Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries in a boating accident that wasn't your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These expenses may include physical therapy, medical bills and lost income because of your inability to work.

Some victims may also be awarded punitive damages if the defendant's conduct was egregious and reckless. These types of awards are crafted to penalize the defendant and deter similar misconduct in the future.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, but they are often preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are a common cause of boat accidents along with other naive choices like operating under the influence, transporting too many passengers, and reckless behavior. Injuries may vary from lacerations and bruising to permanent paralysis caused by head injuries or a spinal cord injury.

Victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for medical bills and loss in income or employment during their recovery from injuries. They also have the right to recover costs of long-term medical care if their injuries are permanent. Insurance companies usually try to settle for less money than the victims are entitled to when estimating a claim's value. An experienced lawyer can help to get the highest settlement that is feasible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes collecting important documents, such as witness statements and police reports and logs of maintenance on the vessel chemical tests, and photographs of the scene of the accident and property damage. Medical records can provide essential information, such as detailed reports of the injuries, expenses, and the future costs. The lawyer may then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person who was at fault or the insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are frequently exposed to hazardous conditions during the course of working. They are at risk of being injured not only by cargo or equipment falling and cargo, but also due to boat accidents caused by the negligence or recklessness of others on 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. The damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, cost of living during the recovery process in the event of pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money.

Often, seamen who are injured on supply vessels tugboats, dredgers and tugboats oil tanks, barges cruise boats, or sightseeing vessels require more than workers' compensation in order to pay for their expenses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims that a seaman could be eligible to recover compensation, including claims of unreliability and Boat Accident the failure of the employer to maintain the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence that relate to your claim. This includes medical records, details about insurance policies, police reports and much more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney representing the defendant as well as an insurance company in your name. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached then they will prepare for trial to argue your case in court on your behalf.

Product Defects

While most boat accidents occur due to reckless or negligent behavior on the part of the smithville boat accident law firm's owner, there are also many instances where a crash is actually the result of faulty equipment. In those instances, victims can seek compensation from the company that made the defective product through a lawsuit. In these instances, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist.

Defective equipment and boats could be covered by claims that are based on negligence, strict liability or warranty law. Warranty claims can be due to a breach of express or implied warranties created by law, such as the New Jersey used car lemon laws or the warranties of quality and fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies too. Although some consumers might claim that a problem is obvious or clear, courts often require expert testimony from a surveyor or another qualified professional to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or damage resulted from a hidden condition.

Some defects are found after a boat has been sold. These are typically regarded as manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is accountable for them. They are often discovered after the boat is operated and owned and could be the owner's fault. A good example is when a boat owner forgets to drain the water out of the engine, and the water freezes in the winter and damages the motor.

Insurance

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

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

Insurance companies aren't easy to work with in a case involving a boat particularly when their main goal is to pay the lowest amount they can. Choose an NYC lawyer who will work closely with insurance companies to hold everyone accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will thoroughly look over all evidence that is available including police reports, medical records, Boat Accident and witness testimony. Then, they'll engage in negotiations with the at-fault party and their insurance company in order to reach an acceptable settlement. If they are unable to agree on the amount of settlement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are experienced in providing evidence to support your claim and obtaining the maximum financial award.