Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries as a result of an accident on the water and it wasn't your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial payout. This could include physical therapy, medical bills as well as lost income because of inability to work.

Some victims might also be eligible for punitive damages if the defendant's conduct was inexplicably reckless. These awards are intended to penalize the defendant for their actions and to prevent future incidents.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can cause serious injuries, however many are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the main cause of boat accidents along with other reckless choices, such as operating under the influence, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The injuries can range from minor bruises to paralysis resulting from brain or spinal cord injuries.

Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for medical bills and loss of income or work during their recovery from injuries. If their injuries are severe they can also claim costs for long-term care. Insurance companies typically try to settle for less than the victims deserve when estimating a claim's value. An experienced attorney will help you to fight for the most lucrative settlement you can get.

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

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are typically exposed to hazardous conditions in the course of working. They are at risk of being injured not only from cargo or equipment falling and cargo, but also due to boat accidents caused by the negligence or inattention of other passengers on board the vessel.

Seamen have certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that protect them from the negligence of employers. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages may include medical expenses and lost income, as well as the cost of living while recovering, pain and suffering and other financial benefits.

Many times, seamen who are injured while on a supply ship tugboat, dredger barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing vessel require more than just workers' compensation to pay for their losses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can identify other third-party claims that a seamen could be eligible to recover compensation, including claims of unseaworthiness and the employer's failure to maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence related to your claim, including medical records as well as insurance policy information, police reports and more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney of the defendant and the insurance company you have named. If there is no fair settlement reached, they will then prepare an argument that is strong enough to be tried on your behalf.

Product Defects

While most boat accidents occur due to reckless or negligent behaviour on the part of the boat accident lawyers's operator However, there are many instances where a crash is actually the result of defective equipment. In those instances, victims may seek compensation from the company that produced the defective product through a lawsuit. In these instances, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

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

Insurance policies often cover latent defects, too. Although some people think an issue is obvious or obvious, courtrooms often require an expert witness from a surveyor or another certified professional to determine if the mechanical breakdown or another 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. Some are discovered after the boat is owned and operated and may be the responsibility of the owner. One example is when a boater forgets to empty water out of the engine, and that water freezes in winter and causes damage to the engine.

Insurance

In a state like New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes such as boating, water sports and similar recreational activities are commonplace for residents. Like any other recreational activity, there are risks and liabilities involved.

When boating accidents happen and people are injured, they can file a personal injury or wrongful-death claim for compensation to pay for their damages. The damages include medical expenses loss of income, property losses, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other costs. Victims may also seek punitive damages in cases of reckless or gross negligence behavior by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies can be difficult to work with in a case involving a boat especially when their primary goal is to settle as little as they can. Find an NYC lawyer for a boating accident who will work closely with insurance companies 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 look into witness testimony. Then, they'll enter into discussions with the party at fault and their insurance company to secure an equitable settlement. If they are unable reach a settlement then our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are skilled at presenting evidence in support of your claim and winning the maximum financial award.