Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured in an accident while on a boat that was not your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These expenses could include physical therapy, medical bills as well as loss of income due to the inability to work.

Some victims might also be eligible for punitive damages in the event that the defendant's conduct was shocking or reckless. These awards are intended to punish the defendant for their conduct and also to deter further incidents.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can lead to serious injuries, a lot of them can be avoided. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are a common cause of boat accidents, as are other naive choices like operating under the influence, carrying too many passengers, or reckless behavior. Injuries may vary from lacerations and bruising to permanent paralysis resulting from injuries to the head or spinal cord.

Victims who are injured in a boating accident can receive compensation for their medical expenses and loss of income or job while they recuperate. If their injuries last for a long time, they can also recover expenses for long-term care. Unfortunately the process of estimating the value of an injury claim isn't a simple task and insurance firms often attempt to make a deal that is less than what victims need to receive. A knowledgeable attorney can fight for the maximum settlement that is feasible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure all relevant evidence is collected. This includes the gathering of crucial documents, such as police reports and witness statements, boat maintenance records, chemical tests, and photos of the accident site and property damage. Medical records can provide other important information, including detailed reports of the injuries, expenses and any future costs. Lawyers can negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault person and/or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are typically exposed to hazardous conditions in the course of their work. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment in the course of their work, they are also at risk of boat accidents caused by negligent or reckless behavior of other passengers on the vessel.

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

Many times, seamen who are injured on a supply vessel tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing boat need more than just workers' compensation to compensate their expenses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims that a seaman may be able to claim compensation, for instance, allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or the failure of the employer to maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will collect crucial documents and evidence pertaining to your claim. This includes medical records, information about insurance policies, police reports and more. They will then negotiate a settlement with the attorney for the defendant and the insurance company you have named. If the settlement is not fair reached, they will prepare an effective case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats result from defective equipment. Most boat accidents are caused by the reckless or negligent actions of the boat's owner. In these instances, the victims may sue the manufacturer who made the defective product to obtain compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these cases.

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

Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies too. While some consumers may suggest that the issue is obvious or obvious, courtrooms frequently require an expert witness by a surveyor or other certified professional to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or any other damage was caused by a concealed issue.

There are some defects that are discovered after the boat is sold. These are usually considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Others are discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and may be the responsibility of the owner. One example is when a boat owner does not empty the engine of water and the water gets frozen and damages the motor during winter.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state with easy access to Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. However, like most recreational activities, they carry certain risks and liabilities that could have a negative impact on the lives of participants.

If boating accidents happen and people are injured, they can file a personal injury or wrongful-death claim for compensation to cover their losses. Medical expenses, lost income, property losses and pain and suffering are all damages. In the event of gross negligence, the victims could also seek punitive damages.

Insurance companies involved in a maritime accident case are often difficult to deal with, especially since their main goal is to compensate you as little as they can. Set the bar higher by hiring a NYC lawyer for boating injuries who will work with insurers to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will examine all evidence available such as police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the at-fault person and their insurance company to reach a fair settlement. If they can't agree on the amount of settlement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are skilled at the presentation of evidence in support of your claim and securing the highest amount of financial compensation.