Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of an accident on the water 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 because of your inability to work.

Certain victims may be awarded punitive damages in cases where the conduct of the defendant was egregious and reckless. These kinds of awards are crafted to punish the perpetrator and discourage similar behavior in the future.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents may cause serious injuries, many of them can be avoided. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the main cause of boat-related accidents as well as other reckless choices like operating under the influence, transporting too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The injuries could range from bruising and lacerations to permanent paralysis due to spinal cord or head injury.

Victims of injuries sustained by a boating accident could receive compensation for their medical bills and lost income or work as they recuperate. If their injuries are irreparable they can also claim expenses for long-term care. Unfortunately the process of estimating the value of an injury claim isn't an easy task. Insurance firms often attempt to settle for less than victims have a right to. A skilled attorney can help you to fight for the highest possible settlement.

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

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are often exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of their work. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment as well as falling equipment, they are also at risk of being involved in boat accidents caused by the negligent or reckless conduct of other people onboard the vessel.

Seamen have certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that protect them from employer negligence. If they are injured in such incidents, they're entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages can be a result of medical expenses as well as lost wages, the cost of living during the recovery process, pain and suffering, and other monetary benefits.

In many cases, injured seamen on supply vessels, tugboats, dredgers, oil tanks, barges, cruise or sightseeing vessels need more than workers' compensation to compensate for their expenses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer will be able to identify any other third-party claims where a seaman could be eligible for compensation, such as allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or the employer's failure to keep the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence related to your claim. This includes medical records, information regarding insurance policies, police reports and more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney representing the defendant as well as an the insurance company that you represent. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, they will prepare for trial to present a strong case in the court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents are caused by defective equipment. Most accidents on boats are caused by the negligent or reckless actions of the boat operator. In these cases, victims may sue the manufacturer responsible for the product to claim compensation. In these cases, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist.

Boats and defective equipment can be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. A warranty claim may be based on a violation of implied or express warranties provided by law, such as the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles or the warranties of merchantability or the guarantee of fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies can cover nebulous defects too. While some consumers may suggest that a problem is clear or obvious, courtrooms often require an expert witness from a surveyor or another expert to determine if an engine failure or other damage was caused by a hidden issue.

Certain defects are discovered after a boat has been sold. These are usually considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Some are discovered after the palmyra boat accident lawsuit has been operated and owned and may be the fault of the owner. One example is when a boat owner fails to empty the engine of water and the water gets frozen and damages the motor during winter.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state with easy access to Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. Like any other recreational activity there are risks and responsibilities involved.

If boating accidents happen, injured individuals may pursue a personal injury wrongful death claim to pay for their damages. Medical expenses, lost income, property losses, as well as suffering and pain are all examples of damages. Victims may also seek punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or reckless behavior by the party at fault.

Insurance companies aren't always easy to work with in a boating case especially when their primary objective is to pay as little as they can. Bring the game level by hiring an NYC attorney for boating injuries who will work with insurance companies to ensure that all parties are accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will examine all evidence available, including police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the at-fault person and their insurance company in order to negotiate an acceptable settlement. If they are unable to come to an agreement then our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are proficient in the presentation of evidence to support your claim and obtaining the maximum financial award.