Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of an accident while on a boat accident lawsuit that was not your fault, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. These expenses can include medical bills, physical therapy and income loss due to inability to work.

Some victims may also qualify for punitive damages if defendant's actions were egregious or reckless. These awards are intended to punish the defendant for their actions and to deter future incidents.

Personal Injury

Although boating accidents can result in serious injuries, a lot of them can be avoided. 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 too many passengers, or reckless behavior. Injuries may be anything from bruising and boat accidents cuts to permanent paralysis from spinal cord or head injury.

Victims of boating accidents are entitled to compensation for their medical bills as well as the loss of income or work while they recover from injuries. They may also be able to recover the expenses of long-term care if their injuries are permanent. Insurance companies frequently try to settle for less money than the victims are entitled to when estimating a claim's value. A knowledgeable attorney can to get the highest settlement that is feasible.

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 crucial documents like police reports and witness statements, boat maintenance documents, chemical tests and photographs of the accident site and property damage. Medical records can also provide vital information, like detailed reports on the injuries, expenses and the cost of future expenses. The lawyer may then bargain with the party at fault or the insurance company for an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are typically exposed to hazardous conditions during the course of working. They are at risk of being injured not only from cargo or equipment falling as well as boat accidents caused by negligence or recklessness of other parties on board the vessel.

Seamen have specific rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that are designed to protect them from negligence by employers. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages can be a result of medical expenses loss of wages, cost of living during recuperation as well as pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money.

Most often, seamen injured on a supply vessel tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing vessel need more than just workers' compensation in order to cover their loss. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims where a seaman may be able to claim compensation, including allegations of unreliability and the employer's failure to maintain a safe vessel.

Your lawyer will gather important documents and evidence in connection with your claim. These include medical records, information about insurance policies, police reports, and many more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney representing the defendant as well as an the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached, they will prepare for trial so that they can present a strong case in court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats result from defective equipment. However, the majority of accidents on boats are caused by the negligent or reckless actions of the boat operator. In such cases, the victims can seek compensation from the company that made the defective product by filing a lawsuit. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these instances.

Defective boats and equipment may be covered under strict liability, negligence, or warranty law. A warranty claim could be caused by a breach of implied or express warranties made by law, for example the New Jersey used car lemon laws, or the warranties of the merchantability and fit and finishing under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies often cover latent defects too. While some consumers may suggest that a problem is clear or obvious, courtrooms frequently require an expert witness by a surveyor or other expert to determine if an engine failure or other damage resulted from a hidden condition.

Some defects are discovered after a boat is sold. These are generally deemed manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is responsible for the defects. They are often discovered after the boat accident law firms was operated and owned and may be the owner's fault. An example is when a boat owner fails to empty water out of the engine, and the water freezes during winter months and causes damage to the motor.

Insurance

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

Individuals who have been injured are able to file a personal injury claim or wrongful death suit to recover damages. Damages include medical expenses, loss of income, property loss along with pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other costs. In the event of gross negligence, victims could also seek punitive damages.

Insurance companies involved in a maritime accident case are often difficult to deal with, particularly since their primary goal is to pay you as little as they can. Choose a NYC lawyer for a boating accident who will work closely with insurance companies to hold them accountable for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will look over all evidence available including police reports as well as medical records. They will also examine witnesses' testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the responsible person and their insurance company in order to negotiate a fair settlement. If they cannot come to an agreement then our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are proficient in presenting evidence in support of your claim and obtaining the maximum financial award.