Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of a boating accident that wasn't your fault, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. These costs could include medical bills, physical therapy and loss of income due to inability to work.

Certain victims may also be eligible for punitive damages in the event that the defendant's conduct was inexplicably reckless. These awards are designed to penalize the defendant for their blunders and to prevent future incidents.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can cause serious injuries, a majority of them are preventable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are common causes of boat accidents along with other careless choices such as operating under the influence, carrying too many passengers, or reckless behavior. Injuries may range from bruising and lacerations to permanent paralysis caused by spinal cord or head injury.

The victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for their medical expenses and loss of income or work as they recover from their injuries. If their injuries are irreparable they can also claim costs for long-term care. Insurance companies typically try to settle for less money than the victims should receive when estimating claims' value. A knowledgeable attorney can to get the highest settlement that is possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected. This includes gathering important documents, such as 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. Other crucial information can be obtained from medical records including detailed reports of the injuries suffered along with the costs incurred as well as estimated future costs. The lawyer will then negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault person and/or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers working on workboats and other vessels, such as supply ships, are subject to dangerous conditions during their work. They are at risk of being injured not only from falling equipment or cargo but also from boat accidents caused by the negligence or inattention of other passengers on the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. When they suffer injuries from these kinds of incidents, they are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages can include medical expenses loss of wages, cost of living during recuperation, pain and suffering, as well as other benefits in the form of money.

In many cases, injured seamen on a supply vessel tugboats, dredgers and tugboats barges, oil tanks cruise boats, or sightseeing vessels require more than workers' compensation in order to pay for their losses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims where a seaman may be able to claim compensation, including allegations of insecurities and the employer's failure to maintain a safe vessel.

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence related to your claim. These include medical records, information regarding insurance policies, police reports and many more. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the defendant's lawyer and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached, they will prepare for trial in order to make a convincing argument in court on your behalf.

Product Defects

While most boat accident lawsuit accidents occur due to negligent or reckless behaviour on the part of the boat's operator There are also instances where a crash is actually caused by faulty equipment. In these cases, victims may sue the company that made the defective product in order to recover compensation. In these situations, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist.

Boats and boat Accidents defective equipment can be covered under strict liability, negligence, or warranty law. Warranty claims can be caused by a breach of implied or express warranties made by law such as the New Jersey used car lemon laws as well as the warranties of fit and finish and merchantability under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies can cover nebulous problems as well. While some consumers suggest an issue is evident or obvious, courts typically require an expert witness from a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine whether a mechanical breakdown or other damage was caused by a hidden issue.

There are some defects that are discovered after a boat has been sold. These are typically considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Some are discovered after the boat is operated and owned and may be the owner's fault. One example is the case of a boat owner who forgets to drain the water from the engine, and the water freezes in the winter months and causes damage to the motor.

Insurance

In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes and waterways, boating and other water recreation activities are common among residents. As with all recreational activities there are risks and responsibilities associated with it.

Injured individuals may file a personal injury claim or wrongful-death suit to recover damages. Medical expenses, lost income, property loss, boat accidents and pain and suffering are all damages. In the event of gross negligence, the victims could also seek punitive damages.

Insurance companies aren't easy to work with in a case involving boats, especially when their main objective is to pay the least amount possible. Choose an NYC lawyer for a boating accident who will work closely with insurers to hold everyone accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will thoroughly look over all evidence that is available, including police reports, medical records and witness testimony. They will then engage in discussions with the at-fault party and their insurance company to negotiate a fair 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 the presentation of evidence in support of your claim and securing the maximum amount of money.