boat accident attorney Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured in an accident while on a boat, and it was not your fault you may be entitled a substantial compensation. These costs could include medical bills, physical therapy and loss of income due to an inability to work.

Some victims may also be awarded punitive damages, when the conduct of the defendant was reckless and egregious. These awards are designed to punish the defendant for their misconduct and to deter future incidents.

Personal Injury

Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries, however many are avoidable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are a common cause of boat accidents, along with other reckless choices, such as driving under the influence, carrying 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 expenses and loss of work or income while recovering from their injuries. If their injuries last for a long time, they can also recover costs for long-term treatment. Insurance companies usually try to accept less than the victims should receive when estimating claims' value. An experienced lawyer can help you fight for the highest possible settlement.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident in order to collect all relevant evidence. This includes gathering important documents, such as police reports and witness statements and logs of maintenance on the vessel chemical tests, photographs of the scene of the accident and the property damage. Other vital information can be obtained from medical records, including detailed accounts of the injuries sustained as well as the expenses incurred and estimates of future costs. The lawyer may then negotiate a fair settlement with the person who was at fault or the insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers working on workboats and other vessels, like supply ships, are subject to hazardous conditions during their employment. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo in the course of their work, they are also at risk of being involved in boat accidents that result from the negligence or reckless behavior of other passengers on the vessel.

Seamen have specific rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that protect them from the negligence of employers. If they sustain injuries as a result of these types of incidents, they are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages may include medical expenses loss of income, cost of living during recovery the injury, pain and suffering, as well as other benefits in the form of money.

Often, seamen who are injured on a supply vessel tugboats, dredgers and tugboats oil tanks, barges, cruise boats, or sightseeing vessels 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 could be eligible for compensation, such as allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or the employer's failure to keep an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will collect crucial documents and evidence pertaining to your claim. These include medical records, go.ivey.ca information on insurance policies, police reports and more. They will then negotiate a settlement with the defendant's attorney and insurance company in your name. If a fair and reasonable settlement cannot be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial so that they can argue a convincing case in court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats result from defective equipment. The majority of accidents on boats are caused by the reckless or negligent actions of the boat's operator. In these instances, the victims could sue the firm that made the defective product to seek compensation. In these instances, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist.

Defective boats and equipment may be covered by claims based on negligence or strict liability law. A warranty claim could be based on a breach of express or implied guarantees made by law, such as the New Jersey lemon laws for used cars or the warranties of merchantability, or the guarantee of fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies too. While some consumers may suggest that an issue is obvious or obvious, courts typically require an expert witness by a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if an engine failure or other damage was caused by a hidden condition.

Some defects are discovered after a boat is sold. These are generally deemed manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is accountable for these. Some are discovered after the boat accident law firms has been operated and owned and may be the fault of the owner. An example is when a boater forgets to empty water out of the engine, and the water freezes in the winter, causing damage to the motor.

Insurance

In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes such as boating, water sports and similar recreation activities are common for residents. Like all recreational activities, there are risks and liabilities that are involved.

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

Insurance companies involved in a boating injury case can be difficult to work with, especially since their primary goal is to pay you as little as possible. Make sure you are level playing field by hiring an NYC attorney for boating injuries who will work with insurance companies to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will thoroughly look over all evidence that is available such as police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. Then they will engage in negotiations with the person at fault and their insurance company to obtain a fair settlement. If they are unable agree on a settlement then our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are experienced in presenting evidence to support your claim and obtaining the highest amount of money.