Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of an accident while on a boat that was not your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. This could include physical therapy, medical bills, and lost income due to inability to work.

Some victims might also be eligible for punitive damages if the defendant's behavior was egregious or reckless. These kinds of awards are designed to punish the defendant and deter similar actions in the future.

Personal Injury

Although boating accidents can cause serious injuries, many of them are preventable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are the most common cause of boat-related accidents as well as other careless choices such as operating under the influence, bringing too many passengers, or reckless behavior. Injuries may range from lacerations and bruises to permanent paralysis caused by injuries to the head or spinal cord.

Victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for medical bills and loss of income or work as they recover from their injuries. If their injuries are irreparable they can also claim costs for long-term medical care. Insurance companies usually try to settle for less money than the victims should receive when estimating claims' value. An experienced attorney can help fight for the maximum settlement possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes the collection of crucial documents like police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance documents, chemical tests and photos of the scene of the accident and property damage. Medical records can provide other important information, including detailed reports on the injuries, expenses and the cost of future expenses. The lawyer may then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person at fault or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are typically exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of their job. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment as well as falling equipment, they are also at risk of boat accidents caused by negligence or reckless behavior of other people onboard the vessel.

Seamen have rights that are specific to them under the Jones Act and other federal laws designed to protect them from the negligence of employers. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The damages may include medical expenses loss of wages, cost of living during the recovery process along with pain and suffering and other financial benefits.

Often, seamen who are injured while on a supply ship tugboat, dredger or tugboat barge, oil tanker or boat accidents cruise or sightseeing boat require more than workers' compensation to cover their loss. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyers accident lawyer will be able to identify any other third-party claims that a seaman could be eligible for compensation, such as allegations of unreliability and the employer's failure to keep the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence regarding your claim, like medical records and insurance policy details, police reports and more. They will then engage in settlement negotiations with the lawyer of the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not reached, they will then prepare an argument that is strong enough to be tried on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats result from defective equipment. The majority of boat accidents (click through the following document) result from the negligent or reckless actions of the boat operator. In these instances, the victims can sue the company that manufactured the defective product in order to recover compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these instances.

Defective boats and equipment may be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. A warranty claim can be based on a violation of implied or express warranties created by law, like 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. Although some consumers may claim that a problem is evident or obvious and obvious, courts typically require expert testimony from a surveyor or another expert to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or damage was caused by an unnoticed condition.

There are some defects that are discovered after the boat is sold. These are typically regarded as manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is responsible for these. Some are discovered after the boat is owned and operated and could be the responsibility of the owner. A good example is when a boat owner fails to empty water out of the engine, and that water freezes in the winter, causing 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 carry certain risks and liabilities that can impact the lives of participants.

Individuals who have been injured are able to file a personal injury claim or wrongful death suit to seek compensation. Damages include medical expenses, loss of income, property losses as well as pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement, and other costs. Victims may also pursue punitive damages in instances of reckless or gross negligence behavior by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies involved in a boating injury case aren't easy to deal with, particularly since their primary goal is to pay you as little as possible. Find an NYC lawyer for a boating accident who will work closely with insurance companies to hold everyone accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will examine all evidence available such as police reports, medical records and witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the at fault person and their insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement. If they cannot come to an agreement the attorneys of our firm will prepare for trial. We are experienced in presenting evidence to support your claim and boat accidents obtaining the maximum financial award.