Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries as a result of an accident on the water, and it was not your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These costs may include medical bills, physical therapies as well as lost income because of your inability to work.

Certain victims could also be eligible for punitive damages if the defendant's conduct was inexplicably reckless. These types of awards are crafted to punish the offender and deter similar actions in the future.

Personal Injury

Although boating accidents can result in serious injuries, the majority of them can be avoided. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are a common cause of boat-related accidents as well as other reckless choices, such as driving under the influence, transporting too many passengers, and reckless behavior. Injuries may range from lacerations and bruises to permanent paralysis due to injuries to the head or spinal cord.

Victims of injuries sustained in a boating accident can get compensation for their medical expenses as well as lost income or work as they recuperate. They can also claim the costs of long-term care for injuries that are permanent. Insurance companies often try and settle for less money than the victims deserve when estimating a claim's value. An experienced lawyer can help ensure that you receive the highest settlement possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes obtaining important documents like witness statements and police reports, vessel maintenance logs, chemical tests and photographs of the accident scene and the property damage. Medical records can offer important information, including detailed reports of the injuries, expenses and the cost of future expenses. Lawyers can negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault person or the insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats as well as other vessels, such as supply ships, are subject to hazardous conditions during their work. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo and equipment, they also are at risk of boat accident lawsuits accidents caused by negligent or reckless conduct of other parties on board the vessel.

Seamen have certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that are designed to protect them from employer negligence. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages can include medical expenses loss of wages, cost of living during recuperation as well as pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money.

Often, seamen who are injured on supply vessels such as tugboats or dredgers barges, oil tanks, cruise or sightseeing boats require more than workers' compensation in order to compensate for their expenses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third-party claims where a seaman could be eligible for compensation, such as allegations of unreliability and the employer's failure to maintain the safety of the vessel.

Your attorney will gather important documents and evidence related to your claim, such as 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 the settlement is not fair reached, they will draft a strong case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats are caused by defective equipment. However, the majority of boat accidents result from the negligent or reckless actions of the boat operator. In such cases, the victims can seek compensation from the manufacturer of the defective product in a lawsuit. In these situations, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist.

Defective boats and equipment could be covered by claims based on negligence, strict liability or warranty law. A warranty claim may be the result of a breach implied or express warranties imposed by law, like the New Jersey used car lemon laws as well as the warranties of merchantability and fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies too. Although some people believe that a problem is clear or obvious, courtrooms often require expert testimony from a surveyor or another qualified professional to determine whether an issue with a mechanical component or any other damage was caused by a concealed problem.

Some defects are found after a boat has been sold. They are usually regarded as manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Some are discovered after the boat is operated and owned and may be the fault of the owner. One instance is when the owner fails to emptying of the engine's water and the water freezes, which damages the motor during winter.

Insurance

In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes such as boating, water sports and similar recreation activities are common among residents. But, as with all recreation activities, they come with certain risks and liabilities that could affect the lives of those who participate.

Individuals who have been injured can file a personal injuries claim or wrongful-death suit to recover damages. Medical expenses as well as lost income, property loss, and pain and suffering are all considered damages. Victims may also demand punitive damages in the event of gross negligence or reckless actions by the responsible party.

Insurance companies involved in a maritime accident case aren't easy to deal with, especially when their main objective is to pay you as little as possible. Make sure you are level playing field by hiring a NYC attorney for boating injuries who will collaborate with insurers to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will go over all evidence available, including police reports and medical records. They will also review witnesses' testimony. Then, they'll enter into negotiations with the at-fault party and their insurance company to obtain an equitable settlement. If they are unable to agree on an agreement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are experienced in presenting evidence to support your claim and obtaining the highest amount of money.