boat accident attorney Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured in a boating accident, and it was not your fault you may be entitled to a substantial payout. This could include physical therapy, medical bills, and loss of income because of your inability to work.

Some victims can also be awarded punitive damages in cases where the conduct of the defendant was reckless and egregious. These awards are intended to penalize the defendant for their blunders and also to deter further incidents.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can result in serious injuries, a lot of them are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the most common cause of boat accidents, along with other careless choices such as driving under the influence, transporting too many passengers, firms and reckless behavior. Injuries may vary from lacerations and bruising to permanent paralysis from neck or spinal cord injuries.

Victims of injuries sustained in a boating accident may receive compensation for their medical expenses and loss of income or work while they recover. They can also claim the costs of long-term care for injuries that are permanent. Unfortunately, estimating the value of an injury claim is not an easy task, and insurance firms often attempt to make a deal that is less than what victims deserve. An experienced lawyer can help fight for the maximum settlement that is feasible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the incident to ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes obtaining important documents, including police reports and witness statements and logs of maintenance on the vessel, chemical tests and photographs of the accident scene and property damage. Other important information can be gathered from medical records, including detailed accounts of the injuries sustained, the expenses incurred, as well as estimates of future costs. The lawyer can then bargain with the party at fault or the insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers working on workboats as well as other vessels, such as supply ships, are exposed to hazardous conditions during their employment. They are at risk of getting injured not just from cargo or equipment falling, but also by boat accidents resulting from the negligence or firms carelessness of other people on the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. If they are injured in these incidents, they are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages can include medical expenses as well as lost wages, the cost of living during recuperation along with pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money.

In many cases, injured seamen on supply vessels, tugboats, dredgers, oil tanks, barges cruise or sightseeing boats need more than workers' compensation in order to compensate for their losses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims that a seamen could be eligible to recover compensation, including allegations of unseaworthiness and the employer's failure to keep the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence regarding your claim, like medical records and insurance policy details and police reports, among others. 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 prepare a compelling case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

Although the majority of boat accidents happen because of negligent or reckless actions of the boat operator However, there are a number of instances when a crash actually the result of faulty equipment. In such cases, the victims can seek compensation from the company that made the defective product in a lawsuit. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these cases.

Defective equipment and boats may be covered under strict liability, negligence, or warranty law. A warranty claim could be the result of a breach implied or express warranties made by law, for example the New Jersey used car lemon laws as well as the warranties of quality and fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies often cover latent defects as well. Although some consumers might claim that the issue is evident or obvious, courts often require expert testimony from a surveyor or other certified professional to determine if the mechanical breakdown or damage was caused by an unnoticed issue.

Certain defects are discovered after a boat has been sold. These defects are typically considered manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is accountable for the defects. Some are discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and may be the fault of the owner. One example is when the owner doesn't empty the engine's water and the water freezes, which damages the motor during winter.

Insurance

In a state like New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes boats and other water recreational activities are commonplace for residents. Like any other recreational activity there are risks and responsibilities that are involved.

When boating accidents happen the injured can make a personal injury claim or wrongful-death claim for compensation to cover their losses. 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 cases of gross negligence, the victims can also seek punitive damages.

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

An experienced attorney will go over all evidence available including police reports as well as medical records. They will also look into witness testimony. Then they will engage in discussions with the at-fault party 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 adept at presenting evidence in support of your claim and winning the highest amount of money.