Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries as a result of an accident while on a boat and it wasn't your fault you may be entitled to a substantial payout. These expenses may include physical therapy, medical bills and income loss due to inability to work.

Some victims might also be eligible for punitive damages when the defendant's actions were egregious or reckless. These types of awards are crafted to punish the offender and deter similar misconduct in the future.

Personal Injury

Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries, however many are avoidable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the main cause of boat accidents, along with other reckless choices like operating under the influence, carrying too many passengers, and reckless behavior. Injuries may be anything from bruising and cuts to permanent paralysis due to head injuries or a spinal cord injury.

The victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for medical bills and loss in earnings or work while they recover from injuries. If their injuries are permanent they can also claim costs for long-term care. Unfortunately, estimating the value of a personal injury claim isn't a simple task and insurance firms often attempt to make a deal that is less than what victims need to receive. An experienced lawyer can help you to fight for the highest possible settlement.

A New York City bath boat accident law firm accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure all relevant evidence is collected. This includes obtaining important documents, including witness statements and police reports, vessel maintenance logs, chemical tests and photographs of the accident scene and property damage. Other essential information may be obtained from medical records that include detailed accounts of the injuries sustained, the expenses incurred, as well as estimated future costs. The lawyer may then negotiate with the at-fault party or the insurance company for an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats as well as other vessels, like supply ships, are exposed to dangerous conditions during their work. They are at risk of getting injured not just by cargo or equipment falling as well as boat accidents resulting from the negligence or recklessness of other parties on board 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. The damages may include medical expenses loss of wages, cost of living during recovery along with pain and suffering and other financial benefits.

Often, seamen who are injured on a supply vessel, tugboats, dredgers, barges, oil tanks cruise or sightseeing boats require more than workers' compensation to compensate for their losses. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third-party claims that an individual seaman may be entitled to like claims of unreliability or the employer's inability to maintain a safe vessel.

Your attorney will collect important documents and evidence that relate to your claim. This includes medical records, information on insurance policies, police reports, and many more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney representing the defendant as well as an insurance company in your name. If a fair and reasonable settlement cannot be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial and make a convincing argument in court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

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

Defective boats and equipment could be covered by claims based on negligence, strict liability or firms warranty law. A warranty claim could be the result of a breach express or implied warranties created by law, for example the New Jersey used car lemon laws, or the warranties of the merchantability and fit and finishing under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies, too. While some consumers suggest an issue is evident or obvious, courtrooms frequently require an expert witness by a surveyor or other expert to determine if the mechanical breakdown or another damage was caused by 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 owned and operated and could be the owner's fault. One example is when the owner does not empty the water from the engine and the water freezes and affects the motor in winter.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. As with all recreational activities there are risks and responsibilities to be considered.

Injured people may file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages. Damages may include medical costs, loss of income, property losses in addition to pain and suffering diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement, and other costs. Victims can also seek punitive damages in cases of reckless or gross negligence behavior by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies aren't easy to work with in a case involving boats particularly when their primary goal is to pay as little as possible. Make sure you are level playing field by hiring an NYC lawyer for boating injuries who will collaborate with insurers to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will go through all evidence available including police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. Then they will engage in negotiations with the at-fault party and their insurance company to secure an acceptable settlement. If they fail to reach a settlement the attorneys of our firm will prepare for trial. We are experienced in presenting evidence in support of your claim and securing the maximum amount of money.