Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries in an accident on the water which was not your fault, boat accident attorneys you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These expenses can include medical bills, physical therapy as well as loss of income due to the inability to work.

Certain victims could also be eligible for punitive damages if defendant's behavior was egregious or reckless. These types of awards are intended to penalize the defendant and discourage similar behavior in the future.

Personal Injury

Although boating accidents can result in serious injuries, a lot of them can be avoided. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are a common cause of boat accidents along with other careless choices such as driving under the influence, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. Injuries can be anything from bruising and cuts to permanent paralysis caused by injuries to the head or spinal cord.

Victims of boating accidents are entitled to compensation for medical bills and loss of earnings or work while they recover from injuries. If their injuries are permanent they can also claim costs for long-term care. Insurance companies typically try to settle for less than the victims have earned when estimating a claim's value. A skilled attorney can assist you in negotiating the highest possible settlement.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the incident in order to gather all evidence relevant. This includes gathering important documents, like police reports and witness statements and logs of maintenance on the vessel chemical tests, and photographs of the scene of the accident as well as property damage. Medical records can provide other crucial information, for example, detailed reports on the injuries, expenses, and any future costs. The lawyer will then bargain with the party at fault or the insurance company to negotiate an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats and other vessels, such as supply ships, are exposed to dangerous conditions during their employment. They are at risk of getting injured not just by cargo or equipment falling, but also by boat accidents caused by the negligence or carelessness of other people aboard the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages can include medical expenses, lost income, cost of living during recovery, pain and suffering and other financial benefits.

Often, seamen who are injured on a supply vessel such as tugboats or dredgers oil tanks, barges, cruise or sightseeing boats require more than workers' compensation to compensate for their losses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawsuit accident lawyer can identify other third-party claims that a seamen may be able to claim compensation, boat accident attorneys for instance, allegations of unreliability and the employer's inability to maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will gather important documents and evidence in connection with your claim. This includes medical records, information about insurance policies, police reports and many more. They will then enter into settlement discussions with the lawyer of the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If a fair agreement cannot be reached then they will prepare for trial and present a strong case in court on your behalf.

Product Defects

While most boat accidents occur due to negligent or reckless behavior on the part of the boat's owner However, there are a number of instances where a crash is actually caused by defective equipment. In these instances, victims can seek compensation from the manufacturer of the defective product in a lawsuit. In these cases, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

Defective equipment and boats can be covered under strict liability, negligence, or warranty law. Warranty claims can be caused by a breach of implied or express warranties imposed by law, such as the New Jersey used car lemon laws or the warranties of fit and finish and merchantability under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies typically cover hidden defects as well. Although some consumers might claim that a problem is evident or obvious, courts often require expert testimony by an engineer or other qualified professional to determine whether the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or was caused due to an unnoticed issue.

Certain defects are discovered after a boat is sold. These are usually considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Others are discovered after a boat has been operated and owned and could be the responsibility of the owner. One example is when the owner doesn't empty the engine of water and the water gets frozen and causes damage to the motor during the winter.

Insurance

In a state like New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes such as boating, water sports and similar recreation activities are common among residents. But, as with all recreational activities, they carry certain risks and liabilities that can affect the lives of the participants.

When boating accidents occur and people are injured, they can pursue a personal injury wrongful-death claim for compensation to pay for their damages. Damages may include medical costs, loss of income, property loss along with pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other expenses. In cases of gross negligence, victims may also pursue punitive damages.

Insurance companies can be difficult to work with in a case involving boats especially when their primary goal is to compensate as little as they can. Level the playing field by hiring a NYC attorney for boating injuries who will work with insurers to ensure all parties involved are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will go over all evidence available such as police reports and medical records. They will also look into witnesses' testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the responsible person and their insurance company in order to negotiate an acceptable settlement. If they fail to come to an agreement then our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are experienced in the presentation of evidence to support your claim and obtaining the maximum financial award.