Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries in a boating accident that wasn't your fault, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. These expenses can include medical bills, physical therapy, and loss of income due to inability to work.

Certain victims may also be eligible for punitive damages if defendant's behavior was egregious or reckless. These awards are designed to punish the defendant for their blunders and to prevent future incidents.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can lead to serious injuries, many of them are preventable. Boat accidents are often caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, as well as other reckless choices such as driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing many passengers, and reckless behavior. Injuries may range from lacerations and bruises to permanent paralysis from head injuries or a spinal cord injury.

Victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for medical bills as well as the loss of earnings or work while recovering from their injuries. They may also be able to recover the costs of long-term medical care if their injuries are permanent. Unfortunately it is difficult to estimate the value of a personal injury claim isn't an easy task. Insurance firms often attempt to make a deal that is less than what victims have a right to. A knowledgeable attorney can fight for the maximum settlement possible.

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

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are frequently exposed to hazardous conditions in the course of their work. They are at risk of being injured not just by cargo or equipment falling and cargo, but also due to boat Accident Law firm accidents caused by negligence or inattention of other passengers on board the vessel.

Seamen have specific rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws designed to safeguard them from employer negligence. If they sustain injuries as a result of such incidents, they're entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages can include medical expenses loss of income, cost of living during recovery from injuries, pain and suffering and other financial benefits.

Most often, seamen injured on a supply vessel tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker or cruise or boat accident Law firm sightseeing boat accident lawsuit require more than just workers' compensation in order to cover their injuries. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third party claims that seamen may be eligible for like claims of unseaworthiness or the employer's inability to maintain a safe vessel.

Your attorney will gather important documents and evidence regarding your claim, such as medical records and insurance policy information and police reports, among others. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the defendant's lawyer and the insurance company on your behalf. If there is no fair settlement reached, they will prepare a compelling case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

Although the majority of boat accidents happen due to reckless or negligent behaviour on the part of the boat owner, there are also many instances when a crash actually the result of defective equipment. In these cases, victims may sue the company that made the defective product to claim compensation. In these cases, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

Defective equipment and boats may be covered under strict liability, negligence, or warranty law. A warranty claim could be caused by a breach of implied or express warranties made by law, like the New Jersey used car lemon laws or the warranties of the merchantability and fit and finishing under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies usually cover latent defects too. Although some consumers may claim that a problem is obvious or clear but courts typically require expert testimony by a surveyor or another qualified professional to determine whether the mechanical breakdown or damage resulted from an unnoticed condition.

There are some defects that are discovered after a boat is sold. These are generally deemed manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is accountable for these. They are often discovered after the boat has been owned and operated and may be the owner's fault. One example is the case of a boat owner who forgets to drain the water out of the engine, and that water freezes in the winter and damages the motor.

Insurance

In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes, boating and similar water recreation activities are common for residents. But, as with all recreational activities, they are accompanied by certain risks and liabilities that can impact the lives of participants.

In the event of boating accidents and people are injured, they can file a personal injury or wrongful death claim to receive compensation to cover their losses. The damages include medical expenses loss of income, property losses as well as pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement and other expenses. In cases of gross negligence, victims may also seek punitive damage.

Insurance companies involved in a maritime accident case can be difficult to work with, especially when their main goal is to pay you as little as possible. Choose an NYC boating accident attorney who will work closely with insurance companies to hold all parties responsible for their actions.

An experienced attorney will review all evidence available including police reports as well as medical records. They will also look into witnesses' testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the at-fault person and their insurance company to negotiate an acceptable settlement. If they are not able to reach an agreement on the amount of settlement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are experts in the presentation of evidence in support of your claim and securing the highest amount of financial compensation.