Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured in an accident in the boating industry and it wasn't your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial settlement. This could include medical bills, physical therapies, and lost income because of inability to work.

Some victims can be awarded punitive damages when the conduct of the defendant was egregious and reckless. These kinds of awards are intended to punish the perpetrator and deter similar misconduct in the future.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can cause serious injuries, but they are often avoidable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are common causes of boat accidents, along with other reckless choices, such as driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. Injuries can range from bruising and lacerations to permanent paralysis from spinal cord or head injury.

Victims of boating accidents are entitled to compensation for medical expenses and loss of work or income while they recover from injuries. They may also be able to recover the expenses of long-term care in the event that their injuries are irreparable. Insurance companies frequently try to settle for less money than the victims are entitled to when estimating a claim's value. An experienced lawyer can in negotiating the best settlement that is feasible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to ensure all relevant evidence is collected. This includes collecting important documents, like witness statements and police reports, vessel maintenance logs chemical tests, and photographs of the scene of the accident as well as the property damage. Medical records can offer essential information, such as detailed reports of the injuries, expenses, and the cost of future expenses. Lawyers can negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person at fault or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats and other vessels, including supply ships, are subject to dangerous conditions during their work. They are at risk of being injured not just from cargo or equipment falling and cargo, but also due to boat accidents caused by the negligence or inattention of other passengers on the vessel.

Seamen have rights that are specific to them under the Jones Act and other federal laws that safeguard 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). The damages could include medical expenses as well as lost income, the cost of living during recovery the injury, pain and suffering, as well as other benefits in the form of money.

A lot of times, injured seamen on a supply vessel such as tugboats or dredgers barges, oil tanks, cruise boats, or sightseeing vessels require more than workers' compensation in order to cover their expenses. A New York boat accident attorney can help identify third-party claims seamen may be eligible for like claims of unreliability or the employer's inability to keep the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence in connection with your claim. These include medical records, information about insurance policies, police reports, and more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney for the defendant and the insurance company you have named. If a fair settlement cannot be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial and argue a convincing case in court on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents are caused by defective equipment. Most accidents on boats are caused by the reckless or negligent behavior of the boat's owner. In these cases, victims can sue the company that made the defective product to claim compensation. In these situations, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist.

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

Insurance policies typically cover hidden defects too. Although some consumers may claim that the issue is obvious or clear, courts often require expert testimony from a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if the mechanical breakdown or damage resulted from an unnoticed problem.

Certain defects are discovered after a boat is sold. These defects are typically considered manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is accountable for them. They are often discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and could be the owner's fault. One instance is when the owner doesn't emptying of the engine's water and the water freezes, which causes damage to the motor during the winter.

Insurance

In a state like New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes boats and other water recreation activities are common among residents. However, like all recreation activities, they come with certain risks and liabilities that can impact the lives of participants.

In the event of boating accidents the injured can be able to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim to receive compensation to pay for their damages. The damages include medical expenses loss of income, property losses along with pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement, firm and other expenses. In the event of gross negligence, victims could also seek punitive damages.

Insurance companies aren't easy to work with in a boating case particularly when their primary goal is to settle as little as possible. Make sure you are level playing field by hiring a NYC boating injury attorney who will collaborate with insurers to ensure all parties involved are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will examine all evidence available such as police reports, medical records and witness testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the at fault person and their insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement. If they are unable to come to an agreement the attorneys of our firm will prepare for trial. We are adept at presenting evidence in support of your claim and winning the highest amount of money.