Boat Accident Attorneys

If you were injured by an accident in the boating industry and it wasn't your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial payout. These expenses can include physical therapy, medical bills and loss of income due to an inability to work.

Some victims can be awarded punitive damages, when the conduct of the defendant was reckless and egregious. These awards are intended to penalize the defendant for their blunders and to prevent future incidents.

Personal Injury

Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries but many are avoidable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the most common cause of boat-related accidents as well as other naive choices like driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, or reckless behavior. Injuries can range from bruising and lacerations to permanent paralysis resulting from injuries to the head or spinal cord.

Victims injured in a boating accident may be compensated for medical bills and lost income or work as they recover. If their injuries are permanent, they can also recover expenses for long-term care. Insurance companies frequently try to accept less than the victims have earned when estimating a claim's value. An experienced lawyer can fight for the maximum settlement that is possible.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to collect all relevant evidence. This includes gathering important documents, such as witness statements and police reports, vessel maintenance logs chemical tests, and photographs of the scene of an accident and property damage. Other essential information may be obtained from medical records including detailed accounts of the injuries sustained, expenses incurred, and estimated future costs. The lawyer will then negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault person or the insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are often exposed to hazardous conditions during the course of their job. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo as well as falling equipment, they are also at risk of being involved in boat accidents caused by negligence or reckless behavior of other passengers on the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages could include medical expenses loss of income, cost of living during recovery, pain and suffering and other benefits monetary.

A lot of times, injured seamen on supply vessels, tugboats, dredgers, oil tanks, barges, cruise or sightseeing boats require more than workers' compensation to pay for their losses. A New York boat accident attorney will be able to identify third-party claims an individual seaman may be eligible for like claims of unreliability or the employer's negligence in maintaining a safe vessel.

Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence pertaining to your claim, like medical records as well as insurance policy information or police reports, among others. They will then engage in settlement negotiations with the lawyer of the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not reached, they will then prepare an argument that is strong enough to be tried on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats are caused by defective equipment. The majority of boat accidents result from the reckless or negligent behavior of the boat's operator. In these cases, victims may sue the company that made the defective product to claim compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these cases.

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

Insurance policies can cover nebulous defects, too. Although some people think a problem is clear or obvious, courtrooms often require an expert witness from a surveyor or boat accident attorney other certified professional to determine if the mechanical breakdown or another damage resulted from a hidden condition.

Certain defects are discovered after the boat is sold. These are usually considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. They are often discovered after the boat has been operated and owned, and may be the fault of the owner. One example is when the owner fails to emptying of the water from the engine 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 to Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. However, like all recreational activities, they carry certain risks and liabilities that could affect the lives of those who participate.

In the event of boating accidents the injured can make a personal injury claim or wrongful death claim for compensation to cover their losses. The damages include medical expenses loss of income, property losses along with pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement, and other expenses. Victims may also pursue punitive damages in instances of reckless or gross negligence behavior by the party at fault.

Insurance companies aren't easy to work with in a case involving boats particularly when their primary goal is to settle as little as possible. Find an NYC boating accident attorney who will work closely with insurers to hold all parties responsible for their actions.

An experienced attorney will go over all evidence available including police reports as well as medical records. They will also investigate witnesses' testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the at fault person and their insurance company in order to negotiate an equitable settlement. If they cannot come to an agreement the attorneys of our firm will prepare for trial. We are experts in providing evidence to support your claim and securing maximum amount of financial compensation.