidents are usually caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, in addition to other careless choices like driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing many passengers, and reckless behavior. The injuries could range from bruising and lacerations to permanent paralysis caused by injuries to the head or spinal cord.

Victims injured by a boating accident could receive compensation for their medical expenses as well as lost earnings or work while they recover. They can also claim the costs of long-term medical care when their injuries are permanent. Insurance companies typically try to settle for less money than the victims are entitled to when estimating a claim's value. A knowledgeable attorney can assist you in negotiating the most lucrative settlement you can get.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes collecting important documents, including witness statements and police reports, vessel maintenance logs chemical tests, photographs of the scene of the accident and the property damage. Medical records can offer crucial information, for example, detailed reports on the injuries, expenses, and the future costs. Lawyers can negotiate with the at-fault party or the insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are frequently exposed to hazardous conditions in the course of their job. They are at risk of being injured not only by falling equipment or cargo and cargo, but also due to boat accidents caused by negligence or inattention of other passengers on board the vessel.

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

Many times, injured seamen on a supply vessel tugboats, dredgers, oil tanks, barges cruise boats, or sightseeing vessels require more than workers' compensation in order to pay for their losses. A skilled New York Boat Accident Law Firm accident lawyer can help identify other third-party claims for which a seaman could be eligible for compensation, including allegations of insecurities and the failure of the employer to maintain a safe vessel.

Your attorney will collect crucial documents and evidence that pertain to your claim, including medical records as well as insurance policy information or police reports, among others. They will then enter into settlement discussions with the lawyer of the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair and reasonable settlement cannot be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial in order to make a convincing argument in the court on your behalf.

Product Defects

Although the majority of boat accidents happen because of reckless or negligent actions of the boat operator There are also cases where a crash is actually the result of defective equipment. In these instances, the victims could sue the firm that made the defective product to claim compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these cases.

Defective equipment and boats could be covered by claims based on negligence or strict liability law. A warranty claim could be due to a breach of implied or express warranties imposed by law, such as the New Jersey used car lemon laws, or the warranties of fit and finish and Boat accident Law firm merchantability under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies often cover latent defects, too. While some consumers suggest an issue is evident or obvious, courtrooms often require expert testimony from a surveyor, or any other expert to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or any other damage was caused by a hidden condition.

Some defects are discovered after a boat has been sold. These are typically regarded as manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is accountable for them. Some are discovered after the boat has been operated and owned, and may be the fault of the owner. One example is when the boat owner doesn't empty the engine's water and the water then freezes and causes damage to the motor during the winter.

Insurance

In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes and waterways, boating and other water recreation activities are common for residents. Like any other recreational activity, there are risks and responsibilities involved.

In the event of boating accidents, injured individuals may file a personal injury or wrongful-death claim for compensation to pay for their damages. Damages can include medical expenses, loss of income, property losses in addition to pain and suffering diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other expenses. In the event of gross negligence, the victims may also seek punitive damage.

Insurance companies involved in a boating accident case aren't easy to deal with, especially since their main objective is to pay you as little as possible. Employ a NYC lawyer who will work closely with insurers to hold all parties responsible for their actions.

An experienced attorney will review all evidence available, including police reports and medical records. They will also investigate witnesses' testimony. Then they will engage in discussions with the party at fault and their insurance company to secure an acceptable settlement. If they can't agree on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for trial. We are experts in presenting evidence in support of your claim and securing the maximum financial award.