Boat Accident Attorneys

If you were injured in a boating accident that wasn't your fault, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. This could include physical therapy, medical bills, and lost income because of your inability to work.

Certain victims may also be eligible for punitive damages if defendant's conduct was shocking or reckless. These awards are intended to punish the defendant for their actions and to deter future incidents.

Personal Injury

Although boating accidents can lead to serious injuries, a majority of them are preventable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are common causes of boat accidents, Boat Accident Attorneys as are other reckless choices, such as driving under the influence, carrying too many passengers, or reckless behavior. Injuries can vary from lacerations and bruising to permanent paralysis resulting from neck or spinal cord injuries.

The victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for their medical expenses and loss of earnings or work during their recovery from injuries. If their injuries last for a long time, they can also recover costs for long-term treatment. Unfortunately it is difficult to estimate the value of a personal injury claim isn't a simple task and insurance companies often try to offer less than what victims are entitled to. A knowledgeable attorney can 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 all relevant evidence is collected. This includes gathering important documents like police reports and witness statements as well as logs of maintenance for the vessel chemical tests, photographs of the scene of the accident as well as property damage. Medical records can offer essential information, such as detailed reports of the injuries, expenses, and the future costs. The lawyer may then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person at fault and/or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats as well as other vessels, including supply ships, are subject to hazardous conditions during their employment. They are at risk of getting injured not just from falling equipment or cargo but also from accidents on boats caused by the negligence or recklessness of others on the vessel.

Seamen have specific rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that protect them from the negligence of employers. If they suffer injuries due to these kinds of incidents, they are entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). The damages may include medical expenses loss of wages, cost of living during the recovery process along with pain and suffering and other financial benefits.

Many times, seamen who are injured on a supply vessel, tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing boat require more than just workers' compensation in order to cover their expenses. A skilled New York boat accident law firms accident lawyer can identify other third-party claims for which a seaman could be eligible to recover compensation, for instance, allegations of insecurities and the employer's failure to maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your attorney will collect crucial documents and evidence that pertain to your claim, such as medical records, insurance policy information, police reports and more. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the defendant's lawyer and the insurance company on your behalf. If there is no fair settlement agreed upon, they will create an effective case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents are caused by defective equipment. Most boat accidents are caused by the negligent or reckless actions of the boat's owner. In these cases, victims can sue the company responsible for the product to obtain compensation. In these instances, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

Defective equipment and boats may be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. A warranty claim could be based on a violation of express or implied guarantees created by law, for example the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles or the warranties of merchantability, or the guarantee of fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are often covered by insurance policies, too. Although some people believe that an issue is evident or obvious, courts often require expert testimony from a surveyor or another qualified professional to determine whether a mechanical breakdown or other damage was caused by a concealed condition.

There are some defects that are discovered after a boat is sold. These are usually considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Some are discovered after the vessel is in operation and could be the fault of the owner. One example is when the boat owner fails to empty the engine's water and the water gets frozen and damages the motor in the winter.

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. But, as with all recreational activities, they are accompanied by certain risks and liabilities that can impact the lives of participants.

Injured people can file a personal injury claim or wrongful-death suit to recover damages. Medical expenses loss of income, property damage, and pain and suffering are all damages. Victims may also demand punitive damages in the event of gross negligence or reckless actions by the responsible party.

Insurance companies aren't easy to work with in a case involving a boat especially when their primary goal is to settle the lowest amount they can. Level the playing field by hiring a NYC lawyer for boating injuries who will collaborate with insurers to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will look over all evidence that is available such as police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. Then, they'll enter into discussions with the at-fault party and their insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement. If they cannot agree on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for trial. We are experienced in presenting evidence in support of your claim and securing the maximum financial award.