Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries in an accident while on a Grand rapids boat accident lawsuit that was not your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. This could include physical therapy, medical bills, and lost income because of 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 crafted to punish the defendant and discourage similar conduct in the future.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can cause serious injuries, however many are avoidable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are the most common cause of boat-related accidents as well as other reckless choices, such as operating under the influence, transporting too many passengers, or reckless behavior. Injuries can range from lacerations and bruises to permanent paralysis caused by neck or spinal cord injuries.

Victims of injuries sustained in a boating accident may be compensated for medical expenses and loss of income or work while they recuperate. If their injuries last for a long time they can also claim costs for long-term medical care. Unfortunately the process of estimating the value of an injury claim isn't an easy task. Insurance companies often try to settle for less than victims are entitled to. An experienced lawyer can fight for the maximum settlement possible.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to collect all relevant evidence. This includes the collection of crucial documents, such as police reports, witness statements, vessel maintenance reports, chemical tests and photographs of the accident site and property damage. Other crucial information can be gathered from medical records including detailed reports of the injuries suffered as well as the expenses incurred and Grand rapids Boat Accident lawsuit estimated future costs. The lawyer will then bargain with the party at fault or the insurance company for an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats as well as other vessels, like supply ships, are subject to hazardous conditions throughout their work. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment, they are also at risk of boat accidents caused by negligent or reckless behavior of other passengers on 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 can be a result of medical expenses, lost wages, cost of living during recuperation in the event of pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money.

Many times, injured seamen on a supply vessel such as tugboats or dredgers oil tanks, barges, cruise or sightseeing boats require more than workers' compensation to cover their expenses. A New York boat accident attorney can help identify third-party claims an individual seaman may be eligible for including claims of a lack of seaworthiness or an employer's failure maintain a safe vessel.

Your lawyer will gather important documents and evidence in connection with your claim. This includes medical records, details about insurance policies, police reports and more. They will then engage in settlement negotiations with the lawyer of the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial to argue your case in court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

While most boat accidents occur due to negligent or reckless behavior of the boat owner, there are also many instances where a crash is actually caused by defective equipment. In those cases, victims may seek compensation from the company that produced the defective product in a lawsuit. In these instances, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist.

Defective equipment and boats could be covered by claims based on negligence or strict liability law. A warranty claim could be based on a breach of implied or express warranties made by law, such as the New Jersey lemon laws for automobiles used for sale 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. While some consumers may suggest that the issue is obvious or obvious, courtrooms often require an expert witness from a surveyor or another qualified professional to determine if a mechanical breakdown or other damage resulted from a hidden problem.

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

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state with easy access the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. However, like all recreational activities, they are accompanied by certain risks and liabilities that could affect the lives of those who participate.

Injured persons can file a personal injuries claim or wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation. The 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 can also seek punitive damages in cases of reckless or gross negligence actions by the responsible party.

Insurance companies involved in a maritime accident case can be difficult to deal with, especially since their main goal is to compensate you as little as is possible. Level the playing field by hiring an NYC lawyer for injuries sustained in boating who will work with insurance companies to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will review all evidence available including police reports and medical records. They will also investigate witnesses' testimony. Then they will engage in negotiations with the person at fault and their insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement. If they are unable to 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.