Boat Accident Attorneys

If you were injured by an accident on the water and it wasn't your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial settlement. These expenses may include physical therapy, medical bills and lost 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 kinds of awards are crafted to punish the defendant and deter similar actions in the future.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, but they are often avoidable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are the main cause of boat accidents, along with other careless choices such as operating under the influence, transporting 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.

Victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for medical expenses and loss of work or income as they recover from their injuries. They also have the right to recover costs of long-term care in the event that their injuries are irreparable. Unfortunately, estimating the value of a personal injury claim isn't an easy task, and insurance companies often make a deal that is less than what victims need to receive. An experienced lawyer can help in negotiating the best settlement that is feasible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected. This includes the gathering of crucial documents such as police reports and witness statements, boat maintenance reports, chemical tests and photographs of the site of the accident as well as the property damage. Other important information can be gathered from medical records, including detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained as well as the expenses incurred and estimates of future costs. The lawyer may then bargain with the party at fault and/or the insurance company for an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers working on workboats and other vessels, like supply ships, are exposed to hazardous conditions throughout their work. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment as well as falling equipment, they are also at risk of being involved in boat accident lawsuit accidents caused by negligent or reckless conduct of other parties on board the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. When they suffer injuries from these types of incidents, they are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages could include medical expenses, lost wages, cost of living during recovery 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 boats, or sightseeing vessels require more than workers' compensation to cover their losses. A New York boat accident attorney can help identify third-party claims a seaman may be eligible for including claims of a lack of seaworthiness or an employer's inability to keep the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence in connection with your claim. These include medical records, information about insurance policies, police reports and many more. They will then engage in settlement negotiations with the lawyer for the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If a fair and reasonable settlement cannot be reached then they will prepare for trial so that they can make a convincing argument in the court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

While the majority of boat crashes occur due to reckless or negligent behaviour on the part of the boat operator However, there are a number of instances where a crash was actually caused by faulty equipment. In these instances, the victims could sue the firm that manufactured the defective product to claim compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these instances.

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

Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies too. Although some people believe that the issue is obvious or obvious, courts often require expert testimony from a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine whether the mechanical breakdown or boat accident attorneys another damage resulted from a hidden condition.

Some defects are discovered after a boat has been sold. These are typically considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Others are discovered after a vessel is in operation and could be the fault of the owner. An example is when a boat owner forgets to drain water from the engine, and the water freezes in the winter and causes damage to the engine.

Insurance

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

When boating accidents happen victims may file a personal injury or wrongful death claim for compensation to cover their losses. Damages include medical expenses, loss of income, property loss along with pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other expenses. Victims can also seek punitive damages when they are the result of reckless or gross negligence behaviour by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies involved in a boating collision case can be difficult to work with, especially when their main goal is to compensate you as little as possible. Make sure you are level playing field by hiring an NYC boating injury attorney who will work with insurers to ensure all parties involved are held accountable for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will look over all evidence available including police reports as well as medical records. They will also review witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the at fault person and their insurance company in order to negotiate an acceptable settlement. If they fail to agree on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare for trial. We are experienced in presenting evidence in support of your claim and obtaining the highest amount of money.