Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of an accident while on a boat and it wasn't your fault you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These costs may include physical therapy, medical bills and income loss because of your inability to work.

Some victims can be awarded punitive damages in the event that the defendant's behavior was reckless and indecent. These kinds of awards are crafted to punish the defendant and deter similar actions in the future.

Personal Injury

Although boating accidents may cause serious injuries, many of them are preventable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are the most common cause of Boat Accident Law Firm accidents, as are other careless choices such as driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. Injuries can be anything from bruising and cuts to permanent paralysis caused by head injuries or a spinal cord injury.

Victims of injuries sustained in a boating accident can get compensation for their medical expenses as well as lost earnings or work while they recuperate. If their injuries are severe they may also recover costs for long-term care. Insurance companies usually try to offer less money than the victims deserve when estimating a claim's value. An experienced lawyer can help in negotiating the best settlement possible.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the accident to collect all relevant evidence. This includes collecting important documents like police reports and witness statements as well as logs of maintenance for the vessel, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of an accident and 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 estimates of future costs. The lawyer can then negotiate with the at-fault party or the insurance company for a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are often exposed to hazardous conditions during the course of working. They are at risk of getting injured not only from cargo or equipment falling and cargo, but also due to boat accidents caused by negligence or recklessness of others aboard 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. These damages could include medical expenses as well as lost wages, the cost of living during the recovery process as well as pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money.

A lot of seamen injured on a supply boat tugboat, dredger barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing vessel require more than just workers' compensation to pay for their loss. A New York boat accident lawyer accident attorney can help identify third-party claims the seaman could be entitled to including claims of unreliability or the employer's inability to keep the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will gather important documents and evidence pertaining to your claim. This includes medical records, details about insurance policies, police reports and more. They will then negotiate a settlement with the attorney representing the defendant as well as an insurance company in your name. If an acceptable settlement cannot be agreed upon, they will create an effective case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents result from defective equipment. The majority of boat accidents result from the reckless or Boat Accident law firm negligent actions of the boat's owner. In those instances, victims can seek compensation from the manufacturer of the defective product through a lawsuit. In these instances, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

Defective equipment and boats could be covered by claims that are based on negligence or strict liability law. A warranty claim can be based on a breach of implied or express warranties that are created by law such as the New Jersey used car lemon laws as well as the warranties of quality and Boat Accident Law Firm fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies too. Although some consumers may claim that a problem is evident or obvious but courts typically require expert testimony by an expert surveyor or other certified professional to determine if a mechanical breakdown or damage resulted from an unnoticed problem.

Certain defects are discovered after a boat is sold. These defects are typically considered manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is accountable for them. Others are discovered after a vessel is in operation and could be the responsibility of the owner. One example is when the boat owner forgets the emptying of the engine's water and the water then freezes and damages the motor during winter.

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 recreation activities, they come with certain risks and liabilities that can impact the lives of participants.

Individuals who have been injured can file a personal injuries claim or wrongful death suit to seek compensation. Damages can include medical expenses, loss of income, property loss in addition to pain and suffering diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other costs. Victims may also seek punitive damages in cases of reckless or gross negligence actions by the responsible party.

Insurance companies aren't always easy to work with in a case involving a boat particularly when their primary goal is to compensate as little as possible. Choose an NYC lawyer for a boating accident who will work closely with insurance companies to hold all parties responsible for their actions.

An experienced attorney will go over all evidence available such as police reports and medical records. They will also look into witness testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the at-fault person and their insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement. If they cannot come to an agreement then our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are experienced in presenting evidence to support your claim and securing maximum amount of money.