Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries in an accident on the water that was not your fault, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. These expenses can include medical bills, physical therapy and income loss because of your inability to work.

Some victims can be awarded punitive damages in cases where the conduct of the defendant was reckless and indecent. These awards are intended to punish the defendant for their conduct and to discourage future offenses.

Personal Injury

Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries, however many are preventable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are the main cause of boat accidents, as are other reckless choices like driving under the influence, bringing too many passengers, or reckless behavior. Injuries may range from lacerations and bruises to permanent paralysis from head injuries or a spinal cord injury.

The victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for medical bills as well as the loss of work or income while they recover from injuries. If their injuries last for a long time, they can also recover costs for long-term treatment. Unfortunately it is difficult to estimate the value of an injury claim isn't an easy task. Insurance companies frequently try to accept less than the victims are entitled to. An experienced lawyer can help you to fight for the highest settlement possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure all relevant evidence is gathered. 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 future costs. Lawyers can negotiate a fair settlement with the person who was at fault and/or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are often exposed to hazardous conditions in the course of their employment. They are at risk of being injured not only by falling equipment or cargo and cargo, but also due to boat accidents resulting from the negligence or carelessness of other people on the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. If they sustain injuries as a result of these kinds of incidents, they are entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages may include medical expenses loss of income, cost of living while recovering as well as pain and suffering and other monetary benefits.

Many times, injured seamen on supply vessels, tugboats, dredgers, oil tanks, barges cruise boats, or sightseeing vessels require more than workers' compensation to pay for their losses. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third party claims that a seaman may be eligible for like claims of unreliability or the employer's failure maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your attorney will gather important documents and evidence that pertain to your claim, like medical records, insurance policy information and police reports, among others. They will then negotiate a settlement with the defendant's attorney and the insurance company that you represent. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, they will prepare for trial so that they can present a strong 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 behavior of the boat's owner. In these instances, the victims may sue the manufacturer responsible for the product to seek compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these cases.

Defective boats and equipment may be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. A warranty claim could be based on a violation of implied or express guarantees created by law, for example the New Jersey lemon laws for kisdiconference.kr used vehicles or the warranties of merchantability or the fit and finish of the Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies often cover latent problems as well. Although some consumers may claim that the issue is evident or obvious, courts often require expert testimony by a surveyor or another certified professional to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or damage was caused due to an unnoticed condition.

Certain defects are discovered after the boat is sold. They are usually regarded as manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Others are discovered after a boat has been operated and owned and may be the fault of the owner. An example of this is when a boat owner fails to drain the water from the engine, and the water freezes in the winter and causes damage to the engine.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are popular in New York, a state with easy access to Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. Like any other recreational activity there are risks and liabilities associated with it.

Injured people may file a personal injury claim or wrongful death suit to seek compensation. Medical expenses as well as lost income, property damage, and suffering and pain are all examples of damages. In the event of gross negligence, the victims can also seek punitive damages.

Insurance companies aren't always easy to work with in a boating dispute, especially when their main goal is to settle as little as possible. Bring the game level by hiring an NYC lawyer for boating injuries who will work with insurance companies to ensure all parties involved are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will examine all evidence available including police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. They will then engage in discussions with the party at fault and their insurance company in order to reach an acceptable settlement. If they fail to reach an agreement the attorneys of our firm will prepare for trial. We are skilled at the presentation of evidence to support your claim and obtaining the maximum financial award.