Boat Accident Attorneys

If you were injured by an accident in the boating industry and it wasn't your fault, you could be entitled a substantial compensation. This could include physical therapy, medical bills as well as loss of income due to the inability to work.

Some victims can also be awarded punitive damages in the event that the defendant's behavior was egregious and reckless. These kinds of awards are designed to punish the perpetrator and deter similar actions in the future.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can cause serious injuries but many are avoidable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are the most common cause of lakeland boat accident lawsuit accidents, along with other naive choices like driving under the influence, transporting too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The severity of injuries can 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 of earnings or work while recovering from their injuries. They also have the right to recover costs of long-term care if their injuries are permanent. Unfortunately, estimating the value of an injury claim is not a simple task and insurance firms often attempt to make a deal that is less than what victims need to receive. A skilled attorney can help you to fight for the most lucrative settlement you can get.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to collect all relevant evidence. This includes the collection of important documents such as police reports, witness statements, vessel maintenance records, chemical tests, and photos of the accident site and firms property damage. Medical records can provide other crucial information, for example, detailed reports on the injuries, expenses, and the cost of future expenses. The lawyer will then negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault person and/or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats as well as other vessels, including supply ships, are exposed to hazardous conditions during their work. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment, they are also at risk for boat accidents caused by the negligent or reckless conduct of other people onboard 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 damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages can include medical expenses as well as lost income, the cost of living during recovery as well as pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money.

A lot of times, injured seamen on a supply vessel tugboats, dredgers, oil tanks, barges cruise or sightseeing boats require more than workers' compensation in order to pay for their expenses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third-party claims where a seaman could be eligible to recover compensation, including allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or the employer's inability to maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will gather important documents and evidence pertaining to your claim. This includes medical records, information regarding insurance policies, police reports and many more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the defendant's attorney and the insurance company on your behalf. If the settlement is not fair reached, they will prepare a compelling case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents result from defective equipment. While the majority of accidents on boats result from the reckless or negligent behavior of the boat's owner. In such cases, the victims are able to seek compensation from the company that produced the defective product through a lawsuit. In these cases, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

Defective equipment and boats may be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. A warranty claim can be based on a breach of implied or express warranties made by law, like the New Jersey lemon laws for automobiles used for sale or the warranties of merchantability or quality and fit under Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies too. Although some people think an issue is evident or obvious, courts typically require an expert witness by a surveyor or other certified professional to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or any other damage was caused by a hidden condition.

A few defects are discovered when a boat is sold. These defects are typically considered manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is accountable for these. Others are discovered after a boat has been operated and owned and could be the fault of the owner. One instance is when the owner fails to empty the engine of water and the water freezes, which causes damage to the motor during the winter.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state with easy access the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. However, as with most recreational activities, they are accompanied by certain risks and liabilities that could impact the lives of participants.

Injured individuals can file a personal injuries claim or wrongful death suit to recover damages. Damages can include medical expenses, loss of income, property losses along with pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement, and other expenses. In the event of gross negligence, the victims may also pursue punitive damages.

Insurance companies can be difficult 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 all parties responsible for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will look over all evidence available, including police reports and medical records. They will also examine witnesses' testimony. They will then engage in discussions with the party at fault and their insurance company in order to reach an equitable settlement. If they fail to come to an agreement, our attorneys will prepare for trial. We are experts in the presentation of evidence in support of your claim and securing the maximum amount of financial compensation.