Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured in an accident on the water which was not your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These costs could include physical therapy, medical bills, and lost income due to inability to work.

Certain victims may also be eligible for punitive damages if the defendant's conduct was inexplicably reckless. These kinds of awards are crafted to punish the perpetrator and deter similar actions in the future.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents may cause serious injuries, many of them can be avoided. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are common causes of boat accidents, as are other naive choices like driving under the influence, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. Injuries may vary from lacerations and bruising to permanent paralysis due to neck or spinal cord injuries.

Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for medical bills and loss of work or income while recovering from their injuries. If their injuries are severe, they can also recover costs for long-term care. Unfortunately it is difficult to estimate the value of an injury claim is not an easy task, and insurance companies often accept less than the victims are entitled to. An experienced attorney will assist you in negotiating the highest possible settlement.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to collect all relevant evidence. This includes obtaining important documents like witness statements and police reports, vessel maintenance logs, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of the accident as well as the property damage. Other crucial information can be gathered from medical records, including detailed accounts of the injuries sustained along with the costs incurred as well as estimated future costs. Lawyers can bargain with the party at fault or the insurance company for a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers working on workboats and other vessels, such as supply ships, are subject to hazardous conditions throughout their work. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo, they are also at risk of being involved in boat accidents that result from the negligence or reckless behavior by other crew members on the vessel.

Seamen are entitled to certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that are designed to safeguard them from employer negligence. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The damages may include medical expenses and lost wages, as well as the cost of living during recuperation in the event of pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money.

In many cases, injured seamen on supply vessels tugboats, dredgers and tugboats oil tanks, barges, cruise or sightseeing vessels need more than workers' compensation to pay for their losses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can identify other third-party claims that a seamen could be eligible for compensation, such as allegations of unseaworthiness and the employer's inability to maintain a safe vessel.

Your lawyer will collect crucial documents and evidence pertaining to your claim. These include medical records, details about insurance policies, police reports and much more. They will then engage in settlement negotiations with the lawyer of the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not reached, they will then prepare an effective case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents result from defective equipment. However, the majority of accidents on boats are caused by the negligent or reckless actions of the boat's operator. In these cases, victims may sue the manufacturer who made the defective product to seek compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these instances.

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

Insurance policies often cover latent problems as well. While some individuals may assert that a problem is evident or obvious but courts typically require expert testimony by a surveyor or another certified professional to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or damage was caused due to an unnoticed problem.

Some defects are found after a morris boat accident attorney is sold. They are usually regarded as manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Some are discovered after the boat has been owned and operated and may be the fault of the owner. One example is when a boat owner forgets to drain the water from the engine, and that water freezes during winter months and causes damage to the motor.

Insurance

In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes, boating and similar water recreational activities are commonplace for residents. As with all recreational activities, there are risks and responsibilities that are involved.

If boating accidents happen the injured can pursue a personal injury wrongful death claim to receive compensation to cover their losses. Medical expenses loss of income, property loss, and suffering and pain are all examples of damages. Victims can also seek punitive damages when they are the result of reckless or gross negligence behavior by the party at fault.

Insurance companies can be difficult to negotiate with in a case involving boats particularly when their main goal is to settle as little as possible. Hire a NYC lawyer who will work closely with insurers to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will look over all evidence that is available including police reports, vimeo.com medical records and witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with the at-fault party and their insurance company to obtain an acceptable settlement. If they are unable come to an agreement, our attorneys will prepare for trial. We are experienced in presenting evidence to support your claim and securing maximum amount of money.