Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of an accident while on a boat which was not your fault, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. These expenses can include medical bills, physical therapy, and loss of income due to the inability to work.

Some victims can also be awarded punitive damages if the defendant's conduct was reckless and egregious. These awards are intended to punish the defendant for their conduct and to discourage future offenses.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries but many are avoidable. 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 too many passengers, or reckless behavior. Injuries can range from bruising and lacerations to permanent paralysis from spinal cord or head injury.

Victims who suffer injuries in a boating accident may be compensated for medical expenses and lost income or work as they recover. If their injuries are severe they may also recover costs for long-term care. Insurance companies frequently try to accept less than the victims are entitled to when estimating a claim's value. An experienced attorney will assist you in negotiating the highest amount of compensation possible.

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 collection of crucial documents like police reports as well as witness statements, vessel maintenance records, chemical tests, and photographs of the site of the accident as well as the damage to property. Other essential information may be gathered from medical records that include detailed reports of the injuries suffered along with the costs incurred as well as estimates of future costs. Lawyers can negotiate with the at-fault party or the insurance company for a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats as well as other vessels, including supply ships, are exposed to hazardous conditions throughout their work. They are at risk of getting injured not just from falling equipment or cargo as well as boat accident lawyers accidents resulting from the negligence or inattention of other passengers on the vessel.

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

Most often, seamen injured on a supply boat tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing vessel need more than just workers' compensation to cover their expenses. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third party claims that a seaman may be eligible for, such as allegations of unseaworthiness or the employer's inability to maintain the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will gather important documents and evidence in connection with your claim. These include medical records, information regarding insurance policies, police reports, and many more. They will then enter into settlement discussions with the lawyer of the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair agreement cannot be reached, they will prepare for trial and argue your case in court on your behalf.

Product Defects

While most boat accidents occur due to reckless or negligent behavior on the part of the boat owner However, there are many instances where a crash was actually the result of faulty equipment. In those cases, victims can seek compensation from the company that made the defective product by filing a lawsuit. In these cases, an 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 based on a breach of express or implied guarantees created by law, such as the New Jersey lemon laws for used cars or the warranties of merchantability or the guarantee of fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies typically cover hidden defects, too. While some people may argue that a problem is obvious or clear, courts often require expert testimony by an expert surveyor or other qualified professional to determine whether the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or was caused by a hidden condition.

A few defects are discovered when the boat is sold. These are usually considered to be manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. They are often discovered after the boat accident law firms was operated and owned, and may be the fault of the owner. One example is when a boat owner fails to emptying of the engine's water and the water gets frozen and damages the motor in the winter.

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 boat accident attorney liabilities to be considered.

In the event of boating accidents the injured can file a personal injury or wrongful death claim for compensation to cover their damages. Damages can include medical expenses, loss of income, property losses as well as pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other expenses. Victims can also seek punitive damages when they are the result of gross negligence or reckless behavior by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies involved in a maritime accident case are often difficult to deal with, especially since their main goal is to settle the case as little as possible. Choose a NYC boating accident attorney who will work closely with insurers to hold all parties responsible for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will look over all evidence available including police reports as well as medical records. They will also look into witness testimony. They will then engage in discussions with the at-fault party and their insurance company to secure an equitable settlement. If they cannot reach an agreement then our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are experts at providing evidence to support your claim and securing maximum amount of money.