Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured in an accident while on a boat which was not your fault, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. These expenses could include physical therapy, medical bills and income loss due to inability to work.

Some victims may also be awarded punitive damages, in the event that the defendant's behavior was egregious and reckless. These awards are designed to punish the defendant for their blunders and to discourage future offenses.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, but they are often preventable. boat accident law firm accidents are often caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, and other reckless decisions like driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing more than one person, and reckless behavior. The injuries can range from minor bruises to paralysis resulting from brain injury or a spinal cord injury.

Victims who are injured in a boating incident can receive compensation for their medical expenses as well as lost income or work as they recover. If their injuries are permanent they may also be able to recover costs for long-term care. Insurance companies often try and accept less than the victims have earned when estimating a claim's value. An experienced attorney will help you fight for the highest amount of compensation possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes the collection of crucial documents like police reports and witness statements, boat accident law firms (Get the facts) maintenance records, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of the accident and the damage to property. Other essential information may be obtained from medical records, including detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained as well as the expenses incurred and estimated future costs. The lawyer can then negotiate with the at-fault party or the insurance company for an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats as well as other vessels, including supply ships, are subject to hazardous conditions during their work. They are at risk of being injured not just by falling equipment or cargo but also from boat accidents resulting from the negligence or recklessness of other parties on the vessel.

Seamen are entitled to certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that protect them from negligence by employers. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages can include medical expenses loss of income, cost of living during recovery from injuries, pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money.

Many times, injured seamen on a supply vessel tugboats, dredgers, oil tanks, barges cruise or sightseeing boats need more than workers' compensation to compensate for their expenses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can identify other third-party claims where a seaman may be able to claim compensation, boat accident law firms including claims of unseaworthiness and the employer's failure to keep a safe vessel.

Your attorney will collect crucial documents and evidence related to your claim, such as medical records and insurance policy details or police reports, among others. They will then negotiate an agreement with the defendant's attorney and insurance company in your name. 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 accidents on boats are caused by defective equipment. However, the majority of accidents on boats are caused by the reckless or negligent behavior of the boat operator. In these instances, the victims could sue the firm that manufactured the defective product to seek compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these instances.

Boats and defective equipment can be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. A warranty claim may be the result of a breach express or implied warranties created by law, such as the New Jersey used car lemon laws, or the warranties of merchantability and fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies can cover nebulous defects, too. Although some consumers may claim that the issue is obvious or clear but courts typically require expert testimony from a surveyor or other expert to determine if the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or resulted from an unnoticed condition.

Certain defects are discovered after a boat is sold. They are usually regarded as manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Some are discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and may be the responsibility of the owner. One example is when a boat owner does not empty the engine of water and the water freezes, which affects the motor in winter.

Insurance

In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes, boating and similar water recreation activities are common among residents. However, like all recreational activities, they carry certain risks and liabilities that can affect the lives of the participants.

When boating accidents occur the injured can file a personal injury or boat accident law Firms wrongful death claim to receive compensation to cover their damages. Medical expenses and lost income, as well as property damage, and pain and suffering are all considered damages. Victims may also pursue punitive damages in instances of reckless or gross negligence behavior by the party at fault.

Insurance companies can be difficult to negotiate with in a boating case particularly when their primary objective is to pay as little as possible. Set the bar higher by hiring an NYC lawyer for injuries sustained in boating who will collaborate with insurers to ensure all parties involved are accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will review all available evidence including police reports, medical records and witness testimony. Then they will engage in negotiations with the at-fault party and their insurance company to secure a fair settlement. If they are unable come to an agreement then our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are experts in the presentation of evidence in support of your claim and securing maximum amount of financial compensation.