Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries in an accident on the water which was not your fault, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. These costs could include physical therapy, medical bills, and lost income due to the inability to work.

Some victims may also be awarded punitive damages when the conduct of the defendant was reckless and egregious. These kinds of awards are designed to punish the defendant and discourage similar conduct in the future.

Personal Injury

Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries, however many are preventable. Boat accidents are usually caused by inexperienced and untrained boaters, and other careless choices like driving under the influence of alcohol, carrying too many people, and reckless behavior. The severity of the injuries vary from minor bruises to paralysis resulting from brain or spinal cord injuries.

The victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for medical bills and loss in work or income while they recover from injuries. They can also recover the cost of long-term treatment if their injuries are permanent. Unfortunately the process of estimating the value of an injury claim isn't an easy task, and insurance firms often attempt to offer less than what victims deserve. A knowledgeable attorney can fight for the maximum settlement that is possible.

A New York plain city boat accident lawyer boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected. This includes the gathering of crucial documents such as police reports and witness statements, boat maintenance records, chemical tests, and photos of the site of the accident as well as the property damage. Medical records can also provide vital information, like detailed reports of the injuries, expenses and the future costs. The lawyer may then negotiate with the at-fault party and/or the insurance company for a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats as well as other vessels, including supply ships, are exposed to hazardous conditions during their employment. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment and equipment, they also are at risk for boat accidents that result from the negligence or reckless conduct of other parties on board the vessel.

Seamen have certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws designed to protect them from the negligence of employers. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages can include medical expenses as well as lost income, the cost of living while recovering, pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money.

Often, seamen who are injured on a supply vessel tugboat, dredger barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing boat require more than workers' compensation to pay for their expenses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can identify other third-party claims where a seaman might be entitled to compensation, such as allegations of unreliability and the employer's inability to maintain a safe vessel.

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence that pertain to your claim, firms such as medical records, insurance policy information and police reports, among others. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney representing the defendant as well as an the insurance company that you represent. If there is no fair settlement reached, they will draft a strong case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats result from defective equipment. While the majority of boat accidents result from the negligent or reckless actions of the haledon boat accident lawsuit operator. In such cases, the victims can seek compensation from the company that produced the defective product in a lawsuit. In these situations, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

Defective boats and equipment could be covered by claims that are based on negligence, strict liability or warranty law. A warranty claim could be based on a violation of implied or express warranties created 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.

Insurance policies typically cover hidden defects, too. Although some consumers might claim that the issue is evident or obvious however, courts usually require expert testimony by a surveyor or another qualified professional to determine whether a mechanical breakdown or firms damage resulted from an unnoticed condition.

Some defects are discovered after a boat is sold. These are usually considered to be manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Others are discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and could be the responsibility of the owner. An example is when a boat owner forgets to drain the water out of the engine, and that water freezes in the winter and causes damage to the engine.

Insurance

In a state like New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes, boating and similar water recreation activities are common among residents. But, as with all recreational activities, they are accompanied by certain risks and liabilities that can affect the lives of the participants.

Injured individuals may file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation. Medical expenses as well as lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering are all considered damages. Victims may also seek punitive damages when they are the result of reckless or gross negligence behavior by the party at fault.

Insurance companies can be difficult to negotiate with in a case involving boats especially when their primary goal is to compensate the least amount possible. Employ an NYC lawyer for boating accidents who will work closely with insurance companies to hold them accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will scrutinize all evidence available, including police reports and medical records. They will also investigate witnesses' testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the responsible person and their insurance company in order to negotiate an acceptable settlement. If they are unable reach an agreement the attorneys of our firm will prepare for trial. We are proficient in the presentation of evidence to support your claim and obtaining the maximum financial award.