Boat Accident Attorneys

If you were injured in an accident on the water which was not your fault, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. These costs could include medical bills, physical therapies, and lost income due to inability to work.

Some victims may also qualify for punitive damages when the defendant's conduct was inexplicably reckless. These awards are designed to penalize the defendant for their conduct and to prevent future incidents.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents may cause serious injuries, many of them can be avoided. Boat accidents are usually caused by inexperienced and untrained boaters, in addition to other careless choices like driving under the effects of alcohol, carrying too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The severity of the injuries vary from minor bruises to paralysis due to the brain or spinal cord.

Victims of boating accidents are entitled to compensation for their medical expenses and loss of work or income while they recover from injuries. If their injuries last for a long time they may also be able to recover costs for long-term treatment. Unfortunately, estimating the value of a personal injury claim isn't an easy task, and insurance firms often attempt to settle for less than victims have a right to. A skilled attorney can assist you in negotiating for the highest amount of compensation possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure all relevant evidence is collected. This includes the gathering of crucial documents like police reports, witness statements, vessel maintenance records, chemical tests, and photographs of the accident site and the damage to property. Other crucial information can be gathered from medical records that include detailed reports of the injuries suffered, the expenses incurred, as well as estimated future costs. Lawyers can negotiate with the at-fault party or the insurance company for an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

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

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages can include medical expenses as well as lost income, the cost of living during recovery, pain and suffering and other financial benefits.

Many times, seamen who are injured on a supply boat tugboat, dredger barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing boat require more than workers' compensation in order to cover their losses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims for which a seaman might be entitled to compensation, such as allegations of unseaworthiness and the employer's failure to maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will gather 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 an agreement with the attorney of the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, they will prepare for trial so that they can argue your case in court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents are caused by defective equipment. The majority of accidents on boats are caused by the reckless or negligent behavior of the hugo boat accident law firm's owner. In those instances, victims can seek compensation from the company that produced the defective product through a lawsuit. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these instances.

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

Latent defects are often covered by insurance policies too. Although some people believe that an issue is obvious or obvious, courtrooms often require an expert witness by a surveyor or other certified professional to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or any other damage was caused by a concealed issue.

A few defects are discovered when the boat is sold. They are usually regarded as manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Some are discovered after the vessel is in operation and could be the fault of the owner. A good example is when a boater forgets to drain the water from the engine, and that water freezes in winter months and causes damage to the motor.

Insurance

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

Individuals who have been injured can file a personal injuries claim or wrongful-death suit to recover damages. Damages may include medical costs, loss of income, property loss as well as pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other expenses. In cases of gross negligence, victims could also seek punitive damages.

Insurance companies aren't easy to work with in a boating case particularly when their primary goal is to pay as little as possible. Set the bar higher by hiring a NYC lawyer for boating injuries who will work with insurers to ensure all parties involved are accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will go over all evidence available, including police reports and medical records. They will also examine witnesses' testimony. Then, they'll enter into negotiations with the person at fault and their insurance company to obtain an equitable settlement. If they are unable reach an agreement the attorneys of our firm will prepare for trial. We are experts in the presentation of evidence in support of your claim and securing highest amount of financial compensation.