Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of an accident in the boating industry and it wasn't your fault you may be entitled a substantial compensation. This could include medical bills, physical therapies, and lost income due to the inability to work.

Some victims may also qualify for punitive damages if defendant's conduct was inexplicably reckless. These awards are intended to penalize the defendant for their misconduct and to discourage future offenses.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can cause serious injuries, the majority of them can be avoided. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the most common cause of boat accidents along with other reckless choices, such as driving under the influence, carrying too many passengers, and reckless behavior. Injuries can be anything from bruising and cuts to permanent paralysis resulting from head injuries or a spinal cord injury.

Victims who suffer injuries in a boating accident can receive compensation for their medical expenses as well as lost income or job while they recuperate. They can also recover the costs of long-term care for injuries that are permanent. Insurance companies typically try to settle for less than the victims have earned when estimating a claim's value. An experienced lawyer can fight for the maximum settlement possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to ensure all relevant evidence is collected. This includes the collection of crucial documents, such as police reports and witness statements, boat maintenance documents, chemical tests and photographs of the site of the accident as well as the damage to property. Medical records can offer vital information, like detailed reports of the injuries, expenses and the cost of future expenses. The lawyer will 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 often exposed to hazardous conditions in the course of their employment. They are at risk of being injured not just by cargo or equipment falling but also from accidents on boats caused by the negligence or recklessness of other parties on the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages can be a result of medical expenses and lost wages, as well as the cost of living during the recovery process as well as pain and suffering and other monetary benefits.

Most often, seamen injured on a supply ship tugboat, Boat Accident Attorneys dredger or tugboat barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing vessel require more than workers' compensation to cover their expenses. A New York boat accident attorney can help identify third-party claims an individual seaman may be entitled to like claims of unsafeness or the employer's inability to maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence pertaining to your claim, such as medical records and insurance policy information or police reports, among others. They will then negotiate a settlement with the attorney for the defendant and the insurance company you have named. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached then they will prepare for trial in order to argue a convincing case in court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

While most boat accidents occur due to reckless or negligent actions of the boat's owner, there are also many instances where a crash was actually the result of defective equipment. In these instances, the victims may sue the manufacturer responsible for the product to claim compensation. In these situations, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

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

Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies, too. Although some consumers may claim that a problem is obvious or clear however, courts usually require expert testimony from an expert surveyor or other expert to determine if the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or was caused due to a hidden condition.

Some defects are discovered after the boat is sold. These defects are typically considered manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is responsible for the defects. Some are discovered after the boat is operated and owned and may be the owner's fault. A good example is when a boater forgets to drain water from 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 boats and other water recreation activities are common among residents. Like all recreational activities there are risks and responsibilities to be considered.

Injured people may 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 can also seek punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or reckless behavior by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies involved in a boating collision case aren't easy to deal with, particularly since their main goal is to compensate you as little as possible. Bring the game level by hiring an NYC lawyer for injuries sustained in boating who will work with insurers to ensure that all parties are accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will go over all evidence available including police reports and medical records. They will also examine witness testimony. Then they will engage in negotiations with the person at fault and their insurance company in order to reach an acceptable settlement. If they are unable agree on a settlement Our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are experienced in the presentation of evidence to support your claim and winning the highest amount of money.