Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries as a result of an accident on the water and it wasn't your fault you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. This could include medical bills, physical therapies as well as lost income due to the inability to work.

Some victims may be awarded punitive damages, when the conduct of the defendant was reckless and indecent. These awards are designed to penalize the defendant for their blunders and to prevent future incidents.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can result in serious injuries, a majority of them are preventable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are the most common cause of mount olive boat accident attorney accidents along with other naive choices like operating under the influence, transporting too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The injuries can range from minor bruises to paralysis resulting from the brain or spinal cord.

Victims injured by a boating accident could be compensated for medical bills and lost income or work as they recuperate. If their injuries are irreparable they can also claim costs for long-term care. Unfortunately, estimating the value of a personal injury claim isn't an easy task. Insurance firms often attempt to settle for less than victims deserve. An experienced attorney can help fight for the maximum settlement possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the incident to ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes the gathering of important documents such as police reports, witness statements, vessel maintenance documents, chemical tests and photographs of the site of the accident as well as the damage to property. Other vital information can be obtained from medical records, which include detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained, the expenses incurred, as well as estimates of future costs. The lawyer can then negotiate with the at-fault party or the insurance company to negotiate an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats and other vessels, including supply ships, are exposed to hazardous conditions during their work. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo, they are also at risk of being involved in boat accidents caused by negligence or reckless behavior by other crew members on the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The damages could include medical expenses as well as lost income, the cost of living while recovering from injuries, pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money.

A lot of seamen injured while on a supply ship tugboat, dredger barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing vessel require more than just workers' compensation in order to cover their injuries. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims that a seamen could be eligible to recover compensation, such as allegations of unseaworthiness and the employer's failure to keep a safe vessel.

Your attorney will gather important documents and evidence regarding your claim, such as medical records and insurance policy details, police reports and more. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the lawyer of the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If a fair agreement cannot be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial in order to make a convincing argument in court on your behalf.

Product Defects

While the majority of boat crashes occur because of reckless or negligent behavior on the part of the boat owner However, there are a number of instances where a crash was actually caused by faulty equipment. In these instances, the victims could sue the firm that made the defective product to obtain compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these instances.

Defective boats and equipment could be covered by claims that are based on negligence, strict liability or warranty law. A warranty claim could be caused by a breach of implied or express warranties that are created by law, such as the New Jersey used car lemon laws or the guarantees of quality and fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies as well. Although some people think a problem is clear or obvious, courts typically require an expert witness from a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if a mechanical breakdown or other damage resulted from a hidden problem.

Some defects are discovered after a boat has been sold. These are generally deemed manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is responsible for the defects. Some are discovered after the ofallon boat accident lawyer has been owned and operated and could be the owner's fault. An example is the case of a boat owner who forgets to drain the water out of the engine, and that water freezes in the winter months and causes damage to the motor.

Insurance

In a state like New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes, boating and similar water recreational activities are commonplace for residents. Like any other recreational activity there are risks and responsibilities that are involved.

When boating accidents happen and people are injured, they can file a personal injury or wrongful death claim for compensation to compensate for their losses. Medical expenses and lost income, as well as property losses, as well as pain and suffering are all damages. Victims can also seek punitive damages when they are the result of reckless or gross negligence behaviour by the at-fault party.

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

A seasoned attorney will look over all evidence available including police reports and medical records. They will also investigate witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the responsible person and their insurance company to reach an equitable settlement. If they are unable reach an agreement the attorneys of our firm will prepare for trial. We are experts at presenting evidence in support of your claim and securing the maximum financial award.