Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of a boating accident, and it was not your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These expenses may include physical therapy, medical bills as well as lost income due to inability to work.

Some victims may also qualify for punitive damages if defendant's conduct was shocking or reckless. These types of awards are intended to punish the perpetrator and deter similar actions in the future.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents may cause serious injuries, a lot of them are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are a common cause of boat accidents, along with other reckless choices like driving under the influence, transporting too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The severity of injuries can be anything from bruising and cuts to permanent paralysis caused by neck or spinal cord injuries.

The victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for medical bills and loss in earnings or work as they recover from their injuries. If their injuries are irreparable they may also recover costs for long-term care. Insurance companies typically try to offer less money than the victims should receive when estimating claims' value. An experienced attorney can help to get the highest settlement that is feasible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes the gathering of crucial documents such as police reports as well as witness statements, vessel maintenance records, chemical tests, and photos of the scene of the accident and the property damage. Other essential information may be obtained from medical records that include detailed reports of the injuries suffered along with the costs incurred as well as estimated future costs. The lawyer may then bargain with the party at fault and/or the insurance company for a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers working on workboats as well as other vessels, including supply ships, are exposed to dangerous conditions during their work. They are at risk of being injured not just from falling equipment or cargo and cargo, but also due to accidents on boats caused by the negligence or carelessness of other people on board the vessel.

Seamen have certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws designed to safeguard them from employer negligence. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, cost of living during recuperation, pain and suffering, as well as other benefits in the form of money.

Many times, seamen who are injured on a supply vessel tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing boat need more than just workers' compensation to compensate their injuries. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third party claims that a seaman may be eligible for including claims of a lack of seaworthiness or an employer's negligence in maintaining an appropriate vessel.

Your attorney will gather important documents and evidence related to your claim, such as medical records as well as insurance policy information and police reports, among others. They will then engage in settlement negotiations with the lawyer for the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If the settlement is not fair reached, they will prepare an argument that is strong enough to be tried on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats result from defective equipment. However, the majority of boat accident lawsuit accidents are caused by the reckless or negligent actions of the boat operator. In these instances, victims may seek compensation from the company that produced the defective product through a lawsuit. In these situations, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist.

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

Insurance policies usually cover latent defects as well. Although some consumers may claim that a problem is evident or obvious however, courts usually require expert testimony from an engineer or other certified professional to determine if a mechanical breakdown or damage was caused by an unnoticed issue.

Some defects are discovered after a boat has been sold. These are typically regarded as manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is accountable for them. Other defects are discovered after the vessel is in operation and may be the responsibility of the owner. An example of this is when a boat owner fails to drain water from the engine, and that water freezes in winter and damages the motor.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state with easy access the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. Like any other recreational activity there are risks and liabilities to be considered.

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

Insurance companies can be difficult to work with in a boating case particularly when their primary goal is to settle the least amount possible. Find an NYC lawyer for boating accidents who will work closely with insurance companies to hold all parties responsible for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will look over all evidence available including police reports and medical records. They will also review witnesses' testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the at-fault person and their insurance company in order to reach an acceptable settlement. If they fail to agree on a settlement then our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are skilled at presenting evidence in support of your claim and boat accident attorneys winning the highest amount of money.