Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured in a boating accident, and it was not your fault you may be entitled to a substantial settlement. These expenses could include medical bills, physical therapy and loss of income due to inability to work.

Some victims can be awarded punitive damages, in the event that the defendant's behavior was reckless and indecent. These types of awards are designed to punish the perpetrator and discourage similar conduct in the future.

Personal Injury

Although boating accidents can result in serious injuries, a majority of them can be avoided. Boat accidents are often caused by inexperienced and untrained boaters, in addition to other reckless actions like driving under the effects of alcohol, carrying too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The injuries can range from minor bruises to paralysis due to brain injury or a spinal cord injury.

Victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for their medical bills and loss of income or work as they recover from their injuries. They can also recover the cost of long-term treatment when their injuries are permanent. Insurance companies often try and accept less than the victims deserve when estimating a claim's value. A skilled attorney can assist you in negotiating for the highest possible settlement.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident in order to collect all relevant evidence. This includes the collection of crucial documents such as police reports as well as witness statements, vessel maintenance reports, chemical tests and photographs of the site of the accident as well as the damage to property. Other crucial information can be obtained from medical records, including detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained as well as the expenses incurred and estimates of future costs. Lawyers can negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person who was at fault or the insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are frequently exposed to hazardous conditions in the course of working. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment, they are also at risk of boat accidents that result from the negligence or reckless actions of other parties on board the vessel.

Seamen have certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws designed to safeguard them from employer negligence. When they suffer injuries from these incidents, they are entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages can include medical expenses and lost income, as well as the cost of living while recovering the injury, pain and suffering, and other monetary benefits.

A lot of seamen injured on a supply ship tugboat, dredger barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing vessel need more than just workers' compensation to pay for their losses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can identify other third-party claims for which a seaman might be entitled to compensation, for instance, allegations of unreliability and the employer's failure to maintain the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will collect crucial documents and evidence that relate to your claim. These include medical records, information on insurance policies, police reports, and more. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the lawyer for the defendant and 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 make a convincing argument in the court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents result from defective equipment. However, the majority of accidents on boats result from the negligent or reckless behavior of the boat's operator. In these cases, victims can sue the company who made the defective product to seek compensation. In these situations, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist.

Defective boats and equipment could be covered by claims based on negligence, strict liability or warranty law. A warranty claim can be based on a violation of express or implied guarantees that are imposed by law, like the New Jersey lemon laws for used cars or the warranties of merchantability, or the fit and finish of the Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies often cover latent defects, too. While some people may argue that the issue is evident or obvious but courts typically require expert testimony by a surveyor or other certified professional to determine if a mechanical breakdown or damage was caused by an unnoticed condition.

Certain defects are discovered after the boat is sold. These are typically considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Some are discovered after the boat was operated and owned, and may be the owner's fault. One example is when the owner does not empty the engine's water and the water freezes, which affects the motor in winter.

Insurance

In a state like New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes, boating and similar water recreational activities are commonplace among residents. However, like most recreation activities, they come with certain risks and liabilities that could affect the lives of the participants.

If boating accidents happen, boat accident attorneys injured individuals may file a personal injury or wrongful death claim for compensation to pay for their damages. Medical expenses loss of income, property losses, as well as suffering and pain are all damages. In cases of gross negligence, victims could also seek punitive damages.

Insurance companies involved in a boating accident case can be difficult to deal with, particularly when their main goal is to settle the case as little as possible. Bring the game level by hiring an NYC attorney for boating injuries who will work with insurers to ensure all parties involved are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will look over all evidence that is available such as police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the responsible person and their insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement. If they are unable to agree on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare for trial. We are skilled at providing evidence to support your claim and securing the maximum amount of financial compensation.