Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries in a boating accident that was not your fault, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. These expenses can include medical bills, physical therapy and income loss because of your inability to work.

Some victims may also be awarded punitive damages when the conduct of the defendant was egregious and reckless. These kinds of awards are designed to punish the offender and discourage similar behavior in the future.

Personal Injury

Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries, but a majority are preventable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are common causes of boat accidents along with other naive choices like driving under the influence, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The severity of injuries ranges from minor bruises to paralysis resulting from spinal cord or brain injury.

The victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for medical expenses and loss of income or employment while recovering from their injuries. If their injuries are severe they can also claim expenses for long-term care. Insurance companies often try and settle for less money than the victims deserve when estimating a claim's value. A knowledgeable attorney can help you fight for the highest amount of compensation possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected. This includes the collection of important documents such as police reports as well as witness statements, vessel maintenance records, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of the accident and property damage. Medical records can also provide vital information, like detailed reports of the injuries, expenses and future costs. Lawyers can bargain with the party at fault or the insurance company for a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats as well as other vessels, including supply ships, are exposed to hazardous conditions throughout their work. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo in the course of their work, they are also at risk of being involved in boat accidents caused by negligence or reckless conduct of other people onboard the vessel.

Seamen have certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws designed to protect them from the negligence of employers. If they sustain injuries as a result of these kinds of incidents, they are entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages could include medical expenses as well as lost wages, the cost of living during the recovery process as well as pain and boat accident suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money.

Often, seamen who are injured on supply vessels such as tugboats or dredgers oil tanks, barges cruise or sightseeing vessels need more than workers' compensation to cover their expenses. A New York boat accident attorney will be able to identify third-party claims a seaman may be entitled to like claims of unreliability or the employer's failure maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your attorney will collect important documents and evidence in connection with your claim. These include medical records, information on insurance policies, police reports and many more. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the lawyer for the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If an acceptable settlement cannot be reached, they will draft a strong case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents are caused by defective equipment. Most boat accidents are caused by the reckless or negligent actions of the boat's operator. In these instances, the victims may sue the company who made the defective product to seek compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these instances.

Defective equipment and boats could be covered by claims that are based on negligence, strict liability or warranty law. A warranty claim may be based on a violation of implied or express warranties made by law, like the New Jersey lemon laws for automobiles used for sale or the warranties of merchantability, or fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are often covered by insurance policies, too. While some people may argue that a problem is obvious or clear but courts typically require expert testimony by an expert surveyor or other certified professional to determine if the mechanical breakdown or damage resulted from an unnoticed issue.

There are some defects that are discovered after the boat accident law firms is sold. These are usually considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Some are discovered after the boat accident lawyers has been owned and operated and may be the owner's fault. One example is when the owner doesn't emptying of the engine's water and boat accident the water freezes and damages the motor in the 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 associated with it.

When boating accidents happen victims may make a personal injury claim or wrongful-death claim for compensation to cover their losses. Medical expenses as well as lost income, property losses and pain and suffering are all damages. Victims may also seek punitive damages when they are the result of reckless or gross negligence behaviour by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies can be difficult to negotiate with in a case involving a boat especially when their primary objective is to pay the lowest amount they can. Set the bar higher by hiring a NYC boating injury attorney who will work with insurers to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will review all evidence available such as police reports and medical records. They will also look into witnesses' testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the responsible person and their insurance company to negotiate an equitable settlement. If they are unable to agree on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for trial. We are adept at providing evidence to support your claim and obtaining the maximum financial award.