Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of an accident on the water and it wasn't your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial settlement. These costs could include medical bills, physical therapy as well as loss of income due to inability to work.

Some victims may also be awarded punitive damages when the conduct of the defendant was egregious and reckless. These types of awards are crafted to punish the offender and discourage similar behavior in the future.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, but a majority are preventable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are a common cause of boat accidents, along with other reckless choices like operating under the influence, bringing too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The severity of the injuries vary from minor bruises to paralysis due to spinal cord or brain injury.

Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for medical bills and loss of earnings or work as they recover from their injuries. If their injuries last for a long time, they can also recover costs for long-term medical care. Insurance companies usually try to settle for less than the victims have earned when estimating a claim's value. An experienced lawyer can assist you in negotiating for the highest possible settlement.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident in order to gather all evidence relevant. This includes collecting important documents, including police reports and witness statements and logs of maintenance on the vessel, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of an accident and property damage. Medical records can provide other vital information, like detailed reports on the injuries, expenses, and the future costs. Lawyers can 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 frequently exposed to hazardous conditions during the course of their employment. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment, they are also at risk of being involved in boat accidents caused by negligent or reckless actions of other passengers on the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages could include medical expenses as well as lost income, the cost of living while recovering from injuries, pain and suffering and other monetary benefits.

In many cases, injured seamen on a supply vessel, tugboats, dredgers, oil tanks, barges cruise or sightseeing vessels need more than workers' compensation to compensate for their expenses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third-party claims that a seaman could be eligible for compensation, such as allegations of insecurities and the employer's failure to keep an appropriate vessel.

Your attorney will collect important documents and evidence related to your claim. These include medical records, information regarding insurance policies, police reports and much more. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the defendant's lawyer and insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement cannot be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial so that they can argue a convincing case in court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents result from defective equipment. The majority of boat accidents result from the negligent or reckless actions of the boat operator. In these cases, victims can sue the company who made the defective product to obtain compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these cases.

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

Latent defects are often covered by insurance policies as well. While some consumers suggest a problem is clear or obvious, courts typically require an expert witness from a surveyor or another qualified professional to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or any other damage resulted from a hidden problem.

A few defects are discovered when a boat is sold. These are typically considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. They are often discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and could be the owner's fault. One instance is when the owner fails to empty the engine of water and the water freezes and 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 recreation activities are common among residents. As with all recreational activities, there are risks and liabilities to be considered.

Injured individuals can file a personal injury claim or wrongful death suit to recover damages. Damages may include medical costs, loss of income, property loss in addition to pain and suffering diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement, and other costs. In the event of gross negligence, the victims could also seek punitive damages.

Insurance companies aren't always easy to work with in a case involving a boat especially when their primary goal is to settle the lowest amount they can. Bring the game level by hiring an NYC lawyer for injuries sustained in boating who will work with insurance companies to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will scrutinize all evidence available such as police reports and medical records. They will also examine witnesses' testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the at-fault person and their insurance company to negotiate an equitable settlement. If they cannot agree on an agreement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are skilled at the presentation of evidence to support your claim and winning the highest amount of money.