Boat Accident Attorneys

If you were injured in a boating accident which was not your fault, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. This could include physical therapy, medical bills and income loss due to inability to work.

Some victims can be awarded punitive damages, in the event that the defendant's behavior was egregious and reckless. These types of awards are crafted to punish the offender and deter similar misconduct in the future.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can result in serious injuries, the majority of them can be avoided. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are the most common cause of boat accidents, as are other reckless choices like operating under the influence, transporting too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The injuries can range from minor bruises to paralysis resulting from spinal cord or brain injury.

Victims of injuries sustained by a boating accident could receive compensation for their medical expenses and loss of income or work as they recover. They can also claim the cost of long-term treatment when their injuries are permanent. Insurance companies typically try to accept less than the victims should receive when estimating claims' value. An experienced lawyer can 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 all relevant evidence is collected. This includes the gathering of crucial documents, such as police reports, witness statements, vessel maintenance records, chemical tests and photos of the site of the accident as well as the property damage. Other important information can be gathered from medical records, including detailed accounts of the injuries sustained along with the costs incurred as well as estimates of future costs. The lawyer can then bargain with the party at fault and/or the insurance company for an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are typically exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of their work. They are at risk of getting injured not just by falling equipment or cargo but also from boat accidents caused by the negligence or carelessness of other people 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 may include medical expenses as well as lost income, the cost of living while recovering the injury, pain and suffering, and other financial benefits.

A lot of seamen injured on a supply vessel tugboat, dredger or tugboat barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing boat need more than just workers' compensation to cover their loss. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can identify other third-party claims where a seaman might be entitled to compensation, for instance, allegations of unreliability and the failure of the employer to maintain the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence that pertain to your claim, such as medical records as well as insurance policy information or police reports, among others. They will then negotiate a settlement with the attorney for the defendant and the insurance company that you represent. If there is no fair settlement reached, they will prepare an effective case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

Although the majority of boat accident law firm accidents happen due to reckless or negligent actions of the boat's operator, there are also many instances where a crash is actually the result of defective equipment. In such cases, the victims can seek compensation from the manufacturer of the defective product by filing a lawsuit. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these cases.

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

Latent defects are often covered by insurance policies too. Although some people think the issue is obvious or obvious, courtrooms often require expert testimony from a surveyor or Boat Accident Lawyer another expert to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or any other damage was caused by a hidden condition.

Some defects are found after a boat is sold. They are usually regarded as manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Some are discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and could be the responsibility of the owner. One example is when a boat owner doesn't emptying of the water from the engine 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. However, like all recreational activities, they are accompanied by certain risks and liabilities that could impact the lives of participants.

Injured persons may file a personal injury claim or wrongful death suit to recover damages. Damages include medical expenses, loss of income, property loss, 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 can be difficult to work with in a case involving boats, especially when their main goal is to pay as little as they can. Employ an NYC lawyer for boating accidents who will work closely with insurance companies to hold them accountable for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will look over all evidence available including police reports as well as medical records. They will also examine witnesses' testimony. Then they will engage in discussions with the party at fault and their insurance company to secure a fair settlement. If they are unable to agree on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for trial. We are skilled at the presentation of evidence to support your claim and obtaining the highest amount of money.