Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured in an accident on the water and it wasn't your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial settlement. These expenses could include physical therapy, medical bills, and loss of income due to the inability to work.

Certain victims may also be eligible for punitive damages in the event that the defendant's actions were egregious or reckless. These awards are designed to penalize the defendant for their actions and to prevent future incidents.

Personal Injury

Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries, but they are often avoidable. Boat accidents are often caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, in addition to other reckless actions like driving under the under the influence of alcohol, transporting many passengers, and reckless behavior. Injuries may range from lacerations and bruises to permanent paralysis due to injuries to the head or spinal cord.

Victims who are injured in a boating incident can get compensation for their medical expenses and lost income or work while they recuperate. They can also recover the costs 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 make a deal that is less than what victims have a right to. An experienced lawyer can in negotiating the best settlement possible.

A New York City lynn haven boat Accident lawsuit accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected. This includes the gathering of crucial documents such as police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance reports, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of the accident and property damage. Medical records can also provide crucial information, for example, detailed reports of the injuries, expenses, and any future costs. The lawyer can then bargain with the party at fault and/or the insurance company for a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are often exposed to hazardous conditions during the course of their work. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo as well as falling equipment, they are also at risk of ashland boat accident lawyer accidents caused by the negligent or reckless conduct of other passengers on the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. If they are injured in these types of incidents, they are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). The damages may include medical expenses loss of wages, cost of living during recuperation, pain and suffering, and other financial benefits.

A lot of times, injured seamen on supply vessels tugboats, dredgers, oil tanks, barges, cruise boats, or sightseeing vessels require more than workers' compensation in order to pay for their losses. A New York boat accident attorney can help identify third-party claims an individual seaman may be entitled to claims, for instance, allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or an employer's inability to maintain the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will collect crucial documents and evidence that relate to your claim. These include medical records, information on insurance policies, police reports and much more. They will then negotiate a settlement with the defendant's attorney and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement cannot be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial so that they can argue a convincing case in the court on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats are caused by defective equipment. Most accidents on boats result from the reckless or negligent actions of the hales corners boat accident law firm's owner. In such cases, the victims can seek compensation from company that manufactured 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 under strict liability, negligence, or warranty law. A warranty claim can be based on a violation of implied or express warranties made by law, like the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles, or the guarantees of merchantability, or fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies too. While some people may argue that the issue is evident or obvious but courts typically require expert testimony by an engineer or other qualified professional to determine whether a mechanical breakdown or damage resulted from an unnoticed issue.

There are some defects that are discovered after a boat is sold. These are generally deemed manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is accountable for the defects. Other defects are discovered after the boat is operated and owned and could be the responsibility of the owner. An example is when a boat owner fails to drain the water out of the engine, and that water freezes in the winter months and causes damage to the motor.

Insurance

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

When boating accidents occur, injured individuals may file a personal injury or wrongful death claim to cover their damages. Medical expenses and lost income, as well as property losses and suffering and pain are all damages. In cases of gross negligence, victims can also seek punitive damages.

Insurance companies can be difficult to negotiate with in a boating dispute particularly when their main goal is to compensate as little as they can. Find an NYC lawyer for boating accidents who will work closely with insurers to hold all parties responsible for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will examine all evidence available such as police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with the at-fault party and their insurance company to obtain an equitable settlement. If they are unable to agree on an agreement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are experienced in the presentation of evidence to support your claim and obtaining the highest amount of money.