logan boat accident attorney Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries in a boating accident which was not your fault, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. These expenses can include physical therapy, medical bills and loss of income due to an inability to work.

Some victims may also qualify for punitive damages if defendant's conduct was shocking or reckless. These awards are designed to penalize the defendant for their conduct and to deter future incidents.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can cause serious injuries but many are avoidable. Boat accidents are usually caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, as well as other reckless actions like driving under the effects of alcohol, carrying more than one person, and reckless behavior. The severity of injuries can vary from lacerations and bruising to permanent paralysis due to neck or spinal cord injuries.

Victims who suffer injuries by a boating accident could be compensated for medical expenses and lost income or job while they recuperate. If their injuries are severe they can also claim costs for long-term care. Unfortunately, estimating the value of a personal injury claim is not a simple task and insurance firms often attempt to settle for less than victims need to receive. An experienced lawyer can fight for the maximum settlement possible.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident in order to gather all evidence relevant. This includes obtaining important documents, such as police reports and witness statements along with logs of vessel maintenance chemical tests, photographs of the scene of the accident as well as the property damage. Other essential information may be obtained from medical records that include detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained, the expenses incurred, as well as estimates of future costs. Lawyers can bargain with the party at fault or the insurance company to negotiate an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

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

Seamen are entitled to certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws 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 may include medical expenses as well as lost wages, the cost of living during recuperation as well as pain and suffering and other financial benefits.

Often, seamen who are injured on a supply vessel tugboats, dredgers, oil tanks, barges cruise or sightseeing boats require more than workers' compensation to pay for their losses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims for which a seaman might be entitled to compensation, including claims of insecurities and the employer's failure to maintain a safe vessel.

Your lawyer will gather important documents and evidence that relate to your claim. These include medical records, details about insurance policies, police reports, and much more. They will then engage in settlement negotiations with the defendant's lawyer and insurance company on your behalf. If a fair agreement cannot be reached, they will prepare for trial and make a convincing argument in the court on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats result from defective equipment. The majority of accidents on boats are caused by the negligent or reckless behavior of the boat's owner. In these instances, the victims may sue the manufacturer that manufactured the defective product to seek compensation. In these instances, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist.

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

Insurance policies can cover nebulous defects as well. Although some consumers may claim that the issue is obvious or clear but courts typically require expert testimony from an engineer or other qualified professional to determine whether the mechanical breakdown or damage resulted from an unnoticed problem.

A few defects are discovered when a boat is sold. These are typically regarded as manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is accountable for these. They are often discovered after the boat has been owned and operated, and may be the fault of the owner. An example is when a north college hill boat accident lawsuit owner fails to empty water out of the engine, and the water freezes in the winter and damages the motor.

Insurance

In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes and waterways, boating and other water recreation activities are common for residents. However, as with most sports, they also carry certain risks and liabilities that could impact the lives of participants.

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

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

An experienced attorney will review all available evidence that is available, including police reports medical records and witness testimony. They will then engage in discussions with the party at fault and their insurance company to negotiate an equitable settlement. If they cannot agree on the amount of settlement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are experienced in the presentation of evidence in support of your claim and securing maximum financial award.