Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries as a result of an accident while on a boat, and it was not your fault, you may be entitled a substantial compensation. This could include physical therapy, medical bills, and loss of income due to the inability to work.

Certain victims may also be awarded punitive damages if the defendant's conduct was egregious and reckless. These kinds of awards are crafted to punish the defendant and deter similar actions in the future.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, however many are avoidable. Boat accidents are often caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, as well as other reckless decisions like driving under the under the influence of alcohol, transporting too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The severity of injuries can be anything from bruising and cuts to permanent paralysis caused by neck or spinal cord injuries.

Victims who suffer injuries in a boating accident may receive compensation for their medical expenses and lost earnings or work while they recover. They can also claim the expenses of long-term care if their injuries are permanent. Unfortunately finding out the value of a personal injury claim is not a simple task and insurance firms often attempt to settle for less than victims have a right to. An experienced attorney will help you fight for the most lucrative settlement you can get.

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

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are frequently exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of their job. They are at risk of getting 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 specific rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws designed to protect them from negligence by employers. When they suffer injuries from these kinds of incidents, they are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages could include medical expenses loss of wages, cost of living during recuperation in the event of pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money.

A lot of times, injured seamen on a supply vessel, tugboats, dredgers, oil tanks, barges cruise or sightseeing boats need more than workers' compensation in order to cover their losses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer will be able to identify any other third-party claims that a seamen could be eligible to recover compensation, such as allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or the employer's failure to maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your attorney will gather important documents and evidence regarding your claim, firms like medical records and insurance policy information as well as police reports and other. They will then engage in settlement negotiations with the lawyer for the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If a fair and reasonable settlement cannot be reached, they will prepare for trial so that they can argue a convincing case in the court on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats result from defective equipment. The majority of boat accidents result from the negligent or reckless behavior of the boat's owner. In these cases, victims may sue the company that manufactured the defective product to claim compensation. 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 can be based on a breach of implied or express warranties made by law, like the New Jersey used car lemon laws, or the warranties of merchantability and fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies usually cover latent defects, too. While some consumers suggest an issue is evident or obvious, courts typically require expert testimony from a surveyor, or any other certified professional to determine if the mechanical breakdown or another damage was caused by a concealed condition.

A few defects are discovered when the boat is sold. These are usually considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Others are discovered after the boat is operated and owned and firms could be the responsibility of the owner. An example is when a boater forgets to drain the water out of the engine, and the water freezes during winter and causes damage to the engine.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are popular in New York, a state with easy access to Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. Like all recreational activities there are risks and responsibilities associated with it.

In the event of boating accidents the injured can file a personal injury or wrongful death claim to receive compensation to cover their losses. Medical expenses, lost income, property loss, and pain and suffering are all damages. In cases of gross negligence, the victims may also pursue punitive damages.

Insurance companies aren't always easy to work with in a case involving a jeannette boat accident lawsuit particularly when their primary objective is to pay the least amount possible. Hire an NYC lawyer for boating accidents who will work closely with insurers to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will thoroughly look over all evidence that is available including police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. Then they will engage in discussions with the at-fault party and their insurance company to secure a fair settlement. If they are unable to agree on the amount of settlement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are experienced in presenting evidence in support of your claim and winning the highest amount of money.