Boat Accident Attorneys

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

Certain victims may also be awarded punitive damages, in the event that the defendant's behavior was egregious and reckless. These kinds of awards are crafted to punish the offender and discourage similar behavior in the future.

Personal Injury

Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries, but a majority are avoidable. Boat accidents are usually caused by inexperienced and untrained boaters, as well as other reckless decisions like driving under the effects of alcohol, carrying many passengers, and reckless behavior. Injuries may range from lacerations and bruises to permanent paralysis resulting from head injuries or a spinal cord injury.

Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for their medical bills and loss of income or employment while they recover from injuries. If their injuries are permanent they may also recover costs for long-term care. Insurance companies often try and settle for less money than the victims are entitled to when estimating a claim's value. A skilled attorney can assist you in negotiating the highest amount of compensation possible.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to collect all relevant evidence. This includes the collection of crucial documents like police reports as well as witness statements, vessel maintenance documents, chemical tests and photos of the site of the accident as well as property damage. Medical records can provide other essential information, such as detailed reports on the injuries, expenses and the cost of future expenses. The lawyer can then negotiate a fair settlement with the person at fault or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are typically exposed to hazardous conditions in the course of their work. 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 caused by negligent or reckless behavior of other people onboard the vessel.

Seamen are entitled to certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that are designed to protect them from negligence by employers. When they suffer injuries from these kinds of incidents, they are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages can include medical expenses loss of income, cost of living while recovering the injury, pain and suffering, and other financial benefits.

Most often, seamen injured on a supply vessel tugboat, dredger barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing vessel require more than workers' compensation to compensate their loss. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third party claims that seamen may be entitled to including claims of unreliability or the employer's negligence in maintaining a safe vessel.

Your attorney will gather important documents and evidence that pertain to your claim, including medical records, 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 an acceptable settlement cannot be reached, they will prepare a compelling case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats are caused by defective equipment. While the majority of boat accidents are caused by the reckless or negligent behavior of the boat operator. In these instances, the victims can sue the company that made the defective product in order to recover compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these instances.

Defective boats and equipment could be covered by claims based on negligence or strict liability law. Warranty claims can be based on a breach of implied or express guarantees created by law, for example the New Jersey lemon laws for used cars or the warranties of merchantability, or the guarantee of fit and boat accident Law firms finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are often covered by insurance policies too. While some consumers may suggest that the issue is obvious or obvious, courtrooms often require an expert witness from a surveyor or other expert to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or any other damage was caused by a hidden problem.

Some defects are found after a boat is sold. These are typically considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. They are often discovered after the boat is operated and owned, and may be the fault of the owner. One example is when the boat accident law firms (www.plantsg.com.sg) owner forgets the emptying of the engine's water and the water freezes and affects the motor in winter.

Insurance

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

Injured people may file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation. Damages include medical expenses, loss of income, property losses, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement and other costs. Victims can also seek punitive damages when they are the result of reckless or gross negligence actions by the responsible party.

Insurance companies involved in a boating injury case are often difficult to deal with, particularly when their main goal is to compensate you as little as they can. Bring the game level by hiring an NYC boating injury attorney 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 medical records. They will also look into witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with the person at fault and their insurance company in order to reach a fair settlement. If they cannot reach an agreement then our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are proficient in presenting evidence to support your claim and winning the maximum financial award.