Boat Accident Attorneys

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

Some victims may be awarded punitive damages, in cases where the conduct of the defendant was egregious and reckless. These kinds of awards are crafted to penalize the defendant and deter similar actions in the future.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can cause serious injuries, the majority of them can be avoided. Boat accidents are often caused by inexperienced and untrained boaters, in addition to other reckless decisions like driving under the effects of alcohol, carrying too many passengers, or reckless behavior. Injuries may be anything from bruising and cuts to permanent paralysis caused by head injuries or a spinal cord injury.

Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for their medical bills and loss in income or work while recovering from their injuries. They can also claim the expenses of long-term care for injuries that are permanent. Unfortunately it is difficult to estimate the value of a personal injury claim isn't a simple task and insurance companies often accept less than the victims are entitled to. A knowledgeable attorney can fight for the maximum settlement that is feasible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to ensure all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes the gathering of important documents such as police reports and witness statements, boat maintenance records, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of the accident and property damage. Medical records can also provide vital information, like detailed reports on the injuries, expenses and future costs. The lawyer may then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person who was at fault and/or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats as well as other vessels, including supply ships, are subject to dangerous conditions during their employment. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo and equipment, they also are at risk of being involved in boat accident lawyers accidents caused by negligence or reckless actions of other passengers on the vessel.

Seamen have specific rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that protect them from employer negligence. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, cost of living during recovery, pain and suffering, and other financial benefits.

Many times, seamen who are injured on a supply ship tugboat, dredger barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing vessel need more than just workers' compensation in order to cover their expenses. A New York boat accident attorney can help identify third-party claims a seaman may be entitled to claims, for instance, allegations of unreliability or the employer's failure maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence pertaining to your claim, such as medical records and insurance policy details as well as police reports and other. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney for the defendant and the insurance company that you represent. If the settlement is not fair agreed upon, they will create an effective case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats are caused by defective equipment. Most accidents on boats are caused by the negligent or reckless behavior of the boat accident law firm's owner. In these cases, victims may sue the company that manufactured the defective product to seek compensation. In these cases, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist.

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

Insurance policies often cover latent problems as well. While some consumers suggest an issue is evident or obvious, courtrooms often require an expert witness from a surveyor or other expert to determine if the mechanical breakdown or another damage was caused by a concealed condition.

Some defects are found after a boat has been sold. They are usually regarded as manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. They are often discovered after the boat is operated and owned and may be the owner's fault. One example is when the boat owner forgets the emptying of the engine's water and the water freezes and causes damage to the motor during the winter.

Insurance

In a state like New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes and waterways, boating and other water recreational activities are commonplace for residents. Like any other recreational activity, there are risks and liabilities associated with it.

In the event of boating accidents, injured individuals may be able to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim for compensation to pay for their damages. Medical expenses loss of income, property losses and suffering and pain are all damages. In cases of gross negligence, the victims may also seek punitive damage.

Insurance companies aren't always easy to work with in a boating dispute particularly when their primary goal is to settle the least amount possible. Choose an NYC lawyer for boating accidents who will work closely with insurance companies to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will look over all evidence that is available, including police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the responsible person and boat accident attorneys their insurance company in order 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 adept at providing evidence to support your claim and winning the maximum financial award.