Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured in an accident on the water and it wasn't your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial settlement. This could include physical therapy, medical bills and loss of income due to inability to work.

Some victims may also be awarded punitive damages if the defendant's conduct was reckless and egregious. These awards are designed to penalize the defendant for their misconduct and to prevent future incidents.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can cause serious injuries but many are preventable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are the main cause of boat accidents, as are other careless choices such as operating under the influence, transporting too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The injuries can range from minor bruises to paralysis resulting from spinal cord or brain injury.

Victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for medical bills as well as the loss of earnings or work during their recovery from injuries. If their injuries are permanent they may also recover expenses for long-term care. Insurance companies frequently try to settle for less money than the victims should receive when estimating claims' value. An experienced lawyer can assist you in negotiating the highest settlement possible.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to gather all evidence relevant. This includes gathering important documents, like witness statements and police reports, vessel maintenance logs as well as chemical tests and photos of the scene of an accident and property damage. Medical records can also provide vital information, like detailed reports of the injuries, expenses and the future costs. The lawyer may then negotiate with the at-fault party or the insurance company for an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are typically exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of their work. They are at risk of getting injured not only from falling equipment or cargo, but also by provo boat accident attorney accidents caused by the negligence or recklessness of other parties on the vessel.

Seamen have certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that are designed to protect them from negligence by employers. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, cost of living during the recovery process as well as pain and suffering and other financial benefits.

A lot of times, injured seamen on a supply vessel tugboats, dredgers, oil tanks, barges, cruise or sightseeing boats require more than workers' compensation to compensate for their expenses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can identify other third-party claims that a seamen might be entitled to compensation, for instance, allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or the employer's failure to maintain the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will collect crucial documents and evidence that relate to your claim. These include medical records, details about insurance policies, police reports, and many more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney of the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair and reasonable settlement cannot be reached, they will prepare for trial and argue a convincing case in court on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats result from defective equipment. While the majority of accidents on boats are caused by the negligent or reckless actions of the boat operator. In these instances, the victims could sue the firm that made the defective product to seek compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these instances.

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

Insurance policies typically cover hidden problems as well. Although some people believe that an issue is evident or obvious, courts typically require an expert witness from a surveyor or another certified professional to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or any other damage was caused by a hidden problem.

Certain defects are discovered after a boat has been sold. These are generally deemed manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is accountable for these. Others are discovered after the fort wayne boat accident lawyer is owned and operated and may be the responsibility of the owner. One example is when a boater forgets to empty water out of the engine, boat accident lawyer and that water freezes in the winter and damages the motor.

Insurance

In a state like New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes such as boating, water sports and similar recreational activities are commonplace among residents. But, as with all recreational activities, they are accompanied by certain risks and liabilities that can have a negative impact on the lives of participants.

When boating accidents happen and people are injured, they can file a personal injury or wrongful death claim to cover their damages. Damages include medical expenses, loss of income, property losses, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement and other expenses. Victims can also seek punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or reckless behavior by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies involved in a boating collision case can be difficult to work with, especially when their main goal is to compensate you as little as they can. Hire a NYC lawyer who will work closely with insurers to hold everyone accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will review all evidence available including police reports and medical records. They will also look into witness testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the responsible person and their insurance company in order to reach an acceptable settlement. If they cannot agree on a settlement the attorneys of our firm will prepare for trial. We are skilled at the presentation of evidence to support your claim and obtaining the maximum financial award.