Boat Accident Attorneys

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

Some victims may also qualify for punitive damages when the defendant's conduct was shocking or reckless. These awards are intended to punish the defendant for their blunders and also to deter further incidents.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can cause serious injuries, a lot of them are preventable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are the most common cause of boat accidents along with other naive choices like driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The severity of injuries can range from lacerations and bruises to permanent paralysis resulting from injuries to the head or spinal cord.

Victims who are injured by a boating accident could be compensated for medical expenses and loss of income or job while they recuperate. If their injuries are permanent they may also recover costs for long-term care. Unfortunately finding out the value of an injury claim isn't an easy task, and insurance firms often attempt to offer less than what victims have a right to. A knowledgeable attorney can to get the highest settlement that is possible.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident in order to collect all relevant evidence. This includes the collection of crucial documents like police reports, witness statements, vessel maintenance reports, chemical tests and photographs of the accident site and property damage. Medical records can provide other important information, including detailed reports of the injuries, expenses and any future costs. Lawyers can negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person who was at fault or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are often exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of their job. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo and equipment, they also are at risk of being involved in boat accidents caused by negligent or reckless behavior of other parties on board the vessel.

Seamen have rights that are specific to them 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. These damages can include medical expenses loss of wages, cost of living during recovery in the event of pain and suffering and other monetary benefits.

Most often, seamen injured on a supply ship tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing vessel need more than just workers' compensation in order to cover their injuries. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third party claims that an individual seaman may be entitled to claims, for instance, allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or an employer's inability to keep an appropriate vessel.

Your attorney will collect crucial documents and evidence regarding your claim, like medical records and insurance policy information and police reports, among others. They will then enter into settlement discussions with the lawyer of the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If the settlement is not fair reached, they will draft a strong case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents result from defective equipment. However, the majority of boat accidents are caused by the reckless or negligent behavior of the boat operator. In such cases, the victims can seek compensation from the company that manufactured the defective product through a lawsuit. In these situations, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

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

Insurance policies typically cover hidden defects as well. Although some consumers may claim that a problem is obvious or clear and obvious, courts typically require expert testimony from an expert surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if the mechanical breakdown or damage was caused by a hidden condition.

There are some defects that are discovered after a boat is sold. These are usually considered to be manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Others are discovered after the boat is owned and operated and may be the responsibility of the owner. One example is when a mcalester boat accident attorney owner doesn't empty the engine's water and the water freezes and damages the motor during winter.

Insurance

In a state like New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes boats and other water recreation activities are common for residents. However, like all recreational activities, they carry certain risks and liabilities that can have a negative impact on the lives of participants.

In the event of boating accidents victims may pursue a personal injury wrongful death claim to compensate for their losses. Medical expenses loss of income, property damage, and suffering and pain are all examples of damages. Victims can also demand punitive damages in the event of gross negligence or reckless behavior by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies aren't easy to work with in a boating dispute, especially when their main goal is to settle as little as they can. Choose a NYC boating accident attorney who will work closely with insurers to hold them accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will go over all evidence available including police reports as well as medical records. They will also review witnesses' testimony. Then, they'll enter into discussions with the at-fault party and their insurance company to negotiate an acceptable settlement. If they are unable to agree on the amount of settlement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are adept at the presentation of evidence to support your claim and obtaining the highest amount of money.