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 may include physical therapy, medical bills as well as lost income due to the inability to work.

Some victims can also be awarded punitive damages in cases where the conduct of the defendant was reckless and indecent. These awards are designed to punish the defendant for their blunders and to prevent future incidents.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, but a majority are preventable. Boat accidents are often caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, in addition to other reckless actions like driving under the effects of alcohol, carrying too many people, and reckless behavior. The severity of the injuries vary from minor bruises to paralysis caused by brain injury or a spinal cord injury.

Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for medical expenses and loss of work or income while recovering from their injuries. If their injuries last for a long time they may also be able to recover expenses for long-term care. Unfortunately, estimating the value of a personal injury claim is not an easy task. Insurance companies frequently try to make a deal that is less than what victims have a right to. A knowledgeable attorney can in negotiating the best settlement possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected. This includes collecting important documents, including police reports and witness statements and logs of maintenance on the vessel, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of an accident and the property damage. Other vital information can be obtained from medical records, including detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained as well as the expenses incurred and estimated future costs. The lawyer may then negotiate with the at-fault party and/or the insurance company for a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats as well as other vessels, such as supply ships, are exposed to dangerous conditions during their employment. They are at risk of getting injured not just from falling equipment or cargo but also from boat accidents caused by the negligence or carelessness of other people on board the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. When they suffer injuries from such incidents, they're entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages can include medical expenses, lost income, cost of living during recovery as well as pain and suffering and other monetary benefits.

Most often, seamen injured on a supply ship tugboat, dredger barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing boat require more than workers' compensation in order to cover their expenses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims for which a seaman might be entitled to compensation, including claims of unreliability and the employer's inability to maintain a safe vessel.

Your lawyer will collect crucial documents and evidence in connection with your claim. These include medical records, information on insurance policies, police reports, and much more. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the defendant's lawyer and insurance company on your behalf. If an acceptable settlement cannot be reached, they will then prepare a compelling case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

While most boat accidents occur due to reckless or negligent behavior of the boat operator There are also instances where a crash is actually caused by defective equipment. In these instances, the victims may sue the company who made the defective product to seek compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these cases.

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

Insurance policies can cover nebulous problems as well. Although some consumers may claim that a problem is evident or obvious but courts typically require expert testimony from a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or damage resulted from an unnoticed issue.

There are some defects that are discovered after a boat is sold. These defects are typically considered manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is accountable for these. Others are discovered after the vessel is in operation and may be the fault of the owner. One example is when a boat owner forgets the emptying of the engine's water and the water freezes and causes damage to the motor during the winter.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are popular in New York, a state with easy access to Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. However, like all recreational activities, they are accompanied by certain risks and liabilities that could affect the lives of those who participate.

Injured persons can file a personal injuries claim or wrongful death suit to seek compensation. The damages include medical expenses loss of income, property losses as well as pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other expenses. Victims may also pursue punitive damages in instances of reckless or gross negligence behavior by the party at fault.

Insurance companies involved in a boating injury case can be difficult to work with, especially when their main goal is to compensate you the least amount they can. Employ an NYC lawyer for boating accidents who will work closely with insurers to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will review all evidence available such as police reports and medical records. They will also review witness testimony. Then, they'll enter into negotiations with the at-fault party and their insurance company to obtain an acceptable settlement. If they can't agree on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for trial. We are experts at presenting evidence to support your claim and securing maximum amount of financial compensation.