Boat Accident Attorneys

If you were injured in an accident with a boat which was not your fault, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. This could include medical bills, physical therapy and income loss due to inability to work.

Some victims might also be eligible for punitive damages in the event that the defendant's behavior was egregious or reckless. These awards are intended to punish the defendant for their actions and to prevent future incidents.

Personal Injury

Although boating accidents can cause serious injuries, a majority of them can be avoided. Boat accidents are often caused by inexperienced and untrained boaters, as well as other reckless choices such as driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many people, and reckless behavior. The injuries can range from minor bruises to paralysis resulting from brain or spinal cord injuries.

The victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for medical bills and loss of income or employment during their recovery from injuries. If their injuries are severe they may also be able to recover costs for long-term care. Unfortunately the process of estimating the value of an injury claim is not an easy task. Insurance companies often try to settle for less than victims deserve. An experienced lawyer can help ensure that you receive the highest settlement that is feasible.

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

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers working on workboats as well as other vessels, like supply ships, are subject 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 boat accidents that result from the negligence or reckless behavior by other crew members on the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. If they sustain injuries as a result of these incidents, they are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages could include medical expenses loss of income, cost of living while recovering as well as pain and suffering and other financial benefits.

Many times, injured seamen on supply vessels such as tugboats or dredgers barges, oil tanks, cruise or sightseeing vessels need more than workers' compensation in order to cover their losses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer will be able to identify any other third-party claims for which a seaman may be able to claim compensation, such as allegations of unreliability and the employer's inability to maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence that pertain to your claim, including medical records as well as insurance policy information and police reports, among others. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney of the defendant and insurance company in your name. If a fair and reasonable settlement cannot be reached then they will prepare for trial in order to make a convincing argument in court on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats result from defective equipment. While the majority of boat accidents are caused by the negligent or reckless actions of the boat accident lawyers's owner. In such cases, the victims can seek compensation from company that manufactured the defective product through a lawsuit. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these cases.

Defective equipment and boats may be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. Warranty claims can be based on a breach of implied or express warranties created by law, like the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles or the warranties of merchantability, or the guarantee of fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are often covered by insurance policies, too. While some individuals may assert that the issue is obvious or clear however, courts usually require expert testimony by a surveyor or another qualified professional to determine whether the mechanical breakdown or damage was caused due to an unnoticed condition.

Certain defects are discovered after a boat has been sold. These are usually 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. An example of this is when a boat owner fails to empty water out of the engine, and the water freezes in the 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 most recreational activities, they are accompanied by certain risks and liabilities that could impact the lives of participants.

Injured persons can file a personal injuries claim or wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation. Medical expenses loss of income, property damage, and pain and suffering are all damages. Victims can also seek punitive damages in cases 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 main objective is to pay you as little as possible. Find an NYC lawyer for a boating accident who will work closely with insurance companies to hold them accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will scrutinize all evidence available, including police reports and medical records. They will also investigate witnesses' testimony. They will then engage in discussions with both the at-fault person and their insurance company in order to negotiate an acceptable settlement. If they fail to reach an agreement the attorneys of our firm will prepare for trial. We are proficient in presenting evidence in support of your claim and obtaining the highest amount of money.