Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of an accident on the water and it wasn't your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial payout. These costs could include medical bills, physical therapy and income loss due to inability to work.

Some victims can also be awarded punitive damages if the defendant's conduct was egregious and reckless. These kinds of awards are designed to punish the defendant and discourage similar behavior in the future.

Personal Injury

Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries, however many are avoidable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are the most common cause of roselle boat accident attorney accidents, as are other careless choices such as driving under the influence, transporting too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The injuries can range from minor bruises to paralysis caused by spinal cord or brain injury.

Victims who are injured in a boating accident may get compensation for their medical expenses and lost income or job while they recuperate. They also have the right to recover costs of long-term care if their injuries are permanent. Unfortunately the process of estimating the value of an injury claim is not an easy task. Insurance companies often settle for less than victims need to receive. An experienced lawyer can to get the highest settlement that is feasible.

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 collection of crucial documents, such as police reports, witness statements, vessel maintenance reports, chemical tests and photos of the site of the accident as well as the property damage. Medical records can provide crucial information, for example, detailed reports on the injuries, expenses, and the future costs. The lawyer can then bargain with the party at fault or the insurance company for a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are frequently exposed to hazardous conditions in the course of their job. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment and equipment, they also are at risk for dellwood boat accident law firm accidents that result from the negligence or reckless behavior of other parties on board 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 may include medical expenses, lost wages, cost of living during the recovery process as well as pain and suffering and other monetary benefits.

Many times, injured seamen on supply vessels tugboats, dredgers, barges, oil tanks, cruise or sightseeing boats need more than workers' compensation to pay for their losses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can identify other third-party claims for which a seaman might be entitled to compensation, for instance, allegations of insecurities and the employer's failure to maintain the safety of the vessel.

Your attorney will gather important documents and evidence regarding your claim, including medical records, insurance policy information, police reports and more. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the lawyer for the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If there is no fair settlement agreed upon, they will create an effective case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

While most boat accidents occur because of reckless or negligent behavior on the part of the boat owner However, there are a number of instances where a crash is actually caused by defective equipment. In these cases, victims may sue the company who made the defective product to obtain compensation. In these instances, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

Defective boats and equipment may be covered by claims that are based on negligence or strict liability law. A warranty claim can be based on a violation of implied or express warranties that are imposed by law, for example the New Jersey lemon laws for used cars or the warranties of merchantability, or the fit and finish of the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are often covered by insurance policies, too. Although some consumers might claim that a problem is obvious or clear but courts typically require expert testimony from an engineer or other expert to determine if the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or was caused due to a hidden condition.

A few defects are discovered when a boat is sold. These are typically regarded as manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is accountable for these. Others are discovered after the boat is owned and operated and may be the responsibility of the owner. An example of this is the case of a boat owner who forgets to drain water from the engine, and the water freezes in winter and causes damage to the engine.

Insurance

In a state like New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes boats and other water recreational activities are commonplace among residents. As with all recreational activities, there are risks and liabilities to be considered.

Injured individuals are able to file a personal injury claim or wrongful death suit to recover damages. Damages may include medical costs, loss of income, property loss in addition to pain and suffering diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement, and other expenses. In the event of gross negligence, the victims could also seek punitive damages.

Insurance companies can be difficult to negotiate with in a case involving boats especially when their primary goal is to compensate as little as possible. Make sure you are level playing field by hiring an NYC attorney for boating injuries who will work with insurance companies to ensure that all parties are accountable for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will review all available evidence, including police reports, medical records and witness testimony. Then, they'll enter into discussions with the at-fault party and their insurance company to negotiate an acceptable settlement. If they are not able to reach an agreement on an agreement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are experts in presenting evidence to support your claim and securing maximum amount of financial compensation.