Boat Accident Attorneys

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

Some victims can be awarded punitive damages when the conduct of the defendant was egregious and reckless. These awards are intended to penalize the defendant for their misconduct and to prevent future incidents.

Personal Injury

Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries, however many are avoidable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are a common cause of boat-related accidents as well as other reckless choices, such as operating under the influence, carrying too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The severity of the injuries vary from minor bruises to paralysis caused by brain injury or a spinal cord injury.

Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for medical bills as well as the loss of income or work as they recover from their injuries. They also have the right to recover expenses of long-term care for injuries that are permanent. Unfortunately finding out the value of a personal injury claim is not an easy task, and insurance companies often try to make a deal that is less than what victims need to receive. An experienced lawyer can to get the highest settlement that is possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes the gathering of crucial documents such as police reports as well as witness statements, vessel maintenance reports, chemical tests and photos of the site of the accident as well as property damage. Medical records can provide other crucial information, for example, detailed reports of the injuries, expenses, and the cost of future expenses. The lawyer can then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person who was at fault and/or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are often exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of working. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo as well as falling equipment, they are also at risk of boat accident attorney accidents that result from the negligence or reckless conduct of other people onboard the vessel.

Seamen have rights that are specific to them under the Jones Act and other federal laws that safeguard them from employer negligence. If they suffer injuries due to these kinds of incidents, they are entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages could include medical expenses, lost wages, cost of living during recovery, pain and suffering, and other monetary benefits.

A lot of seamen injured on a supply vessel, tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing vessel need more than just workers' compensation to cover their expenses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third-party claims that a seamen could be eligible to recover compensation, including allegations of insecurities and the employer's failure to maintain a safe vessel.

Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence related to your claim, such as medical records and insurance policy details or police reports, among others. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the lawyer of the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair and reasonable settlement cannot be reached, they will prepare for trial in order to argue your case in court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

While the majority of boat crashes occur because of reckless or negligent behavior on the part of the boat owner There are also instances when a crash actually the result of defective equipment. In such cases, the victims can seek compensation from the company that made the defective product by filing a lawsuit. In these instances, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

Defective boats and equipment may be covered by claims that are based on negligence, strict liability or warranty law. A warranty claim can be the result of a breach implied or express warranties imposed by law, like the New Jersey used car lemon laws, or the warranties of merchantability and fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies can cover nebulous defects too. Although some consumers may claim that the issue is obvious or clear and obvious, courts typically require expert testimony from an expert surveyor or other certified professional to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or damage was caused due to an unnoticed issue.

There are some defects that are discovered after a boat is sold. These defects are typically considered manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is responsible for them. They are often discovered after the boat was operated and owned, and may be the owner's fault. One example is when a boater forgets to empty water out of the engine, and the water freezes in the winter, causing damage to 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 recreational activities are commonplace among residents. As with all recreational activities, there are risks and liabilities associated with it.

If boating accidents happen victims may make a personal injury claim or wrongful death claim to receive compensation to pay for their damages. Damages may include medical costs, loss of income, property loss along with pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other costs. Victims can also pursue punitive damages in instances 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, especially since their primary goal is to compensate you as little as is possible. Set the bar higher by hiring a NYC boating injury attorney who will collaborate with insurers to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will look over all evidence that is available such as police reports, medical records, and 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 fail to reach an agreement then our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are skilled at presenting evidence in support of your claim and winning the maximum financial award.