Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured in an accident on the water, and it was not your fault you may be entitled to a substantial settlement. These expenses could include medical bills, physical therapy as well as loss of income because of your inability to work.

Some victims might also be eligible for punitive damages when the defendant's behavior was egregious or reckless. These awards are intended to penalize the defendant for their misconduct and also to deter further incidents.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can result in serious injuries, a lot of them are preventable. Boat accidents are often caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, and other careless choices like driving under the influence of alcohol, carrying many passengers, and reckless behavior. Injuries can be anything from bruising and cuts to permanent paralysis due to injuries to the head or spinal cord.

Victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for their medical bills as well as the loss of earnings or work while they recover from injuries. If their injuries are permanent they may also be able to recover costs for long-term medical care. Unfortunately finding out the value of an injury claim isn't an easy task. Insurance companies often try to settle for less than victims need to receive. A knowledgeable attorney can assist you in negotiating for the highest possible settlement.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the incident to gather all evidence relevant. This includes collecting important documents, boat accident attorneys such as police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance logs as well as chemical tests and photos of the accident scene and property damage. Medical records can offer essential information, such as detailed reports of the injuries, expenses, and the future costs. The lawyer can then bargain with the party at fault and/or the insurance company for an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats as well as other vessels, like supply ships, are subject to hazardous conditions throughout their work. They are at risk of getting injured not just from cargo or equipment falling, but also by accidents on boats caused by the negligence or recklessness of others on board the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages can be a result of medical expenses, lost wages, cost of living during recuperation as well as pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money.

Often, seamen who are injured while on a supply ship tugboat, dredger barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing boat require more than just workers' compensation to pay for their injuries. A New York boat accident attorney can help identify third-party claims seamen may be eligible for like claims of unseaworthiness or the employer's failure maintain the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence that relate to your claim. This includes medical records, details about insurance policies, police reports, and more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney of the defendant and the insurance company you have named. If a fair settlement cannot be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial and make a convincing argument in court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents are caused by defective equipment. While the majority of accidents on boats result from the negligent or reckless behavior Boat accident attorneys of the boat accident lawyers operator. In those cases, victims can seek compensation from manufacturer of the defective product by filing a lawsuit. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these cases.

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

Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies, too. While some individuals may assert that a problem is obvious or clear however, courts usually require expert testimony from a surveyor or another expert to determine if the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or was caused due to an unnoticed condition.

There are some defects that are discovered after the boat is sold. They are usually regarded as manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Others are discovered after the boat is operated and owned and may be the fault of the owner. An example of this is when a boat owner forgets to drain water from the engine, and that water freezes in winter months and causes damage to the motor.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state with easy access to Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. However, like most recreational activities, they are accompanied by certain risks and liabilities that can affect the lives of those who participate.

Injured individuals may file a personal injury claim or wrongful death suit to recover damages. Medical expenses, lost income, property losses and pain and suffering are all damages. Victims can also seek punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or reckless behaviour by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies can be difficult to negotiate with in a case involving a boat particularly when their primary objective is to pay the lowest amount they can. Make sure you are level playing field by hiring a NYC attorney for boating injuries who will work with insurance companies to ensure all parties involved are accountable for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will go through all evidence available such as police reports, medical records and witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with the at-fault party and their insurance company to obtain an equitable settlement. If they are unable to agree on the amount of settlement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are adept at presenting evidence to support your claim and winning the maximum financial award.