Boat Accident Attorneys

If you were injured in an accident while on a boat that was not your fault, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. These expenses could include physical therapy, medical bills and income loss because of your inability to work.

Some victims may also qualify for punitive damages when the defendant's actions were egregious or reckless. These types of awards are crafted to penalize the defendant and discourage similar conduct in the future.

Personal Injury

Although boating accidents can lead to serious injuries, a majority of them can be avoided. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the main cause of boat accidents along with other reckless choices like operating under the influence, transporting too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The injuries can range from minor bruises to paralysis caused by brain injury or a spinal cord injury.

Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for medical expenses and loss of income or work as they recover from their injuries. They may also be able to recover the costs of long-term medical care if their injuries are permanent. Insurance companies frequently try to offer less money than the victims should receive when estimating claims' value. An experienced lawyer can help fight for the maximum settlement that is possible.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the incident in order to gather all evidence relevant. This includes collecting important documents, such as police reports and witness statements along with logs of vessel maintenance, chemical tests and photographs of the accident scene and property damage. Other vital information can be gathered from medical records that include detailed reports of the injuries suffered along with the costs incurred as well as estimates of future costs. The lawyer may then bargain with the party at fault or the insurance company to negotiate an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are often exposed to hazardous conditions during the course of their work. They are at risk of getting injured not just from cargo or equipment falling, but also by boat accidents caused by negligence or recklessness of other parties on 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 wages, cost of living during recuperation along with pain and suffering and other monetary benefits.

Many times, seamen who are injured while on a supply ship, tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing vessel need more than just workers' compensation in order to cover their expenses. 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 the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will collect crucial documents and evidence in connection with your claim. These include medical records, information regarding insurance policies, police reports and Boat Accident many more. They will then engage in settlement discussions with the lawyer of the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If there is no fair settlement reached, they will then prepare a strong case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

While most boat accidents occur due to negligent or reckless behavior of the boat accident lawyer owner However, there are a number of instances where a crash was actually caused by defective equipment. In these instances, the victims may sue the company that manufactured the defective product to obtain compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these instances.

Defective equipment and boats can be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. A warranty claim can be due to a breach of implied or express warranties imposed by law, for example the New Jersey used car lemon laws, or the warranties of quality and fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are often covered by insurance policies, too. Although some people believe that an issue is obvious or obvious, courtrooms frequently require an expert witness from a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if an engine failure or other damage resulted from a hidden condition.

There are some defects that are discovered after a boat is sold. These are usually considered to be manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Some are discovered after the boat is owned and operated and may be the responsibility of the owner. One example is when the owner fails to emptying of the engine of water and the water freezes, which damages the motor during winter.

Insurance

In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes boats and other water recreational activities are commonplace among residents. Like any other recreational activity, there are risks and liabilities that are involved.

Injured individuals may file a personal injury claim or wrongful-death suit to seek compensation. Damages may include medical costs, loss of income, property losses as well as pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement, and other expenses. In the event of gross negligence, victims may also seek punitive damage.

Insurance companies involved in a boating collision case can be difficult to deal with, particularly since their primary goal is to pay you as little as is possible. Set the bar higher by hiring a NYC attorney for boating injuries who will work with insurers to ensure all parties involved are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will review all evidence available including police reports and boat accident Attorney medical records. They will also examine witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with the person at fault and their insurance company to secure an acceptable settlement. If they are not able to reach an agreement on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for trial. We are adept at presenting evidence in support of your claim and winning the highest amount of money.