Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of an accident with a boat that wasn't your fault, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. These expenses can include physical therapy, medical bills, and loss of income because of your inability to work.

Certain victims may be awarded punitive damages, if the defendant's conduct was egregious and reckless. These types of awards are intended to penalize the defendant and discourage similar behavior in the future.

Personal Injury

Although boating accidents may cause serious injuries, a majority of them can be avoided. Boat accidents are often caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, as well as other reckless actions like driving under the under the influence of alcohol, transporting too many people, and reckless behavior. Injuries may range from bruising and lacerations to permanent paralysis from injuries to the head or spinal cord.

Victims of injuries sustained by a boating accident could be compensated for medical expenses as well as lost income or work while they recover. If their injuries are severe, they can also recover costs for long-term medical care. Unfortunately, estimating the value of a personal injury claim is not an easy task, and insurance firms often attempt to accept less than the victims deserve. An experienced lawyer can help to get the highest settlement that is possible.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident in order to gather all evidence relevant. This includes the gathering of crucial documents such as police reports and witness statements, boat maintenance records, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of the accident and the damage to property. Medical records can provide other important information, including detailed reports on the injuries, expenses, and any future costs. The lawyer may then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person who was at fault or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are often exposed to hazardous conditions during the course of their employment. They are at risk of being injured not only from falling equipment or cargo but also from boat accidents caused by negligence or inattention of other passengers aboard the vessel.

Seamen have rights that are specific to them under the Jones Act and other federal laws that are designed to protect them from the negligence of employers. If they are injured in these types of incidents, they are entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor firms Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). The damages may include medical expenses loss of wages, cost of living during the recovery process as well as pain and suffering and other financial benefits.

Often, seamen who are injured on a supply ship tugboat, dredger barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing boat need more than just workers' compensation to pay for their loss. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer will be able to identify any other third-party claims where a seaman might be entitled to compensation, including allegations of unreliability and the employer's inability to maintain the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will gather important documents and evidence that relate to your claim. These include medical records, information on insurance policies, police reports and many more. They will then negotiate a settlement with the defendant's attorney and the insurance company you have named. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, they will prepare for trial to argue a convincing case in the court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

While the majority of boat crashes occur because of negligent or reckless behaviour on the part of the boat's owner, there are also many cases where a crash is actually the result of defective equipment. In those instances, victims can seek compensation from company that produced the defective product in a lawsuit. In these situations, 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 can be caused by 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 quality and fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are often covered by insurance policies, too. Although some consumers might claim that the issue is obvious or clear but courts typically require expert testimony from an expert surveyor or other qualified professional to determine whether a mechanical breakdown or damage resulted from an unnoticed problem.

Some defects are found after a boat is sold. These defects are typically considered manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is responsible for the defects. Some are discovered after the boat is operated and owned and could be the fault of the owner. An example is when a boater forgets to drain the water from the engine, and the water freezes during winter months and causes damage to the motor.

Insurance

In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic ocean shores boat accident lawyer and numerous lakes, boating and similar water recreational activities are commonplace for residents. However, like most recreational activities, they carry certain risks and liabilities that can impact the lives of participants.

Individuals who have been injured may file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation. Damages include medical expenses, loss of income, property losses, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other expenses. In the event of gross negligence, the victims may also pursue punitive damages.

Insurance companies involved in a boating accident case can be difficult to work with, especially when their primary goal is to pay you the least amount they can. Bring the game level by hiring an NYC lawyer for injuries sustained in boating who will work with insurers to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will thoroughly examine all evidence available, including police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the at-fault person and their insurance company in order to negotiate a fair settlement. If they cannot agree on an agreement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are adept at presenting evidence to support your claim and winning the maximum financial award.