Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of an accident while on a boat, and it was not your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These expenses can include medical bills, physical therapy as well as loss of income because of your inability to work.

Certain victims may also be awarded punitive damages in the event that the defendant's behavior was egregious and reckless. These awards are designed to penalize the defendant for their blunders and also to deter further incidents.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can lead to serious injuries, firm many of them can be avoided. Boat accidents are often caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, as well as other reckless actions like driving under the influence of alcohol, carrying too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The injuries can range from minor bruises to paralysis due to spinal cord or brain injury.

Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for their medical bills and loss in income or work as they recover from their injuries. If their injuries last for a long time they may also recover costs for long-term medical care. Unfortunately finding out the value of an injury claim is not an easy task, and insurance companies often settle for less than victims have a right to. A knowledgeable attorney can fight for the maximum settlement possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the incident to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected. This includes gathering important documents, like police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance logs chemical tests, and photographs of the scene of an accident and the property damage. Other crucial information can be gathered from medical records including detailed reports of the injuries suffered, the expenses incurred, as well as estimated future costs. The lawyer may then bargain with the party at fault or the insurance company to negotiate an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are often exposed to hazardous conditions in the course of their employment. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo and equipment, they also are at risk of accidents caused by the negligent or reckless conduct of other people onboard the vessel.

Seamen have rights that are specific to them under the Jones Act and other federal laws that safeguard them from employer negligence. They have the right 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 recuperation, pain and suffering, and other monetary benefits.

A lot of seamen injured on a supply ship tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing vessel require more than workers' compensation to cover their losses. A New York boat accident law firms accident attorney can identify third party claims that the seaman could be eligible for like claims of unseaworthiness or the employer's inability to maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence pertaining to your claim, including medical records and insurance policy details as well as police reports and other. They will then engage in settlement discussions with the lawyer of the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If an acceptable settlement cannot be reached, they will draft an argument that is strong enough to be tried on your behalf.

Product Defects

While the majority of boat crashes occur due to reckless or negligent behavior of the boat operator, there are also many instances where a crash is actually the result of defective equipment. In these cases, victims could sue the firm that made the defective product to claim compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these cases.

Boats and defective equipment can be covered under strict liability, negligence, or warranty law. A warranty claim could be based on a breach of implied or express warranties provided by law, like the New Jersey lemon laws for used cars or the warranties of merchantability or fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies typically cover hidden problems as well. Although some people think a problem is clear or obvious, courtrooms frequently require an expert witness from a surveyor or another expert to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or any other damage resulted from a hidden condition.

There are some defects that are discovered after the boat is sold. These are typically considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. They are often discovered after the boat is operated and owned and could be the owner's fault. One example is when a boat accident law firms owner does not emptying of the engine's water and the water freezes, which damages the motor during winter.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are popular in New York, a state that has easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. However, as with most recreational activities, they are accompanied by certain risks and liabilities that can impact the lives of participants.

When boating accidents happen and people are injured, they can be able to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim for compensation to compensate for their losses. Damages can include medical expenses, loss of income, property loss, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement, and other expenses. In cases of gross negligence, the victims may also seek punitive damage.

Insurance companies can be difficult to negotiate with in a boating case, especially when their main objective is to pay as little as they can. Hire an NYC boating accident attorney who will work closely with insurance companies to hold everyone accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will scrutinize all evidence available, including police reports and medical records. They will also examine witnesses' testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the at fault person and their insurance company to reach an acceptable settlement. If they can't agree on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for trial. We are experienced in the presentation of evidence to support your claim and winning the highest amount of money.