Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of an accident on the water that was not your fault, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. These costs could include physical therapy, medical bills, and loss of income due to inability to work.

Some victims may also qualify 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 actions and also to deter further incidents.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can lead to serious injuries, many of them are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the most common cause of boat accidents along with other naive choices like driving under the influence, transporting too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The severity of injuries can be anything from bruising and cuts to permanent paralysis from neck or spinal cord injuries.

The victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for their medical bills and loss of earnings or work during their recovery from injuries. They may also be able to recover the costs of long-term care if their injuries are permanent. Unfortunately finding out the value of an injury claim is not an easy task, and insurance firms often attempt to settle for less than victims are entitled to. An experienced lawyer can assist you in negotiating the highest amount of compensation possible.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to collect all relevant evidence. 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 the property damage. Other crucial information can be gathered from medical records including detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained along with the costs incurred as well as estimates of future costs. Lawyers can negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person responsible for the accident or the insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are typically exposed to dangers in the course of their employment. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment, they are also at risk for boat accidents caused by negligent or reckless actions of other parties on board the vessel.

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

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

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

Product Defects

Many boat accidents result from defective equipment. While the majority of boat accidents result from the negligent or reckless behavior of the boat's owner. In such cases, the victims can seek compensation from the company that made the defective product by filing a lawsuit. In these instances, an 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 based on a violation of express or implied guarantees created by law, like the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles, or the guarantees of merchantability, or the guarantee of fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies usually cover latent defects too. While some people may argue that a problem is evident or obvious but courts typically require expert testimony by an expert surveyor or other expert to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or damage was caused by an unnoticed condition.

Some defects are found after a boat has been sold. These defects are typically considered manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is accountable for these. They are often discovered after the boat accident law firms is operated and owned and may be the owner's fault. One instance is when the owner does not empty the water from the engine and the water freezes, which damages the motor during winter.

Insurance

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

When boating accidents occur victims may file a personal injury or wrongful death claim to receive compensation to cover their damages. Medical expenses and lost income, as well as property loss, and pain and suffering are all damages. In the event of gross negligence, the victims may also pursue punitive damages.

Insurance companies aren't always easy to work with in a case involving boats particularly when their primary goal is to compensate the lowest amount they can. Choose an NYC lawyer for a boating accident who will work closely with insurance companies to hold all parties responsible for their actions.

An experienced attorney will review all available evidence, including 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 are unable reach an agreement then our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are experienced in providing evidence to support your claim and obtaining the maximum financial award.