Boat Accident Attorneys

If you were injured by an accident in the boating industry and it wasn't your fault you may be entitled to a substantial payout. This could include physical therapy, medical bills as well as loss of income due to an inability to work.

Some victims can be awarded punitive damages, in the event that the defendant's behavior was reckless and boat accidents egregious. These awards are designed to punish the defendant for their misconduct and to prevent future incidents.

Personal Injury

Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries, but they are often avoidable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are a common cause of boat-related accidents as well as other reckless choices, such as driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The injuries can range from minor bruises to paralysis caused by the brain or spinal cord.

Victims of injuries sustained by a boating accident could get compensation for their medical expenses as well as lost income or work while they recuperate. If their injuries are irreparable they may also recover costs for long-term treatment. Unfortunately finding out the value of an injury claim is not an easy task, and insurance companies often offer less than what victims deserve. A skilled attorney can assist you in negotiating the highest amount of compensation possible.

A New York City boat accident lawsuit accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to ensure all relevant evidence is collected. This includes gathering important documents, including witness statements and police reports and logs of maintenance on the vessel as well as chemical tests and photos of the scene of an accident and the property damage. Other essential information may be gathered from medical records, which include detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained as well as the expenses incurred and estimated future costs. Lawyers can negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person at fault or the insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers working on workboats and other vessels, including supply ships, are exposed to hazardous conditions throughout their work. 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.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. If they suffer injuries due to these kinds of incidents, they are 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 benefits monetary.

Often, seamen who are injured on a supply boat tugboat, dredger or tugboat barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing vessel require more than workers' compensation to pay for their expenses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims that a seaman may be able to claim compensation, such as allegations of unreliability and the failure of the employer to maintain the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence regarding your claim, like medical records and insurance policy information or police reports, among others. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the lawyer for the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair and reasonable settlement cannot be reached, they will prepare for trial in order to argue your case in the court on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents result from defective equipment. However, the majority of accidents on boats are caused by the reckless or negligent actions of the boat operator. In these instances, the victims could sue the firm that made the defective product to obtain compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these cases.

Boats and defective equipment can be covered under strict liability, negligence, or warranty law. A warranty claim could be based on a breach of implied or Boat Accidents express warranties provided by law, for example 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 defects, too. Although some consumers might claim that the issue is evident or obvious but courts typically require expert testimony by a surveyor or another certified professional to determine if a mechanical breakdown or damage was caused by an unnoticed issue.

Some defects are discovered after a boat has been sold. These defects are typically considered manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is accountable for these. Others are discovered after a boat is owned and operated and could be the fault of the owner. An example of this is when a boat owner forgets to empty water out of the engine, and the water freezes in winter months and causes damage to the motor.

Insurance

In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes and waterways, boating and other water recreational activities are commonplace for residents. As with all recreational activities, there are risks and responsibilities that are involved.

Injured people can file a personal injury claim or wrongful death suit to recover damages. Damages may include medical costs, loss of income, property loss in addition to pain and suffering diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement, and other expenses. Victims may also seek punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or reckless actions by the responsible party.

Insurance companies involved in a boating accident case aren't easy to deal with, especially when their main goal is to compensate you as little as they can. Make sure you are level playing field by hiring an NYC boating injury attorney who will work with insurance companies to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will thoroughly go through all evidence available including police reports, medical records and witness testimony. Then, they'll engage in discussions with the at-fault party and their insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement. If they cannot agree on an agreement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are experts at presenting evidence in support of your claim and securing the maximum financial award.