Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries in a boating accident that wasn't your fault, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. These expenses can include physical therapy, medical bills, and loss of income due to the inability to work.

Some victims can be awarded punitive damages if the defendant's conduct was reckless and indecent. These awards are intended to punish the defendant for their actions and to prevent future incidents.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can cause serious injuries, but a majority are avoidable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are a common cause of boat-related accidents as well as other naive choices like operating under the influence, bringing too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The severity of injuries ranges from minor bruises to paralysis caused by spinal cord or brain injury.

Victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for medical bills as well as the loss of work or income as they recover from their injuries. If their injuries last for a long time, they can also recover expenses for long-term care. Insurance companies typically try to accept less than the victims are entitled to when estimating a claim's value. An experienced attorney can help fight for the maximum settlement that is possible.

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

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats and other vessels, such as supply ships, are exposed to dangerous conditions during their work. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo, they are also at risk of boat accidents caused by the negligent or reckless conduct of other parties on board the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages could include medical expenses loss of income, cost of living while recovering, pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money.

Often, seamen who are injured on a supply vessel tugboat, dredger or tugboat barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing boat accident law firm require more than workers' compensation to cover their expenses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims that a seaman might be entitled to compensation, including claims of unseaworthiness and the failure of the employer to maintain the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence regarding your claim, such as medical records, insurance policy information or police reports, among others. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney representing the defendant as well as an the insurance company you have named. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached, they will prepare for trial and make a convincing argument in the court on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents result from defective equipment. Most boat accidents result from the negligent or reckless actions of the boat's owner. In these instances, the victims may sue the manufacturer who made the defective product to obtain compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these cases.

Defective equipment and boats may be covered by claims that are based on negligence or strict liability law. Warranty claims can be the result of a breach express or implied warranties created by law, like the New Jersey used car lemon laws, or the warranties of merchantability and fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies often cover latent problems as well. While some individuals may assert that a problem is obvious or clear but courts typically require expert testimony from an engineer or other qualified professional to determine if the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or resulted from a hidden condition.

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 boat has been operated and owned and may be the fault of the owner. One example is when a boater forgets to drain water from the engine, and that water freezes in the winter and damages the motor.

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 most recreational activities, they carry certain risks and liabilities that could affect the lives of those who participate.

In the event of boating accidents and people are injured, they can file a personal injury or wrongful death claim to cover their losses. Damages include medical expenses, loss of income, property losses, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, boat accident lawyer disfigurement, and other costs. In the event of gross negligence, victims may also seek punitive damage.

Insurance companies involved in a boating accident case can be difficult to work with, especially when their main goal is to compensate you as little as they can. Set the bar higher by hiring an NYC lawyer for injuries sustained in boating who will work with insurers to ensure all parties involved are accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will review all evidence available such as police reports and medical records. They will also investigate witnesses' testimony. Then, they'll enter into negotiations with the at-fault party and their insurance company to negotiate an acceptable settlement. If they cannot agree on the amount of settlement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are experienced in providing evidence to support your claim and securing highest amount of financial compensation.