Boat Accident Attorneys

If you were injured by an accident while on a boat and it wasn't your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial payout. These costs could include physical therapy, medical bills and loss of income due to the inability to work.

Some victims may also be awarded punitive damages, in the event that the defendant's behavior was reckless and indecent. These types of awards are crafted to punish the offender and deter similar misconduct in the future.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, however many are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are a common cause of boat accidents, as are other naive choices like operating under the influence, bringing too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The severity of the injuries vary from minor bruises to paralysis caused by the brain or spinal cord.

Victims who suffer injuries in a boating accident may receive compensation for their medical expenses and lost income or work while they recuperate. If their injuries are permanent they can also claim expenses for long-term care. Unfortunately the process of estimating the value of an injury claim isn't an easy task, and insurance companies often try to accept less than the victims need to receive. An experienced attorney will help you to fight for the highest amount of compensation possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to ensure all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes obtaining important documents like police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance logs chemical tests, photographs of the scene of the accident and property damage. Other essential information may be gathered from medical records including detailed reports of the injuries suffered, expenses incurred, and estimates of future costs. Lawyers can bargain with the party at fault or the insurance company for a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are frequently exposed to hazardous conditions in the course of working. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment as well as falling equipment, they are also at risk of boat accidents that result from the negligence or reckless behavior by other crew members on the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. If they sustain injuries as a result of these incidents, they are entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages could include medical expenses and lost income, as well as the cost of living during recovery as well as pain and suffering and other benefits monetary.

A lot of times, injured seamen on supply vessels, tugboats, dredgers, barges, oil tanks cruise boats, or sightseeing vessels require more than workers' compensation to pay for their losses. A New York boat accident attorney can help identify third-party claims a seaman may be entitled to claims, for instance, allegations of unreliability or the employer's failure maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence regarding your claim, like medical records, insurance policy information or police reports, among others. They will then negotiate a settlement with the defendant's attorney and insurance company in your name. If a fair and reasonable settlement cannot be reached then they will prepare for trial so that they can argue your case in the court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats are caused by defective equipment. While the majority of boat accidents result from the reckless or negligent actions of the boat operator. In those instances, victims can seek compensation from the manufacturer of the defective product through a lawsuit. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these instances.

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

Insurance policies can cover nebulous defects as well. While some consumers may suggest that an issue is evident or obvious, courts often require an expert witness from a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine whether an engine failure or other damage was caused by a concealed condition.

A few defects are discovered when the boat is sold. These are typically regarded as manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is accountable for these. Others are discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and may be the responsibility of the owner. An example of this is the case of a boat owner who forgets to empty water out of the engine, and that water freezes in winter months and causes damage to the motor.

Insurance

In a state like New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes, boating and similar water recreational activities are commonplace among residents. Like all recreational activities there are risks and responsibilities associated with it.

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

Insurance companies aren't easy to work with in a case involving boats especially when their primary goal is to compensate the lowest amount they can. Set the bar higher by hiring a NYC boating injury attorney who will collaborate with insurers to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will look over all evidence available, including police reports and medical records. They will also review witness testimony. Then they will engage in discussions with the party at fault and their insurance company to secure a fair settlement. If they cannot agree on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for trial. We are skilled at presenting evidence in support of your claim and securing highest amount of financial compensation.