Boat Accident Attorneys

If you were injured by an accident on the water, and it was not your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial payout. These expenses may include medical bills, physical therapies, and lost income because of 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 penalize the defendant and deter similar actions in the future.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries but many are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are common causes of boat accidents, as are other naive choices like operating under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The injuries can range from minor bruises to paralysis due to spinal cord or brain injury.

Victims injured by a boating accident could be compensated for medical bills and lost income or work while they recuperate. They may also be able to recover the expenses of long-term care in the event that their injuries are irreparable. Insurance companies often try and offer less money than the victims should receive when estimating claims' value. An experienced lawyer can help to get the highest settlement that is possible.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the incident to gather all evidence relevant. This includes the collection of important documents such as police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance records, chemical tests, and photographs of the scene of the accident and the property damage. Medical records can provide vital information, like detailed reports on the injuries, expenses, and the future costs. The lawyer can then negotiate a fair settlement with the person at fault or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are typically exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of their work. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo and equipment, they also are at risk of boat accidents caused by negligent or reckless actions of other people onboard the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. If they suffer injuries due to these kinds of incidents, they are entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages could include medical expenses loss of wages, cost of living during the recovery process along with pain and suffering and other financial benefits.

Most often, seamen injured while on a supply ship, tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing boat require more than workers' compensation to compensate their losses. A New York boat accident attorney can help identify third-party claims an individual seaman may be entitled to like claims of unreliability or the employer's negligence in maintaining an appropriate vessel.

Your attorney will collect important documents and evidence that relate to your claim. These include medical records, boat accident Attorneys information about insurance policies, police reports, and more. They will then enter into settlement discussions with the lawyer of the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If an acceptable settlement cannot be reached, they will prepare an effective case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats are caused by defective equipment. However, the majority of boat accidents are caused by the reckless or negligent behavior of the boat's owner. In these instances, victims can seek compensation from the company that made the defective product by filing a lawsuit. In these instances, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist.

Defective equipment and boats could be covered by claims based on negligence or strict liability law. A warranty claim could be based on a violation of implied or express warranties that are imposed by law, such as the New Jersey lemon laws for used cars or the warranties of merchantability, or the fit and finish of the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are often covered by insurance policies, too. While some individuals may assert that the issue is obvious or clear however, courts usually require expert testimony from an expert surveyor or other qualified professional to determine whether the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or resulted from an unnoticed condition.

Some defects are discovered after a boat is sold. These are generally deemed manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is responsible for them. Some are discovered after the boat is operated and owned and may be the owner's fault. One 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

In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes such as boating, water sports and similar recreation activities are common for residents. As with all recreational activities there are risks and responsibilities to be considered.

If boating accidents happen, injured individuals may be able to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim for compensation to cover their losses. Damages may include medical costs, loss of income, property losses along with 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 collision case can be difficult to deal with, especially since their main goal is to pay 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 accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will go over all evidence available including police reports as well as medical records. They will also review witness testimony. Then, they'll engage in discussions with the party at fault and their insurance company in order to reach an acceptable settlement. If they are unable to agree on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for boat accident attorneys trial. We are experienced in providing evidence to support your claim and securing the maximum amount of money.