Boat Accident Attorneys

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

Some victims may also be awarded punitive damages, in cases where the conduct of the defendant was egregious and reckless. These kinds of awards are intended to punish the perpetrator and discourage similar conduct in the future.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents may cause serious injuries, a lot of them can be avoided. Boat accidents are often caused by inexperienced and untrained boaters, as well as other reckless decisions like driving under the under the influence of alcohol, transporting more than one person, and reckless behavior. The injuries could vary from lacerations and bruising to permanent paralysis due to spinal cord or head injury.

The victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for medical bills and loss in income or employment as they recover from their injuries. They can also claim the costs of long-term care when their injuries are permanent. Insurance companies frequently try to offer less money than the victims deserve when estimating a claim's value. An experienced lawyer can fight for the maximum settlement that is feasible.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the accident to collect all relevant evidence. This includes obtaining important documents, including witness statements and police reports and logs of maintenance on the vessel chemical tests, and photographs of the scene of the accident and property damage. Other vital information can be obtained from medical records, including detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained, expenses incurred, and estimated future costs. Lawyers can negotiate with the at-fault party or the insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are typically exposed to hazardous conditions during the course of their work. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment, they are also at risk of boat accidents caused by the negligent or reckless conduct of other people onboard the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. If they suffer injuries due to these incidents, they are entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). The damages may include medical expenses as well as lost wages, the cost of living during recuperation as well as pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money.

Most often, seamen injured while on a supply ship tugboat, dredger barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing boat need more than just workers' compensation in order to cover their loss. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims that a seamen could be eligible for compensation, such as allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or the employer's failure to keep an appropriate vessel.

Your attorney will collect important documents and evidence in connection with your claim. These include medical records, information about insurance policies, police reports, and more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the defendant's attorney and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached, they will prepare for trial to make a convincing argument in court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

While the majority of boat crashes occur because of reckless or negligent actions of the boat's operator, there are also many instances where a crash is actually the result of faulty equipment. In such cases, the victims may seek compensation from the company that made the defective product by filing a lawsuit. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these cases.

Defective boats and equipment may be covered by claims based on negligence or strict liability law. Warranty claims can be based on a breach of implied or express guarantees provided by law, for example the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles, or the guarantees of merchantability, or the guarantee of fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies typically cover hidden problems as well. While some consumers suggest the issue is obvious or obvious, courts typically require an expert witness from a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if an engine failure or other damage resulted from a hidden condition.

There are some defects that are discovered after the boat is sold. These are generally deemed manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is accountable for the defects. Others are discovered after a boat accident lawsuits has been operated and owned and may be the fault of the owner. An example is when a boat owner fails to drain water from the engine, and that water freezes in winter and causes damage to the engine.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state with easy access the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. However, as with most recreation activities, they come with certain risks and liabilities that can affect the lives of those who participate.

When boating accidents occur, injured individuals may pursue a personal injury wrongful death claim to cover their losses. The damages include medical expenses loss of income, property loss in addition to pain and suffering diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other expenses. In cases of gross negligence, victims may also pursue punitive damages.

Insurance companies involved in a maritime accident case aren't easy to deal with, especially since their primary objective is to pay you as little as is possible. Choose an NYC lawyer who will work closely with insurance companies to hold them accountable for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will look over all evidence available including police reports and medical records. They will also investigate witness testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the responsible person and their insurance company in order to negotiate an acceptable settlement. If they are unable reach a settlement, our attorneys will prepare for trial. We are adept at presenting evidence in support of your claim and obtaining the maximum financial award.