Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries in a boating accident that was not your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These costs could include physical therapy, medical bills and loss of income due to an inability to work.

Certain victims could also be eligible for punitive damages in the event that the defendant's actions were egregious or reckless. These awards are intended to penalize the defendant for their conduct and to deter future incidents.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can result in serious injuries, the majority of them are preventable. Boat accidents are often caused by inexperienced and untrained boaters, in addition to other reckless choices such as driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The severity of injuries ranges from minor bruises to paralysis caused by spinal cord or brain injury.

Victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for medical bills as well as the loss of earnings or work as they recover from their injuries. If their injuries are irreparable they may also recover costs for long-term medical care. Insurance companies frequently try to settle for less than the victims are entitled to when estimating a claim's value. An experienced attorney will assist you in negotiating for the highest amount of compensation possible.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the accident in order to gather all evidence relevant. This includes collecting important documents, such as police reports and witness statements along with logs of vessel maintenance, chemical tests and photographs of the accident scene and the property damage. Other crucial information can be obtained from medical records, which include detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained along with the costs incurred as well as estimated future costs. The lawyer will then bargain with the party at fault or the insurance company for an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers working on workboats and other vessels, such as supply ships, are exposed to hazardous conditions throughout their employment. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment as well as falling equipment, they are also at risk of accidents caused by negligent or reckless behavior of other parties on board the vessel.

Seamen are entitled to certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that protect them from employer negligence. If they sustain injuries as a result of these 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 as well as lost wages, the cost of living during recuperation, pain and suffering, and other financial benefits.

Often, seamen who are injured on supply vessels tugboats, dredgers and tugboats oil tanks, barges, cruise boats, or sightseeing vessels require more than workers' compensation in order to pay for their losses. A New York boat accident attorney can help identify third-party claims an individual seaman may be entitled to claims, for instance, allegations of unreliability or the employer's failure maintain the safety of the vessel.

Your attorney will collect important documents and evidence pertaining to your claim. This includes medical records, information on insurance policies, police reports and much more. They will then engage in settlement negotiations with the lawyer for the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If a fair and reasonable settlement cannot be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial so that they can make a convincing argument in the court on your behalf.

Product Defects

While the majority of boat accident law firm crashes occur because of reckless or negligent actions of the boat operator However, there are many instances where a crash is actually caused by defective equipment. In such cases, the victims can seek compensation from manufacturer of the defective product by filing a lawsuit. In these instances, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

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

Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies, too. While some consumers may suggest that a problem is clear or obvious, courts typically require expert testimony from a surveyor, or any other expert to determine if the mechanical breakdown or another damage was caused by a hidden issue.

A few defects are discovered when a boat is sold. They are usually regarded as 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. An example of this is when a boater forgets to drain the water from the engine, and the water freezes during winter and damages the motor.

Insurance

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

If boating accidents happen victims may pursue a personal injury wrongful death claim to receive compensation to cover their losses. 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 costs. Victims can also seek punitive damages in cases of reckless or gross negligence behavior by the party at fault.

Insurance companies can be difficult to negotiate with in a case involving a boat especially when their primary goal is to pay as little as possible. Bring the game level by hiring an 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 attorney will go over all evidence available such as police reports and medical records. They will also review witness testimony. Then, they'll enter into discussions with the party at fault and their insurance company in order to reach an equitable settlement. If they are unable agree on a settlement Our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are experienced in the presentation of evidence in support of your claim and securing the maximum amount of money.