Boat Accident Attorneys

If you were injured in an accident on the water that was not your fault, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. These costs could include medical bills, physical therapy and loss of income because of your inability to work.

Some victims may also be awarded punitive damages, in cases where the conduct of the defendant was reckless and egregious. These types of awards are crafted to punish the offender and deter similar actions in the future.

Personal Injury

Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries, however many are avoidable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are the main cause of boat-related accidents as well as other careless choices such as operating under the influence, carrying too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The injuries can range from minor bruises to paralysis resulting from brain or spinal cord injuries.

Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for their medical bills and loss of earnings or work as they recover from their injuries. They can also claim the costs of long-term medical care in the event that their injuries are irreparable. Insurance companies frequently try to settle for less money than the victims are entitled to when estimating a claim's value. A skilled attorney can help you to fight for the highest settlement possible.

A New York City boat accident lawsuit accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes collecting important documents, like witness statements and police reports as well as logs of maintenance for the vessel as well as chemical tests and photos of the scene of an accident and property damage. Medical records can also provide important information, including detailed reports of the injuries, expenses and the future costs. Lawyers can negotiate a fair settlement with the person responsible for the accident or the insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are often exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of their employment. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment as well as falling equipment, they are also at risk of accidents that result from the negligence or reckless conduct by other crew members on the vessel.

Seamen have rights that are specific to them under the Jones Act and other federal laws that are designed to protect them from employer negligence. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The damages could include medical expenses and Boat Accident Lawyer lost income, as well as the cost of living during recovery the injury, pain and suffering, and other benefits monetary.

Often, seamen who are injured on a supply vessel tugboats, dredgers and tugboats oil tanks, barges, cruise or sightseeing boats require more than workers' compensation to pay for their losses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third-party claims for which a seaman could be eligible for compensation, for instance, allegations of insecurities and the employer's failure to keep a safe vessel.

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence related to your claim. This includes medical records, information regarding insurance policies, police reports and more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney for the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement cannot be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial in order to make a convincing argument in court on your behalf.

Product Defects

While the majority of boat crashes occur because of reckless or negligent behavior of the boat operator, there are also many instances when a crash actually the result of faulty equipment. In these instances, victims can seek compensation from the company that produced the defective product by filing a lawsuit. In these instances, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

Boats and boat accident lawyer defective equipment can be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. A warranty claim can be caused by a breach of implied or express warranties that are created by law, such as the New Jersey used car lemon laws or the warranties of quality and fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies usually cover latent defects too. While some people may argue that the issue is obvious or clear however, courts usually require expert testimony by an expert surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if the mechanical breakdown or damage was caused due to an unnoticed issue.

Some defects are found after a boat is sold. These are usually considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Some are discovered after the boat is owned and operated and may be the fault of the owner. A good example is when a boat owner forgets to drain the water from the engine, and the water freezes in winter, causing damage to the motor.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. However, like most recreation activities, they come with certain risks and liabilities that could affect the lives of the participants.

When boating accidents occur victims may file a personal injury or wrongful death claim for compensation to pay for their damages. Damages may include medical costs, 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 behaviour by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies involved in a boating accident case are often difficult to deal with, particularly when their primary goal is to compensate you the least amount they can. Set the bar higher by hiring a NYC boating injury attorney who will work with insurance companies to ensure all parties involved are held accountable for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will go through all evidence available including police reports, medical records and witness testimony. Then they will engage in negotiations with the at-fault party and their insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement. If they fail to reach a settlement then our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are experienced in presenting evidence in support of your claim and securing the maximum financial award.