Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of a boating accident that wasn't your fault, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. This could include physical therapy, medical bills and lost income due to the inability to work.

Certain victims could also be eligible for punitive damages when the defendant's actions were egregious or reckless. These kinds of awards are crafted to punish the defendant and deter similar misconduct in the future.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents may cause serious injuries, a lot of them can be avoided. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are a common cause of boat accident law firms accidents along with other reckless choices, such as operating under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. Injuries can range from bruising and lacerations to permanent paralysis from head injuries or a spinal cord injury.

Victims who suffer injuries by a boating accident could receive compensation for their medical bills and lost income or work as they recuperate. They can also claim the expenses of long-term care if their injuries are permanent. Unfortunately it is difficult to estimate the value of an injury claim isn't an easy task. Insurance firms often attempt to accept less than the victims have a right to. An experienced lawyer can to get the highest settlement possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to ensure all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes gathering important documents like witness statements and police reports and logs of maintenance on the vessel as well as chemical tests and photos of the scene of the accident as well as property damage. Other essential information may be gathered from medical records that include detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained along with the costs incurred as well as estimates of future costs. The lawyer can then negotiate with the at-fault party or the insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats and other vessels, including supply ships, are exposed to hazardous conditions during their work. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo and equipment, they also are at risk for boat accidents caused by negligence or reckless behavior of other parties on board the vessel.

Seamen have certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that protect them from negligence by employers. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages can include medical expenses and lost income, as well as the cost of living during recovery, pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money.

Often, seamen who are injured on a supply ship tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing vessel require more than workers' compensation to compensate their expenses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer will be able to identify any other third-party claims that a seaman could be eligible for compensation, for instance, allegations of unreliability and the employer's inability to maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will gather important documents and evidence that relate to your claim. This includes medical records, information regarding insurance policies, police reports, and much more. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the lawyer for the defendant 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 argue a convincing case in the court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

While most boat accidents occur due to reckless or negligent actions of the boat operator, there are also many instances when a crash actually caused by defective equipment. In these instances, victims can seek compensation from the company that made the defective product through a lawsuit. In these situations, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist.

Defective equipment and boats may be covered by claims that are based on negligence, firms strict liability or warranty law. A warranty claim may be caused by a breach of express or implied warranties created by law, such as the New Jersey used car lemon laws as well as the warranties of fit and finish and merchantability under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are often covered by insurance policies too. While some individuals may assert that a problem is evident or obvious, courts often require expert testimony from an expert surveyor or other certified professional to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or damage was caused by a hidden condition.

A few defects are discovered when a boat is sold. These are usually considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Some are discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and may be the fault of the owner. An example is when a boater forgets to drain the water from the engine, and that water freezes during winter, causing damage to the motor.

Insurance

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

When boating accidents happen, injured individuals may be able to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim to pay for their damages. Medical expenses and lost income, as well as property losses and suffering and pain are all considered damages. In the event of gross negligence, victims may also seek punitive damage.

Insurance companies involved in a boating accident case aren't easy to deal with, particularly when their main goal is to compensate you as little as they can. Make sure you are level playing field by hiring a NYC attorney for boating injuries who will collaborate with insurers to ensure that all parties are accountable for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will look over all evidence available including police reports as well as medical records. They will also review witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the responsible person and their insurance company in order to negotiate a fair settlement. If they are unable reach a settlement the attorneys of our firm will prepare for trial. We are proficient in the presentation of evidence to support your claim and winning the highest amount of money.