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 expenses can include medical bills, physical therapy, and loss of income due to an inability to work.

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

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can cause serious injuries but many are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are common causes of boat accidents, along with other careless choices such as driving under the influence, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. Injuries may range from lacerations and bruises to permanent paralysis caused by neck or spinal cord injuries.

Victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for medical bills as well as the loss of earnings or work while recovering from their injuries. They may also be able to recover the costs of long-term medical care if their injuries are permanent. Unfortunately it is difficult to estimate the value of an injury claim is not an easy task, and insurance companies frequently try to settle for less than victims have a right to. An experienced lawyer can help in negotiating the best settlement that is feasible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected. This includes the collection of important documents such as police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance documents, chemical tests and photographs of the site of the accident as well as the property damage. Other vital information can be gathered from medical records that include detailed reports of the injuries suffered along with the costs incurred as well as estimates of future costs. The lawyer may then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person responsible for the accident or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are frequently exposed to hazardous conditions in the course of their job. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment and equipment, they also are at risk of being involved in boat accidents caused by negligence or reckless conduct of other parties on board the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, cost of living during recuperation along with pain and suffering and other financial benefits.

Often, seamen who are injured while on a supply ship tugboat, dredger or tugboat barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing boat require more than workers' compensation in order to cover their loss. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can identify other third-party claims that a seaman may be able to claim compensation, for instance, allegations of unreliability and the employer's inability to maintain the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence regarding your claim, including medical records and insurance policy information and police reports, among others. They will then negotiate a settlement with the defendant's attorney and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair and reasonable settlement cannot be reached then they will prepare for trial so that they can make a convincing argument in the court on your behalf.

Product Defects

While most boat accidents occur because of reckless or negligent behaviour on the part of the boat owner However, there are a number of instances when a crash actually caused by faulty equipment. In such cases, the victims can seek compensation from company that made the defective product through a lawsuit. In these cases, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

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

Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies, too. While some individuals may assert that a problem is evident or obvious however, courts usually require expert testimony from an expert surveyor or other expert to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or damage resulted from an unnoticed 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. Other defects are discovered after the vessel is in operation and could be the responsibility of the owner. An example is the case of a boat owner who forgets to drain water from the engine, and that water freezes in 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 recreational activities are commonplace among residents. Like all recreational activities there are risks and responsibilities associated with it.

Injured persons can file a personal injury claim or wrongful-death suit to recover damages. Damages include medical expenses, loss of income, property losses along with pain and boat accident lawyer suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other costs. In cases of gross negligence, victims could also seek punitive damages.

Insurance companies can be difficult to work with in a case involving boats especially when their primary goal is to pay the lowest amount they can. Set the bar higher by hiring an NYC lawyer for boating injuries who will work with insurers to ensure that all parties are accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will look over all evidence that is available, including police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. They will then enter into discussions with both the at-fault person and their insurance company in order to reach an equitable settlement. If they can't agree on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for trial. We are experts in presenting evidence to support your claim and securing the maximum financial award.