boat accident lawyers Accident Attorneys

If you were injured in an accident while on a boat that was not your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These expenses can include physical therapy, medical bills and income loss due to inability to work.

Some victims can be awarded punitive damages when the conduct of the defendant was reckless and indecent. These awards are intended to penalize the defendant for their actions and to discourage future offenses.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can result in serious injuries, many of them can be avoided. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the main cause of boat accidents along with other careless choices such as driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The injuries could vary from lacerations and bruising to permanent paralysis from injuries to the head or spinal cord.

Victims of injuries sustained in a boating accident can be compensated for medical expenses and loss of income or work as they recover. If their injuries last for a long time they may also be able to recover expenses for long-term care. Unfortunately, estimating the value of a personal 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 fight for the maximum settlement that is possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the incident to ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes obtaining important documents, including police reports and witness statements along with logs of vessel maintenance chemical tests, and photographs of the accident scene and the property damage. Other important information can be gathered from medical records, which include detailed accounts of the injuries sustained, the expenses incurred, as well as estimated future costs. The lawyer will then negotiate a fair settlement with the person responsible for the accident or the insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are typically exposed to hazardous conditions during the course of their work. They are at risk of getting injured not only by cargo or equipment falling but also from boat accidents caused by the negligence or recklessness of others on the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. When they suffer injuries from such incidents, they're entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages could include medical expenses, lost income, cost of living while recovering from injuries, pain and suffering and other benefits monetary.

In many cases, injured seamen on a supply vessel, tugboats, Boat Accident dredgers, oil tanks, barges, cruise or sightseeing boats need more than workers' compensation in order to pay for their losses. A New York boat accident attorney will be able to identify third-party claims an individual seaman may be eligible for claims, for instance, allegations of unseaworthiness or the employer's failure maintain the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence regarding your claim, including medical records and insurance policy details as well as police reports and other. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the lawyer of the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If an acceptable settlement cannot be reached, they will prepare a strong case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

Although the majority of boat accidents happen due to negligent or reckless behavior of the boat owner However, there are many cases where a crash is actually caused by defective equipment. In these cases, victims can sue the company that made the defective product to claim compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these instances.

Defective equipment and boats can be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. A warranty claim may 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 merchantability and fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies as well. While some individuals may assert that a problem is evident or obvious however, courts usually require expert testimony by a surveyor or another qualified professional to determine whether the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or was caused due to an unnoticed problem.

Some defects are discovered after a boat is sold. These are typically considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Some are discovered after the boat has been owned and operated and could be the owner's fault. One example is when a boat owner does not emptying of the water from the engine and the water freezes and affects the motor in winter.

Insurance

In a state like New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes such as boating, water sports and similar recreational activities are commonplace for residents. Like all recreational activities there are risks and liabilities that are involved.

Injured individuals may file a personal injury claim or Boat accident wrongful-death suit to recover damages. Damages include medical expenses, loss of income, property loss in addition to pain and suffering diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement, and other expenses. Victims may also seek punitive damages when they are the result of gross negligence or reckless actions by the responsible party.

Insurance companies involved in a boating accident case aren't easy to deal with, especially when their primary goal is to settle the case the least amount they can. Set the bar higher by hiring a NYC attorney for boating injuries who will collaborate with insurers to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will go over all evidence available such as police reports and medical records. They will also investigate witnesses' testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the responsible person and their insurance company in order to reach a fair settlement. If they cannot agree on an agreement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are experts in the presentation of evidence in support of your claim and securing the maximum financial award.