Boat Accident Attorneys

If you were injured in a boating accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. This could include physical therapy, medical bills, and loss of income because of your inability to work.

Some victims may also qualify for punitive damages in the event that the defendant's conduct was inexplicably reckless. These kinds of awards are intended to penalize the defendant and deter similar actions in the future.

Personal Injury

Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries, however many are preventable. Boat accidents are often caused by inexperienced and untrained boaters, and other reckless decisions like driving under the effects of alcohol, carrying many passengers, and reckless behavior. The severity of the injuries vary from minor bruises to paralysis due to brain or spinal cord injuries.

Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for medical bills as well as the loss of work or income while recovering from their injuries. If their injuries are severe they may also recover expenses for long-term care. Insurance companies frequently try to settle for less money than the victims are entitled to when estimating a claim's value. An experienced attorney can help in negotiating the best settlement that is possible.

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

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers working on workboats as well as other vessels, such as supply ships, are exposed to hazardous conditions throughout their work. They are at risk of getting 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.

Seamen are entitled to certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that protect them from negligence by employers. If they suffer injuries due to these incidents, they are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). The damages could include medical expenses and lost income, as well as the cost of living while recovering from injuries, pain and suffering and other monetary benefits.

A lot of times, injured seamen on supply vessels such as tugboats or dredgers barges, oil tanks, cruise boats, or sightseeing vessels require more than workers' compensation in order to pay for their losses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims for which a seaman might be entitled to compensation, such as allegations of insecurities and the failure of the employer to maintain the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence related to your claim, such as medical records as well as insurance policy information, boat accident attorneys police reports and more. They will then engage in settlement discussions with the lawyer of the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If there is no fair settlement agreed upon, they will create an effective case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents are caused by defective equipment. However, the majority of boat accident law firms accidents result from the negligent or reckless actions of the boat's operator. In those instances, victims are able to seek compensation from the manufacturer of the defective product through a lawsuit. In these instances, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist.

Defective equipment and boats can be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. A warranty claim can be the result of a breach implied or express warranties that are created by law, like the New Jersey used car lemon laws as well as the warranties of the merchantability and fit and finishing under the Uniform Commercial Code.

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

Some defects are discovered after a boat has been sold. These defects are usually considered manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is responsible for these. Other defects are discovered after the boat is operated and owned and may be the fault of the owner. One example is when the owner doesn't empty the engine of water and the water then freezes and causes damage to the motor during the winter.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state with easy access to Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. Like any other recreational activity there are risks and liabilities to be considered.

Injured persons are able to file a personal injury claim or wrongful-death suit to seek compensation. Damages can include medical expenses, loss of income, property losses, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other expenses. Victims can also demand punitive damages in the event of reckless or gross negligence behavior by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies involved in a boating accident case aren't easy to deal with, particularly since their main goal is to settle the case as little as possible. Make sure you are level playing field by hiring an NYC lawyer for injuries sustained in boating who will collaborate with insurers to ensure all parties involved 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 look into witnesses' testimony. They will then engage in discussions with the party at fault and their insurance company to obtain a fair settlement. If they are unable reach an agreement Our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are experts in presenting evidence to support your claim and securing the maximum amount of financial compensation.