Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured in an accident while on a boat, and it was not your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These costs could include physical therapy, medical bills and loss of income because of your inability to work.

Some victims may also be awarded punitive damages when the conduct of the defendant was reckless and indecent. These kinds of awards are crafted to punish the offender and deter similar actions in the future.

Personal Injury

Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries but many are avoidable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the most common cause of boat-related accidents as well as other reckless choices, such as operating under the influence, transporting too many passengers, and reckless behavior. 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 medical bills as well as the loss of income or work during their recovery from injuries. They also have the right to recover cost of long-term treatment for injuries that are permanent. Insurance companies frequently try to settle for less money than the victims should receive when estimating claims' value. An experienced lawyer can help in negotiating the best settlement that is possible.

A New York grove city boat accident law firm boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the incident to gather all evidence relevant. This includes the gathering of important documents such as police reports and witness statements, boat maintenance documents, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of the accident and the property damage. Medical records can provide important information, including detailed reports of the injuries, expenses and future costs. The lawyer can then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person who was at fault or the insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers working on workboats as well as other vessels, such as supply ships, are subject to dangerous conditions during their work. They are at risk of getting injured not just from falling equipment or cargo but also from boat accidents caused by the negligence or recklessness of others on the vessel.

Seamen have specific rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that protect them from the negligence of employers. If they suffer injuries due to such incidents, they're entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). The damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, cost of living during recovery along with pain and suffering and other financial benefits.

Often, seamen who are injured on supply vessels tugboats, dredgers and tugboats barges, oil tanks cruise or sightseeing vessels need more than workers' compensation to compensate for their losses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer will be able to identify any other third-party claims that a seamen could be eligible to recover compensation, such as allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or the employer's failure to keep an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence that relate to your claim. These include medical records, information about insurance policies, police reports, and more. They will then negotiate a settlement with the defendant's attorney and the insurance company that you represent. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached then they will prepare for trial in order to argue your case in the court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Although the majority of boat accidents happen because of reckless or negligent actions of the boat's operator However, there are a number of cases where a crash is actually the result of defective equipment. In these instances, the victims can sue the company responsible for the product to seek compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these instances.

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

Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies too. Although some consumers may claim that a problem is obvious or clear but courts typically require expert testimony from an expert surveyor or other certified professional to determine if the mechanical breakdown or damage resulted from a hidden condition.

Certain defects are discovered after the boat is sold. These are typically considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Others are discovered after a boat is owned and operated and may be the fault of the owner. A good example is when a boater forgets to drain the water from the engine, and the water freezes in winter, causing damage to the motor.

Insurance

In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes such as boating, water sports and similar recreation activities are common among residents. Like any other recreational activity, there are risks and liabilities involved.

When boating accidents happen the injured can be able to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim to compensate for their losses. Damages may include medical costs, loss of income, vimeo property loss, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other costs. In the event of gross negligence, victims could also seek punitive damages.

Insurance companies involved in a boating collision case aren't easy to deal with, especially since their primary objective is to pay you as little as is possible. Level the playing field by hiring an NYC lawyer for boating injuries who will collaborate with insurers to ensure that all parties are accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will review all evidence available including police reports and medical records. They will also review witness testimony. Then, they'll enter into discussions with the at-fault party and their insurance company in order to reach an equitable settlement. If they fail to agree on a settlement the attorneys of our firm will prepare for trial. We are experienced in the presentation of evidence to support your claim and obtaining the maximum financial award.