Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries in an accident while on a boat that wasn't your fault, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. These expenses may include physical therapy, medical bills and lost income due to inability to work.

Certain victims may also be eligible for punitive damages when the defendant's conduct was shocking or reckless. These awards are designed to punish the defendant for their misconduct and to discourage future offenses.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, but a majority are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are common causes of boat accidents along with other careless choices such as operating under the influence, transporting too many passengers, boat accident attorney or reckless behavior. The injuries can range from minor bruises to paralysis resulting from the brain or spinal cord.

Victims who suffer injuries in a boating incident can receive compensation for their medical bills and lost income or work as they recover. If their injuries are severe they may also recover costs for long-term medical care. Unfortunately finding out the value of a personal injury claim is not an easy task, and insurance firms often attempt to make a deal that is less than what victims deserve. A knowledgeable attorney can ensure that you receive the highest settlement possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to ensure all relevant evidence is collected. This includes obtaining important documents, such as witness statements and police reports along with logs of vessel maintenance chemical tests, and photographs of the scene of an accident and property damage. Other essential information may be gathered from medical records, which include detailed accounts of the injuries sustained as well as the expenses incurred and estimates of future costs. The lawyer may then bargain with the party at fault and/or the insurance company for an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers working on workboats as well as other vessels, such as supply ships, are subject to dangerous conditions during their employment. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo as well as falling equipment, they are also at risk of accidents caused by the negligent or reckless conduct of other people onboard the vessel.

Seamen are entitled to certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that are designed to protect them from negligence by employers. If they suffer injuries due to these incidents, they are entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages could include medical expenses as well as lost income, the cost of living while recovering as well as pain and suffering and other monetary benefits.

Many times, seamen who are injured on a supply boat tugboat, dredger or tugboat barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing boat require more than just workers' compensation to compensate their loss. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third-party claims that a seaman may be entitled to including claims of unreliability or the employer's failure maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will collect crucial documents and evidence pertaining to your claim. These include medical records, information on insurance policies, police reports and many more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney for the defendant and the insurance company you have named. If a fair settlement is not reached, they will prepare an argument that is strong enough to be tried on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents are caused by defective equipment. However, the majority of accidents on boats are caused by the reckless or negligent behavior of the boat's operator. In these instances, victims are able to seek compensation from the company that made the defective product by filing a lawsuit. In these situations, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

Defective equipment and boats may be covered by claims based on negligence or strict liability law. Warranty claims can be due to a breach of implied or express warranties that are created by law, like the New Jersey used car lemon laws as well as the warranties of merchantability and fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are often covered by insurance policies as well. Although some consumers may claim that a problem is obvious or clear however, courts usually require expert testimony by a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if a mechanical breakdown or damage was caused due to an unnoticed issue.

Certain defects are discovered after a boat has been sold. These are generally deemed manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is accountable for the defects. Others are discovered after a boat is owned and operated and could be the fault of the owner. An example is when a boat owner forgets to drain the water out of the engine, and that water freezes in the winter and causes damage to the engine.

Insurance

In a state like New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes and waterways, boating and other water recreation activities are common for residents. Like all recreational activities there are risks and liabilities associated with it.

Injured people are able to file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation. Medical expenses, lost income, property loss, and suffering and pain are all considered damages. In the event of gross negligence, the victims can also seek punitive damages.

Insurance companies can be difficult to work with in a case involving boats, especially when their main goal is to settle the lowest amount they can. Level the playing field by hiring an NYC lawyer for boating injuries who will work with insurers to ensure that all parties are accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will go through all evidence available such as police reports, medical records and witness testimony. They will then enter into discussions with both the at-fault person and their insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement. If they are not able to reach an agreement on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for trial. We are experts in providing evidence to support your claim and securing the highest amount of financial compensation.