Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured in a boating accident that was not your fault, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. These costs may include medical bills, physical therapies and income loss due to inability to work.

Some victims can be awarded punitive damages, if the defendant's conduct was reckless and indecent. These awards are designed to penalize the defendant for their misconduct and to deter future incidents.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can lead to serious injuries, a majority of them are preventable. Boat accidents are usually caused by inexperienced and untrained boaters, in addition to other reckless actions like driving under the effects of alcohol, carrying too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The severity of injuries ranges from minor bruises to paralysis due to brain or spinal cord injuries.

Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for their medical bills and loss in earnings or work while they recover from injuries. They can also claim the costs of long-term medical care if their injuries are permanent. Unfortunately the process of estimating the value of an injury claim is not an easy task. Insurance firms often attempt to settle for less than victims are entitled to. A skilled attorney can help you 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 collected. This includes the collection of crucial documents, such as police reports as well as witness statements, vessel maintenance records, chemical tests and photos of the site of the accident as well as property damage. Other important information can be gathered from medical records including detailed reports of the injuries suffered, the expenses incurred, as well as estimates of future costs. The lawyer will then bargain with the party at fault or the insurance company to negotiate an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on workboats, supply ships and firms other vessels are often exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of their job. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment and equipment, they also are at risk for boat accidents caused by the 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 such incidents, firms they're entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages can include medical expenses as well as lost wages, the cost of living during recuperation 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 boats, or sightseeing vessels require more than workers' compensation to pay for their expenses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can identify other third-party claims that a seamen might be entitled to compensation, including claims of a lack of seaworthiness or the employer's failure to maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your attorney will collect crucial documents and evidence related to your claim, including medical records and insurance policy information or police reports, among others. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the lawyer for the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not reached, they will draft an effective case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

While most boat accidents occur due to negligent or reckless behavior of the boat's owner However, there are a number of cases where a crash is actually the result of faulty equipment. In these cases, victims may sue the company responsible for the product in order to recover compensation. In these instances, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist.

Defective boats and equipment could be covered by claims based on negligence, strict liability or warranty law. A warranty claim could be based on a breach of express or implied guarantees that are imposed by law, like the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles, or the guarantees of merchantability, or quality and fit under Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies usually cover latent defects, too. Although some consumers may claim that the issue is obvious or clear, courts often require expert testimony by a surveyor or other expert to determine if the mechanical breakdown or damage resulted from an unnoticed problem.

There are some defects that are discovered after a boat is sold. These are typically considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Some are discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and could be the owner's fault. A good example is the case of a boat owner who forgets to empty water out of the engine, and the water freezes during winter and causes damage to the engine.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state with easy access the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. As with all recreational activities, there are risks and responsibilities associated with it.

When boating accidents happen and people are injured, they can pursue a personal injury wrongful-death claim for compensation to cover their losses. The 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, victims may also pursue punitive damages.

Insurance companies can be difficult to negotiate with in a case involving a boat particularly when their main goal is to compensate the least amount possible. Find an NYC lawyer who will work closely with insurance companies to hold everyone accountable for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will review all available evidence such as police reports, medical records and witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the at-fault person and their insurance company in order to reach an equitable settlement. If they are not able to reach an agreement on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for trial. We are skilled at presenting evidence to support your claim and obtaining the highest amount of money.