Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries in an accident while on a boat that was not your fault, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. These expenses can include medical bills, physical therapy and loss of income because of your inability to work.

Certain victims may also be eligible for punitive damages in the event that the defendant's actions were egregious or reckless. These kinds of awards are designed to penalize the defendant and discourage similar behavior in the future.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, however many are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the main cause of boat accidents, as are other reckless choices, such as operating under the influence, carrying too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The severity of injuries ranges from minor bruises to paralysis due to brain or spinal cord injuries.

Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for their medical bills and loss in work or income while recovering from their injuries. They can also recover the cost of long-term treatment if their injuries are permanent. Insurance companies often try and settle for less than the victims are entitled to when estimating a claim's value. A knowledgeable attorney can help you 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 gathering important documents, such as police reports and witness statements and logs of maintenance on the vessel as well as chemical tests and photos of the scene of an accident and property damage. Other essential information may be gathered from medical records including detailed accounts of the injuries sustained as well as the expenses incurred and estimates of future costs. Lawyers can negotiate a fair settlement with the person at fault or the insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are frequently exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of their employment. They are at risk of being injured not just from cargo or equipment falling, but also by boat accidents caused by negligence or recklessness of other parties aboard the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The damages may include medical expenses loss of wages, cost of living during recuperation as well as pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money.

Many times, seamen who are injured on a supply boat tugboat, dredger or tugboat barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing boat require more than just workers' compensation to pay for their injuries. A New York boat accident attorney can help identify third-party claims seamen may be eligible for like claims of unreliability or the employer's inability to maintain the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence regarding your claim, including medical records, insurance policy information or police reports, among others. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the lawyer for the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If the settlement is not fair reached, they will prepare an argument that is strong enough to be tried on your behalf.

Product Defects

While the majority of boat crashes occur due to negligent or reckless behaviour on the part of the Boat accident law firms owner However, there are a number of cases where a crash is actually caused by defective equipment. In these instances, the victims can sue the company responsible for the product in order to recover compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these cases.

Defective equipment and boats may be covered by claims based on negligence or strict liability law. Warranty claims can be based on a breach of implied or express warranties provided by law, for example the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles or the warranties of merchantability or fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies as well. While some people may argue that a problem is obvious or clear however, courts usually require expert testimony by a surveyor or another qualified professional to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or damage resulted from an unnoticed problem.

Some defects are discovered after the boat is sold. These are typically regarded as manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is responsible for the defects. Some are discovered after the boat has been owned and operated, and may be the fault of the owner. One example is the case of a boat owner who forgets to drain the water from the engine, and that water freezes in the winter, causing damage to the motor.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state with easy access the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. But, as with all recreational activities, they carry certain risks and liabilities that can have a negative impact on the lives of participants.

Injured individuals may file a personal injury claim or wrongful-death suit to seek compensation. Medical expenses, lost income, property losses and suffering and pain are all examples of damages. Victims may also demand punitive damages in the event of gross negligence or reckless behavior by the party at fault.

Insurance companies involved in a maritime accident case aren't easy to deal with, especially when their primary goal is to compensate you as little as is possible. Level the playing field by hiring a NYC lawyer for injuries sustained in boating who will work with insurers to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will look over all evidence that is available, including police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. Then, they'll engage in discussions with the at-fault party and their insurance company to obtain a fair settlement. If they fail to reach an agreement Our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are experts at presenting evidence in support of your claim and securing the maximum amount of financial compensation.