Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of an accident on the water and it wasn't your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial payout. These costs could include physical therapy, medical bills and income loss due to an inability to work.

Some victims may also qualify for punitive damages if the defendant's actions were egregious or reckless. These awards are intended to penalize the defendant for their blunders and also to deter further incidents.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can cause serious injuries but many are preventable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are the main cause of boat accidents along with other reckless choices like operating under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, or reckless behavior. Injuries can vary from lacerations and bruising to permanent paralysis caused by injuries to the head or spinal cord.

Victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for their medical expenses and loss of income or work while recovering from their injuries. They may also be able to recover the costs of long-term care when their injuries are permanent. Unfortunately, estimating the value of an injury claim is not an easy task. Insurance companies frequently try to offer less than what victims have a right to. An experienced lawyer can help to get the highest settlement that is feasible.

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 gathering important documents, such as police reports and witness statements along with logs of vessel maintenance chemical tests, photographs of the scene of the accident and property damage. Medical records can also provide vital information, like detailed reports on the injuries, expenses, and any future costs. The lawyer will then negotiate with the at-fault party or the insurance company for an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on supply ships, workboats and boat accidents other vessels are frequently exposed to hazardous conditions in the course of their work. They are at risk of being injured not only by cargo or equipment falling, but also by boat accidents caused by the negligence or carelessness of other people on the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. They are entitled 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 the recovery process in the event of pain and suffering and other financial benefits.

In many cases, injured seamen on supply vessels tugboats, dredgers, barges, oil tanks cruise boats, or sightseeing vessels require more than workers' compensation in order to compensate for their expenses. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third-party claims that seamen may be entitled to like claims of unreliability or the employer's inability to keep an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will gather important documents and evidence related to your claim. These include medical records, information regarding insurance policies, police reports, and more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney of the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, they will prepare for trial and present a strong case in court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

While most boat accidents occur due to reckless or negligent behavior on the part of the boat owner There are also cases where a crash is actually caused by defective equipment. In these cases, victims could sue the firm responsible for the product to seek compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these instances.

Defective boats and equipment may be covered under strict liability, negligence, or warranty law. Warranty claims can be based on a breach of implied or express warranties that are created by law, such as 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, too. Although some consumers might claim that the issue is obvious or clear however, courts usually require expert testimony by a surveyor or another qualified professional to determine if the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or resulted from an unnoticed problem.

Certain defects are discovered after the boat is sold. These are typically considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Others are discovered after a boat has been operated and owned and could be the responsibility of the owner. One instance is when the owner forgets the emptying of the engine's water and 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 and waterways, boating 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.

Individuals who have been injured can file a personal injury claim or wrongful death suit to seek compensation. Medical expenses and lost income, as well as property loss, and suffering and pain are all considered damages. Victims may also seek punitive damages when they are the result of gross negligence or reckless behaviour by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies involved in a boating injury case are often difficult to deal with, especially since their primary goal is to pay you as little as is possible. Employ a NYC lawyer who will work closely with insurers to hold them accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will thoroughly examine all evidence available such as police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the at fault person and their insurance company to reach an acceptable settlement. If they can't agree on an agreement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are proficient in presenting evidence in support of your claim and obtaining the highest amount of money.