Boat Accident Attorneys

If you were injured by a boating accident, and it was not your fault you may be entitled to a substantial settlement. This could include medical bills, physical therapy and income loss because of your inability to work.

Certain victims could also be eligible for punitive damages if the defendant's behavior was egregious or reckless. These types of awards are intended to punish the perpetrator and discourage similar conduct in the future.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can cause serious injuries, but a majority are preventable. Boat accidents are usually caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, and other reckless decisions like driving under the under the influence of alcohol, transporting many passengers, and reckless behavior. The severity of injuries can vary from lacerations and bruising to permanent paralysis resulting from spinal cord or head injury.

Victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for their medical bills and loss in income or work while they recover from injuries. They also have the right to recover cost of long-term treatment in the event that their injuries are irreparable. Unfortunately finding out the value of an injury claim is not a simple task and insurance companies often try to accept less than the victims deserve. An experienced lawyer can to get the highest settlement that is feasible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the incident to ensure all relevant evidence is collected. This includes gathering important documents, such as police reports and witness statements and logs of maintenance on the vessel chemical tests, photographs of the scene of the accident and the property damage. Other vital information can be gathered from medical records including detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained, expenses incurred, and estimated future costs. The lawyer will then negotiate with the at-fault party and/or the insurance company for an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers working on workboats as well as other vessels, including supply ships, are exposed to hazardous conditions during their work. They are at risk of being injured not just by cargo or equipment falling as well as accidents croton on hudson boat accident attorney boats caused by the negligence or recklessness of other parties on board the vessel.

Seamen are entitled to certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that are designed to protect them from negligence by employers. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The damages could include medical expenses as well as lost income, the cost of living while recovering from injuries, pain and suffering and other monetary benefits.

Many times, seamen who are injured on a supply vessel tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing vessel require more than workers' compensation to cover their losses. A New York boat accident attorney will be able to identify third-party claims an individual seaman may be entitled to claims, for instance, allegations of unreliability or the employer's negligence in maintaining a safe vessel.

Your attorney will gather important documents and evidence related to your claim, including medical records and insurance policy information and police reports, among others. They will then engage in settlement discussions with the lawyer of the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If there is no fair settlement reached, they will prepare an effective case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents result from defective equipment. However, the majority of northport boat accident lawsuit accidents result from the reckless or negligent behavior of the boat's owner. In these instances, the victims could sue the firm that manufactured the defective product in order to recover compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these instances.

Defective boats and equipment could be covered by claims based on negligence, strict liability or warranty law. A warranty claim could be based on a violation of implied or express guarantees created by law, like the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles or the warranties of merchantability or the guarantee of fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies as well. Although some consumers might claim that the issue is evident or obvious but courts typically require expert testimony by an expert surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or damage was caused by 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 responsible for the defects. Some are discovered after the boat has been owned and operated and may be the fault of the owner. One example is when a boat owner does not emptying of the water from the engine and the water gets frozen and causes damage to the motor during the winter.

Insurance

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

When boating accidents occur and people are injured, they can pursue a personal injury wrongful death claim to compensate for their losses. The damages include medical expenses loss of income, property losses in addition to pain and suffering diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other expenses. Victims may also seek punitive damages when they are the result of reckless or gross negligence behavior by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies involved in a boating accident case can be difficult to work with, particularly since their main goal is to pay you as little as possible. Make sure you are level playing field by hiring a NYC lawyer for boating injuries who will collaborate with insurers to ensure all parties involved are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will thoroughly go through all evidence available such as police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. They will then engage in discussions with the at-fault party and their insurance company to negotiate an acceptable settlement. If they fail to reach a settlement then our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are experienced in presenting evidence to support your claim and securing the highest amount of financial compensation.