Boat Accident Attorneys

If you were injured in an accident while on a boat accident attorney which was not your fault, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. These expenses can include physical therapy, medical bills and income loss due to 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 conduct and to discourage future offenses.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, but a majority are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are a common cause of boat accidents along with other reckless choices, such as driving under the influence, transporting too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The severity of the injuries vary from minor bruises to paralysis caused by the brain or spinal cord.

Victims injured by a boating accident could receive compensation for their medical expenses and loss of income or work while they recover. If their injuries are severe, they can also recover expenses for long-term care. Insurance companies frequently try to offer less money than the victims deserve when estimating a claim's value. A knowledgeable attorney can to get the highest settlement that is feasible.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to collect all relevant evidence. This includes obtaining important documents, including witness statements and police reports, vessel maintenance logs as well as chemical tests and photos of the accident scene and property damage. Other important information can be gathered from medical records that include detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained as well as the expenses incurred and estimated future costs. Lawyers can negotiate with the at-fault party and/or the insurance company for a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats and other vessels, such as supply ships, are subject to hazardous conditions during their work. They are at risk of being injured not just from cargo or equipment falling, but also by boat accidents caused by the negligence or recklessness of others on board the vessel.

Seamen have specific rights 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. These damages can include medical expenses, lost income, cost of living during recovery as well as 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 need more than just workers' compensation to cover their loss. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third-party claims that a seaman could be eligible to recover compensation, including claims of unseaworthiness and the failure of the employer to maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your attorney will collect crucial documents and evidence pertaining to your claim, like medical records and insurance policy information, police reports and more. They will then engage in settlement negotiations with the lawyer of the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair and reasonable settlement cannot be reached then they will prepare for trial and argue your case in the court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents are caused by defective equipment. The majority of accidents on boats result from the reckless or negligent behavior of the boat operator. In those cases, victims may seek compensation from the company that made the defective product by filing a lawsuit. In these instances, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist.

Defective equipment and boats may be covered by claims based on negligence, strict liability or warranty law. A warranty claim could be based on a breach of implied or express warranties imposed by law, like the New Jersey used car lemon laws, or the warranties of merchantability and fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are often covered by insurance policies as well. While some consumers may suggest that an issue is evident or obvious, lawsuit courts typically require an expert witness from a surveyor, or any other qualified professional to determine whether a mechanical breakdown or other damage was caused by a concealed condition.

Some defects are found after a boat is sold. These defects are typically considered manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is responsible for the defects. Some are discovered after the boat has been owned and operated and could be the fault of the owner. An example of this is when a boater forgets to empty water out of the engine, and that water freezes in the winter months and causes damage to the motor.

Insurance

In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes and waterways, boating and other water recreation activities are common among residents. However, as with most recreational activities, they are accompanied by certain risks and liabilities that can impact the lives of participants.

Injured people may file a personal injury claim or wrongful death suit to seek compensation. Medical expenses, lost income, property losses, as well as pain and suffering are all considered damages. Victims may also demand punitive damages in the event of gross negligence or reckless behavior by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies involved in a maritime accident case can be difficult to work with, particularly when their primary goal is to settle the case as little as possible. Choose a NYC lawyer for a boating accident who will work closely with insurers to hold all parties responsible for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will examine all evidence available that is available, including police reports medical records and witness testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the at fault person and their insurance company to reach a fair settlement. If they are unable to reach an agreement Our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are skilled at the presentation of evidence to support your claim and obtaining the highest amount of money.