Boat Accident Attorneys

If you were injured by an accident on the water and it wasn't your fault, you may be entitled a substantial compensation. These expenses can include physical therapy, medical bills and loss of income due to inability to work.

Some victims may also qualify for punitive damages if defendant's conduct was shocking or reckless. These types of awards are intended to punish the defendant and discourage similar conduct in the future.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can cause serious injuries, the majority of them can be avoided. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are a common cause of boat accidents, as are other naive choices like operating under the influence, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The severity of injuries can vary from lacerations and bruising to permanent paralysis resulting from injuries to the head or spinal cord.

Victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for their medical bills as well as the loss of earnings or work while they recover from injuries. They can also recover the expenses of long-term care in the event that their injuries are irreparable. Unfortunately, estimating the value of a personal injury claim is not an easy task, and insurance companies frequently try to make a deal that is less than what victims are entitled to. An experienced lawyer can to get the highest settlement that is possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes the gathering of crucial documents like police reports as well as witness statements, vessel maintenance records, chemical tests and photographs of the accident site and property damage. Medical records can provide essential information, such as detailed reports on the injuries, expenses and future costs. The lawyer can then negotiate a fair settlement with the person at fault and/or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are frequently exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of working. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo and equipment, they also are at risk of accidents caused by the negligent or boat accident attorney reckless conduct by other crew members on the vessel.

Seamen have certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws designed to protect them from negligence by employers. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages could include medical expenses loss of wages, cost of living during the recovery process, pain and suffering, and other monetary benefits.

Often, seamen who are injured on supply vessels tugboats, dredgers and tugboats barges, oil tanks, cruise or sightseeing boats need more than workers' compensation to pay for their losses. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third party claims that an individual seaman may be eligible for including claims of unsafeness or the employer's failure maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence regarding your claim, such as medical records and insurance policy information and police reports, among others. They will then negotiate a settlement with the attorney of the defendant and insurance company in your name. If a fair settlement cannot be reached then they will prepare for trial so that they can argue your case in court on your behalf.

Product Defects

While the majority of boat crashes occur because of negligent or reckless actions of the boat operator, there are also many instances where a crash was actually the result of defective equipment. In these cases, victims can sue the company that manufactured the defective product to obtain compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these instances.

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

Insurance policies often cover latent defects as well. Although some people think a problem is clear or obvious, courts typically require an expert witness from a surveyor or another qualified professional to determine if a mechanical breakdown or other damage was caused by a hidden issue.

Some defects are discovered after the boat accident law firm is sold. These are usually considered to be manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Other defects are discovered after the vessel is in operation and may be the responsibility of the owner. An example of this is when a boat owner fails to drain the water out of the engine, and that water freezes during winter and boat Accident attorney damages the motor.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state with easy access to Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. Like any other recreational activity, there are risks and liabilities to be considered.

If boating accidents happen and people are injured, they can make a personal injury claim or wrongful death claim to cover their damages. Damages can include medical expenses, loss of income, property losses along with pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other expenses. Victims may also demand punitive damages in the event of gross negligence or reckless behavior by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies can be difficult to work with in a boating dispute particularly when their main goal is to settle as little as possible. Find an NYC boating accident attorney who will work closely with insurers to hold everyone 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 engage in negotiations with both the at-fault person and their insurance company in order to negotiate an equitable settlement. If they fail to come to an agreement then 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.