Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of an accident with a boat that wasn't your fault, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. These expenses can include physical therapy, medical bills and income loss due to inability to work.

Some victims might also be eligible for punitive damages if the defendant's conduct was shocking or reckless. These types of awards are intended to punish the defendant and discourage similar conduct in the future.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can cause serious injuries but many are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the main cause of louisiana boat accident lawyer accidents along with other reckless choices, such as driving under the influence, carrying too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The severity of injuries ranges from minor bruises to paralysis resulting from brain injury or a spinal cord injury.

Victims who are injured in a boating accident can be compensated for medical expenses and lost income or job while they recover. They may also be able to recover the expenses of long-term care if their injuries are permanent. Insurance companies usually try to accept less than the victims have earned when estimating a claim's value. An experienced lawyer can in negotiating the best settlement that is feasible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to ensure all relevant evidence is collected. This includes the gathering of important documents such as police reports as well as witness statements, vessel maintenance reports, chemical tests and louisiana boat accident Lawyer photographs of the scene of the accident and the property damage. Other important information can be gathered from medical records including detailed reports of the injuries suffered as well as the expenses incurred and estimated future costs. The lawyer will then negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault person and/or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are often exposed to hazardous conditions in the course of their job. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo in the course of their work, they are also at risk of accidents caused by negligence or reckless behavior of other passengers on the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. If they are injured in these incidents, they are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages could include medical expenses and lost income, as well as the cost of living while recovering, pain and suffering and other financial benefits.

Many times, injured seamen on a supply vessel, tugboats, dredgers, barges, oil tanks, cruise or sightseeing boats require more than workers' compensation to compensate for their losses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third-party claims that a seaman could be eligible to recover compensation, such as allegations of insecurities and the employer's failure to keep a safe vessel.

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence pertaining to your claim. These include medical records, information regarding insurance policies, police reports, and many more. They will then engage in settlement negotiations with the defendant's lawyer and the insurance company on your behalf. If an acceptable settlement cannot be reached, they will draft an effective case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats result from defective equipment. Most boat accidents result from the negligent or reckless actions of the boat operator. In these instances, the victims may sue the manufacturer that manufactured the defective product to seek compensation. In these situations, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

Defective boats and equipment may be covered by claims based on negligence or strict liability law. A warranty claim could be due to a breach of implied or express warranties that are created by law such as the new york boat accident law firm Jersey used car lemon laws or the warranties of the merchantability and fit and finishing under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies as well. Although some people believe that the issue is obvious or obvious, courtrooms often require expert testimony from a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if a mechanical breakdown or other damage was caused by a concealed condition.

There are some defects that are discovered after a boat has been sold. These defects are typically considered manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is responsible for them. Other defects are discovered after the vessel is in operation and may be the responsibility of the owner. An example is when a boat owner forgets to empty water out of the engine, and that water freezes in the winter and causes damage to the engine.

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. As with all recreational activities, there are risks and liabilities involved.

If boating accidents happen victims may pursue a personal injury wrongful death claim to compensate for their losses. Damages include medical expenses, loss of income, property loss in addition to pain and suffering diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement, and other expenses. Victims may also seek punitive damages in cases of reckless or gross negligence behavior by the party at fault.

Insurance companies can be difficult to work with in a boating dispute particularly when their primary goal is to settle as little as they can. Choose an NYC lawyer for a boating accident who will work closely with insurance companies to hold everyone accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will examine all evidence available that is available, including police reports medical records and witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the responsible person and their insurance company in order to reach a fair settlement. If they can't agree on an agreement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are experts at the presentation of evidence in support of your claim and securing the maximum financial award.