Boat Accident Attorneys

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

Certain victims could also be eligible for punitive damages if defendant's conduct was inexplicably reckless. These kinds of awards are intended to punish the defendant and discourage similar behavior in the future.

Personal Injury

Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries, but they are often avoidable. Boat accidents are often caused by inexperienced and untrained boaters, as well as other reckless actions like driving under the effects of alcohol, carrying many passengers, and reckless behavior. Injuries may vary from lacerations and bruising to permanent paralysis due to injuries to the head or spinal cord.

Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for their medical bills and loss of work or income during their recovery from injuries. They also have the right to recover costs of long-term care for injuries that are permanent. Insurance companies often try and settle for less than the victims have earned when estimating a claim's value. A skilled attorney can assist you in negotiating for the highest amount of compensation possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure all relevant evidence is collected. This includes the gathering of important documents such as police reports as well as witness statements, vessel maintenance documents, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of the accident and property damage. Medical records can provide important information, including detailed reports of the injuries, expenses, Vimeo.com and future costs. The lawyer can then bargain with the party at fault or the insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are typically exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of their job. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment in the course of their work, 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 employer negligence. If they are injured in these types of incidents, they are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages can be a result of medical expenses, lost wages, cost of living during recuperation, pain and suffering, and other financial benefits.

Often, seamen who are injured on a supply ship tugboat, dredger or tugboat barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing boat require more than workers' compensation to cover their injuries. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer will be able to identify any other third-party claims that a seaman may be able to claim compensation, including claims of unseaworthiness and the failure of the employer to maintain a safe vessel.

Your lawyer will collect crucial documents and evidence related to your claim. This includes medical records, information regarding insurance policies, police reports, and more. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the lawyer for the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If there is no fair settlement reached, they will draft an argument that is strong enough to be tried on your behalf.

Product Defects

While the majority of boat crashes occur because of reckless or negligent behavior on the part of the boat's owner However, there are many cases where a crash is actually caused by defective equipment. In these cases, victims may sue the company that made the defective product in order to recover compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these cases.

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

Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies as well. Although some consumers may claim that the issue is evident or obvious, courts often require expert testimony from a surveyor or another certified professional to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or damage resulted from a hidden condition.

There are some defects that are discovered after a st helena boat accident lawsuit has been sold. These are typically considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Other defects are discovered after the boat is operated and owned and may be the fault of the owner. One instance is when the owner fails to emptying of the engine's water and the water gets frozen and damages the motor during winter.

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 all recreational activities there are risks and liabilities to be considered.

Injured persons are able to file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages. Damages can include medical expenses, loss of income, property loss as well as pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other expenses. Victims can also seek punitive damages in cases of reckless or gross negligence behavior by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies aren't easy to work with in a boating dispute especially when their primary goal is to compensate the lowest amount they can. Make sure you are level playing field by hiring an NYC lawyer for boating injuries who will work with insurance companies to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will go over all evidence available including police reports as well as medical records. They will also look into witnesses' testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the responsible person and their insurance company in order to reach a fair settlement. If they are unable to agree on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for trial. We are experienced in providing evidence to support your claim and winning the highest amount of money.