Boat Accident Attorneys

If you were injured in an accident on the water that wasn't your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These expenses could include medical bills, physical therapy as well as loss of income due to the inability to work.

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

Personal Injury

Although boating accidents can result in serious injuries, a majority of them are preventable. Boat accidents are often caused by inexperienced and untrained boaters, as well as other reckless decisions like driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing more than one person, and reckless behavior. The injuries could vary from lacerations and bruising to permanent paralysis caused by injuries to the head or spinal cord.

Victims who suffer injuries in a boating incident can get compensation for their medical expenses as well as lost income or job while they recover. They can also recover the costs of long-term medical care in the event that their injuries are irreparable. Unfortunately, estimating the value of an injury claim is not a simple task and insurance companies often make a deal that is less than what victims are entitled to. A knowledgeable attorney can in negotiating the best 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 collected. This includes the collection of crucial documents, such as police reports, witness statements, vessel maintenance documents, chemical tests and photos of the accident site and property damage. Medical records can offer crucial information, boat accident attorneys for example, detailed reports on the injuries, expenses and any future costs. The lawyer will then negotiate with the at-fault party or the insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats and other vessels, like supply ships, are exposed to hazardous conditions throughout their employment. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo and equipment, they also are at risk of being involved in boat accident lawsuits accidents caused by negligent or reckless conduct of other parties on board the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages can include medical expenses loss of wages, cost of living during recovery as well as pain and suffering and other monetary benefits.

Often, seamen who are injured on a supply vessel tugboats, dredgers and tugboats oil tanks, barges, cruise boats, or sightseeing vessels require more than workers' compensation to compensate for their losses. A New York boat accident attorney will be able to identify third-party claims the seaman could be entitled to claims, for instance, allegations of unsafeness or the employer's inability to keep the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence in connection with your claim. These include medical records, information about insurance policies, police reports and much more. They will then negotiate a settlement with the attorney of the defendant and insurance company in your name. If a fair settlement cannot be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial and argue a convincing case in court on your behalf.

Product Defects

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

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 that are created by law, for example the New Jersey used car lemon laws or the guarantees of fit and finish and merchantability under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies, too. While some individuals may assert that the issue is evident or obvious but courts typically require expert testimony by a surveyor or another qualified professional to determine if the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or was caused due to an unnoticed issue.

Certain defects are discovered after a boat is sold. These are usually 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 of water and the water gets frozen and causes damage to the motor boat accident attorneys during the winter.

Insurance

In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes, boating and similar water recreation activities are common for residents. However, like most recreational activities, they are accompanied by certain risks and liabilities that could have a negative impact on the lives of participants.

Individuals who have been injured may file a personal injury claim or wrongful-death suit to seek compensation. Damages include medical expenses, loss of income, property loss, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement, and other expenses. In cases of gross negligence, the victims may also pursue punitive damages.

Insurance companies involved in a boating collision case can be difficult to deal with, particularly when their primary goal is to compensate you the least amount they can. Employ an NYC lawyer for a boating accident who will work closely with insurance companies to hold all parties responsible for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will look over all evidence available, including police reports and medical records. They will also review witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the at fault person and their insurance company in order to reach an equitable settlement. If they are not able to reach an agreement on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for trial. We are experts at presenting evidence to support your claim and securing the highest amount of financial compensation.