Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured in an accident in the boating industry, and it was not your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. This could include physical therapy, medical bills as well as loss of income due to inability to work.

Some victims may also qualify for punitive damages if defendant's conduct was shocking or reckless. These awards are designed to punish the defendant for their blunders and to deter future incidents.

Personal Injury

Although boating accidents can cause serious injuries, a lot of them can be avoided. 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 of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The severity of injuries can range from bruising and lacerations to permanent paralysis due to injuries to the head or spinal cord.

Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for their medical bills and loss in work or income as they recover from their injuries. They also have the right to recover costs of long-term medical care if their injuries are permanent. Unfortunately finding out the value of an injury claim isn't an easy task. Insurance firms often attempt to accept less than the victims are entitled to. An experienced attorney will help you fight for the highest possible settlement.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected. This includes the gathering of important documents such as police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance documents, chemical tests and photographs of the accident site and property damage. Other crucial information can be gathered from medical records including detailed accounts of the injuries sustained, the expenses incurred, as well as estimates of future costs. The lawyer can then negotiate a fair settlement with the person responsible for the accident or the insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are frequently exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of working. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment in the course of their work, they are also at risk of being involved in boat accidents caused by the negligent or reckless actions of other parties on board the vessel.

Seamen have rights that are specific to them under the Jones Act and other federal laws that are designed to protect them from employer negligence. If they sustain injuries as a result of these incidents, they are entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages may include medical expenses, lost income, cost of living while recovering, pain and suffering and other financial benefits.

Often, seamen who are injured on supply vessels such as tugboats or dredgers oil tanks, barges cruise or sightseeing boats need more than workers' compensation to cover their losses. A New York boat accident attorney will be able to identify third-party claims an individual seaman may be entitled to, such as allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or an employer's inability to maintain the safety of the vessel.

Your attorney will collect crucial documents and evidence that pertain to your claim, such as medical records and insurance policy details and police reports, among others. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the lawyer of the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair and reasonable settlement cannot be reached then they will prepare for trial to make a convincing argument in the court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

While the majority of boat crashes occur due to negligent or reckless behaviour on the part of the boat's operator There are also cases where a crash is actually the result of defective equipment. In those cases, firms victims can seek compensation from company that made the defective product by filing a lawsuit. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these cases.

Defective boats and equipment may be covered by claims based on negligence or strict liability law. A warranty claim can be based on a breach of implied or express warranties that are imposed by law, such as the New Jersey lemon laws for used cars or the warranties of merchantability, or the fit and finish of the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies too. Although some consumers might claim that the issue is evident or obvious but courts typically require expert testimony by an engineer or other expert to determine if the mechanical breakdown or damage was caused due to a hidden condition.

A few defects are discovered when the boat is sold. These are generally deemed manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is responsible for them. Others are discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and could be the fault of the owner. An example is when a boat owner fails to drain the water from the engine, and the water freezes in winter and causes damage to the engine.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state with easy access the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. Like any other recreational activity there are risks and responsibilities involved.

Individuals who have been injured may file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation. Medical expenses loss of income, property losses, as well as suffering and pain are all damages. In the event of gross negligence, victims can also seek punitive damages.

Insurance companies can be difficult to negotiate with in a boating case particularly when their primary goal is to settle as little as they can. Bring the game level by hiring an NYC boating injury attorney who will work with insurers to ensure all parties involved are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will go through all evidence available that is available, including police reports medical records and witness testimony. They will then enter into discussions with both the at-fault person and their insurance company to reach an equitable settlement. If they are unable reach an agreement Our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are skilled at providing evidence to support your claim and obtaining the highest amount of money.