Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of an accident on the water that was not your fault, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. These expenses could include medical bills, physical therapy, and loss of income due to the inability to work.

Certain victims could also be eligible for punitive damages if the defendant's behavior was egregious or reckless. These kinds of awards are crafted to penalize the defendant and deter similar misconduct in the future.

Personal Injury

Although boating accidents may cause serious injuries, a majority of them are preventable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are common causes of boat accident lawsuits accidents, along with other careless choices such as driving under the influence, accident transporting too many passengers, or reckless behavior. Injuries can range from bruising and lacerations to permanent paralysis caused by spinal cord or head injury.

The victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for medical bills as well as the loss of income or work while they recover from injuries. They can also recover the costs of long-term medical care when their injuries are permanent. Unfortunately the process of estimating the value of an injury claim isn't an easy task. Insurance companies often make a deal that is less than what victims deserve. An experienced lawyer can help to get the highest settlement that is feasible.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the incident in order to collect all relevant evidence. This includes the collection of crucial documents like police reports as well as witness statements, vessel maintenance documents, chemical tests and photographs of the accident site and property damage. Other essential information may be gathered from medical records, including detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained, expenses incurred, and estimated future costs. Lawyers can negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person at fault and/or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers working on workboats and other vessels, including supply ships, are exposed to dangerous conditions during their work. They are at risk of getting injured not just from cargo or equipment falling as well as boat accidents caused by the negligence or recklessness of others aboard the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. If they suffer injuries due to these incidents, they are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). The damages may include medical expenses loss of wages, cost of living during recuperation along with pain and suffering and other monetary benefits.

Most often, seamen injured while on a supply ship tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing boat require more than just workers' compensation to compensate their injuries. A New York boat accident attorney can help identify third-party claims a seaman may be entitled to including claims of unseaworthiness or the employer's inability to maintain a safe vessel.

Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence pertaining to your claim, such as medical records as well as insurance policy information or police reports, among others. They will then negotiate an agreement with the defendant's attorney and the insurance company that you represent. If a fair settlement is not reached, they will prepare a strong case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

While the majority of boat crashes occur due to reckless or accident negligent behavior of the boat operator However, there are many instances where a crash was actually caused by faulty equipment. In those cases, victims may seek compensation from the company that made the defective product through a lawsuit. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these instances.

Defective boats and equipment could be covered by claims based on negligence or strict liability law. Warranty claims can be based on a breach of implied or express warranties made by law, such as the New Jersey used car lemon laws or the warranties of quality and fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies too. While some individuals may assert that the issue is obvious or clear however, courts usually require expert testimony from an expert surveyor or other certified professional to determine if the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or was caused by an unnoticed problem.

Certain defects are discovered after a boat is sold. These are usually considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Others are discovered after a boat has been operated and owned and could be the fault of the owner. An example is when a boater forgets to drain the water out of the engine, and the water freezes in the winter months and causes damage to the motor.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are popular in New York, a state that has easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. Like all recreational activities, there are risks and liabilities associated with it.

When boating accidents occur and people are injured, they can make a personal injury claim or wrongful death claim to cover their losses. Damages include medical expenses, loss of income, property loss in addition to pain and suffering diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement, and other costs. In the event of gross negligence, the victims could also seek punitive damages.

Insurance companies can be difficult to work with in a boating dispute particularly when their main objective is to pay as little as possible. Choose an NYC lawyer for boating accidents who will work closely with insurers to hold them accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will look over all evidence that is available that is available, including police reports medical records and witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the at-fault person and their insurance company to reach a fair settlement. If they fail to agree on a settlement then our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are proficient in presenting evidence in support of your claim and obtaining the maximum financial award.