Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of an accident with a boat accident attorneys that wasn't your fault, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. These expenses may include physical therapy, medical bills as well as lost income because of your inability to work.

Some victims may also qualify for punitive damages if defendant's behavior was egregious or reckless. These awards are intended to penalize the defendant for their actions and to deter future incidents.

Personal Injury

Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries, however many are avoidable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are the most common cause of boat accidents, as are other careless choices such as operating under the influence, carrying too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The injuries can range from minor bruises to paralysis resulting from the brain or spinal cord.

Victims of injuries sustained in a boating accident can get compensation for their medical expenses as well as lost income or work as they recuperate. If their injuries are permanent they may also recover costs for long-term care. Unfortunately, estimating the value of a personal injury claim isn't an easy task. Insurance firms often attempt to make a deal that is less than what victims are entitled to. A knowledgeable attorney can fight for the maximum settlement that is 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, such as police reports and witness statements and logs of maintenance on the vessel, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of the accident and the property damage. Other crucial information can be obtained from medical records that include detailed reports of the injuries suffered along with the costs incurred as well as estimated future costs. The lawyer may then negotiate with the at-fault party or the insurance company to negotiate an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers working on workboats and other vessels, including supply ships, are exposed to hazardous conditions during their work. They are at risk of getting injured not only by cargo or equipment falling but also from boat accidents caused by the negligence or boat accident recklessness of other parties aboard 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 as well as lost income, the cost of living during recovery from injuries, pain and suffering and other benefits monetary.

A lot of times, injured seamen on a supply vessel, tugboats, dredgers, oil tanks, barges, cruise or sightseeing boats need more than workers' compensation to cover their expenses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can identify other third-party claims where a seaman might be entitled to compensation, including claims of unreliability and the employer's failure to maintain a safe vessel.

Your attorney will gather important documents and evidence related to your claim, like medical records, insurance policy information and police reports, among others. They will then negotiate a settlement with the attorney of the defendant and insurance company in your name. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached, they will prepare for trial to present a strong case in the court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats are caused by defective equipment. The majority of accidents on boats result from the negligent or reckless actions of the boat's operator. In these instances, victims can seek compensation from the company that made the defective product by filing a lawsuit. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these cases.

Defective equipment and boats can be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. A warranty claim could be based on a violation of express or implied guarantees provided by law, such as the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles, or the guarantees of merchantability, or the fit and finish of the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies too. While some consumers may suggest that an issue is evident or obvious, courts typically require expert testimony from a surveyor or another qualified professional to determine whether the mechanical breakdown or another damage was caused by a concealed condition.

Some defects are discovered after a boat is sold. These defects are usually considered manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is responsible for the defects. Others are discovered after a boat is owned and operated and may be the responsibility of the owner. An example is when a boater forgets to drain the water from the engine, and that water freezes during winter and causes damage to the engine.

Insurance

In a state like New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes, boating and similar water recreational activities are commonplace for residents. But, as with all recreational activities, they are accompanied by certain risks and liabilities that can affect the lives of those who participate.

Injured people may file a personal injury claim or wrongful-death suit to recover damages. Damages can include medical expenses, loss of income, property losses in addition to pain and suffering diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other expenses. In cases of gross negligence, victims could also seek punitive damages.

Insurance companies aren't always easy to work with in a boating case, especially when their main goal is to compensate the lowest amount they can. Employ an NYC lawyer for boating accidents who will work closely with insurance companies to hold everyone accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will review all available evidence such as police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the responsible person and their insurance company in order to negotiate an acceptable settlement. If they can't agree on an agreement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are experts in the presentation of evidence in support of your claim and securing highest amount of financial compensation.