Boat Accident Attorneys

If you were injured by an accident while on a boat and it wasn't your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These costs may include medical bills, physical therapies and lost income due to inability to work.

Certain victims may also be awarded punitive damages if the defendant's conduct was reckless and egregious. These awards are designed to punish the defendant for their actions and to prevent future incidents.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can cause serious injuries, the majority of them can be avoided. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are common causes of boat accident law firm accidents, along with other naive choices like driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The severity of injuries ranges from minor bruises to paralysis due to brain or spinal cord injuries.

Victims who suffer injuries in a boating accident can receive compensation for their medical expenses and lost income or work while they recuperate. They may also be able to recover the costs of long-term care if their injuries are permanent. Unfortunately the process of estimating the value of a personal injury claim is not an easy task. Insurance companies often try to accept less than the victims have a right to. A knowledgeable attorney can help you to fight for the highest possible settlement.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes collecting important documents, Vimeo like witness statements and police reports along with logs of vessel maintenance chemical tests, photographs of the scene of the accident and the property damage. Medical records can provide other vital information, like detailed reports of the injuries, expenses, and future costs. The lawyer will then negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault person and/or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are frequently exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of their employment. They are at risk of getting injured not just from falling equipment or cargo and cargo, but also due to boat accidents resulting from the negligence or recklessness of other parties aboard the vessel.

Seamen have specific rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that are designed to protect them from negligence by employers. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The damages could include medical expenses, lost income, cost of living while recovering the injury, pain and suffering, and other benefits monetary.

Often, seamen who are injured on a supply vessel, tugboats, dredgers, oil tanks, barges cruise boats, or sightseeing vessels require more than workers' compensation to compensate for their losses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer will be able to identify any other third-party claims where a seaman might be entitled to compensation, including claims of unseaworthiness and the employer's failure to keep an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will collect crucial documents and evidence in connection with your claim. These include medical records, information about insurance policies, police reports and much more. They will then negotiate a settlement with the attorney for the defendant and insurance company in your name. If a fair and reasonable settlement cannot be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial and make a convincing argument in court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats are caused by defective equipment. However, the majority of boat accidents result from the negligent or vimeo reckless behavior of the boat operator. In such cases, the victims are able to seek compensation from the company that manufactured the defective product through a lawsuit. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these cases.

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

Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies as well. Although some people think a problem is clear or obvious, courtrooms frequently require an expert witness from a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if a mechanical breakdown or other damage was caused by a concealed condition.

Some defects are found after a boat is sold. These are generally deemed manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is responsible for these. Others are discovered after a boat has been operated and owned and may be the fault of the owner. A good example is the case of a boat owner who forgets to drain the water out of the engine, and the water freezes in the winter and causes damage to the engine.

Insurance

In a state like New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes boats and other water recreation activities are common among residents. Like any other recreational activity, there are risks and liabilities that are involved.

Injured individuals can file a personal injury claim or wrongful death suit to seek compensation. The damages include medical expenses loss of income, property losses, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement and other costs. In cases of gross negligence, victims could also seek punitive damages.

Insurance companies involved in a boating accident case aren't easy to deal with, especially since their main goal is to compensate you as little as possible. Hire a NYC boating accident attorney who will work closely with insurers to hold all parties responsible for their actions.

An experienced attorney will go over all evidence available including police reports as well as medical records. They will also investigate witness testimony. They will then engage in discussions with both the at-fault person and their insurance company in order to negotiate an equitable settlement. If they are unable to agree on an agreement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are proficient in providing evidence to support your claim and winning the maximum financial award.