Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of an accident on the water, and it was not your fault you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. This could include medical bills, physical therapies and income loss because of inability to work.

Certain victims may also be awarded punitive damages, in cases where the conduct of the defendant was reckless and egregious. These kinds of awards are intended to penalize the defendant and deter similar misconduct in the future.

Personal Injury

Although boating accidents can lead to serious injuries, a lot of them can be avoided. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are the most common cause of boat accidents along with other naive choices like operating under the influence, transporting too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The injuries could range from lacerations and bruises to permanent paralysis caused by spinal cord or head injury.

Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for medical bills and loss in earnings or work as they recover from their injuries. They can also recover the expenses of long-term care when their injuries are permanent. Unfortunately the process of estimating the value of an injury claim is not a simple task and insurance firms often attempt to offer less than what victims have a right to. A knowledgeable attorney can to get the highest settlement possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes obtaining important documents, such as police reports and witness statements and logs of maintenance on the vessel as well as chemical tests and photos of the scene of an accident and property damage. Other crucial information can be obtained from medical records, which include detailed accounts of the injuries sustained, expenses incurred, and estimates of future costs. The lawyer will then negotiate with the at-fault party and/or the insurance company for a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are often exposed to dangers in the course of their work. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo, they are also at risk of accidents that result from the negligence or reckless conduct 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 suffer injuries due to such incidents, they're entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages could include medical expenses and lost income, as well as the cost of living while recovering the injury, pain and suffering, and other financial benefits.

In many cases, injured seamen on a supply vessel tugboats, dredgers and tugboats barges, oil tanks cruise or sightseeing vessels need more than workers' compensation in order to compensate for their losses. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third party claims that a seaman may be eligible for like claims of unsafeness or the employer's failure maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence related to your claim, such as medical records and insurance policy information or police reports, among others. They will then negotiate an agreement with the defendant's attorney and the insurance company you have named. If a fair and reasonable settlement cannot be reached, they will prepare for trial in order to present a strong case in the court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

While the majority of boat crashes occur because of reckless or negligent behavior on the part of the boat accident lawsuit operator However, there are a number of instances when a crash actually caused by faulty equipment. In these instances, victims are able to seek compensation from the company that manufactured the defective product through a lawsuit. In these cases, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

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

Insurance policies often cover latent defects too. Although some people believe that the issue is obvious or obvious, courtrooms often require an expert witness from a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine whether an issue with a mechanical component or any other damage was caused by a hidden condition.

There are some defects that are discovered after a boat has been sold. These are usually considered to be manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. They are often discovered after the boat is operated and owned, and may be the owner's fault. A good example is when a boater forgets to drain water from the engine, and that water freezes during winter and firms damages the motor.

Insurance

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

Injured persons are able to file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages. 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, victims could also seek punitive damages.

Insurance companies can be difficult to work with in a case involving boats particularly when their primary goal is to compensate as little as possible. Choose a NYC lawyer who will work closely with insurance companies to hold all parties responsible for their actions.

An experienced attorney will review all evidence available such as police reports and medical records. They will also examine witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the responsible person and their insurance company to reach an acceptable settlement. If they can't agree on an agreement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are experienced in the presentation of evidence to support your claim and obtaining the maximum financial award.