Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured in an accident in the boating industry and it wasn't your fault you may be entitled to a substantial settlement. These costs may include medical bills, physical therapies and lost income due to the inability to work.

Certain victims may also be awarded punitive damages, in the event that the defendant's behavior was reckless and egregious. These awards are designed to penalize the defendant for their conduct and also to deter further incidents.

Personal Injury

Although boating accidents may cause serious injuries, the majority of them are preventable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are common causes of boat accidents, along with other careless choices such as driving under the influence, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The severity of the injuries vary from minor bruises to paralysis due to brain injury or a spinal cord injury.

Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for their medical bills and loss of earnings or work while they recover from injuries. They can also recover the costs of long-term medical care in the event that their injuries are irreparable. Insurance companies usually try to offer less money than the victims are entitled to when estimating a claim's value. An experienced attorney will help you to fight for the highest amount of compensation possible.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the accident in order to gather all evidence relevant. This includes the gathering of important documents such as police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance records, chemical tests, and photographs of the site of the accident as well as the damage to property. Medical records can provide other important information, including detailed reports of the injuries, expenses and the future costs. Lawyers can negotiate with the at-fault party or the insurance company for an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are typically exposed to hazardous conditions in the course of working. They are at risk of getting injured not only from falling equipment or cargo and cargo, but also due to boat accidents resulting from the negligence or recklessness of other parties on board the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. If they are injured in these types of incidents, they are entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages can include medical expenses as well as lost income, the cost of living during recovery, pain and suffering and other monetary benefits.

Most often, seamen injured while on a supply ship tugboat, dredger barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing vessel need more than just workers' compensation in order to cover their loss. A knowledgeable New York boat accident attorney accident lawyer can help identify other third-party claims for which a seaman could be eligible to recover compensation, such as allegations of insecurities and the failure of the employer to maintain a safe vessel.

Your attorney will collect crucial documents and evidence that pertain to your claim, such as medical records and insurance policy information as well as police reports and other. They will then enter into settlement discussions with the lawyer of the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If an acceptable settlement cannot be reached, they will draft an effective case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents result from defective equipment. While the majority of boat accidents are caused by the negligent or reckless actions of the boat operator. In those instances, victims can seek compensation from the company that produced 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 boat accident attorney warranty law. A warranty claim may be the result of a breach express or implied warranties created by law, for example the New Jersey used car lemon laws or the guarantees of the merchantability and fit and finishing under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies usually cover latent defects, too. While some individuals may assert that a problem is obvious or clear but courts typically require expert testimony from an expert surveyor or other qualified professional to determine whether the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or was caused by an unnoticed problem.

A few defects are discovered when the boat is sold. These defects are typically considered manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is responsible for these. Some are discovered after the boat was operated and owned and could be the owner's fault. One example is the case of a boat owner who forgets to drain the water out of the engine, and that water freezes in the winter, causing damage to the motor.

Insurance

In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes such as boating, water sports and similar recreation activities are common among residents. However, as with most recreational activities, they carry certain risks and liabilities that could affect the lives of those who participate.

Injured persons are able to file a personal injury claim or wrongful death suit to seek compensation. Damages may include medical costs, loss of income, property losses as well as pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement and other expenses. Victims can also pursue punitive damages in instances of gross negligence or reckless behavior by the party at fault.

Insurance companies can be difficult to negotiate with in a case involving a boat particularly when their primary goal is to pay the least amount possible. Level the playing field by hiring a NYC lawyer for boating injuries who will collaborate with insurers to ensure all parties involved are accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will go through all evidence available that is available, including police reports medical records, and witness testimony. Then they will engage in negotiations with the at-fault party and their insurance company to secure an acceptable settlement. If they are not able to reach an agreement on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for trial. We are experts in presenting evidence in support of your claim and securing the maximum amount of financial compensation.