Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries as a result of a boating accident, and it was not your fault you may be entitled to a substantial payout. These costs could include physical therapy, medical bills and income loss due to the inability to work.

Some victims can be awarded punitive damages, when the conduct of the defendant was reckless and indecent. These awards are designed to punish the defendant for their blunders and also to deter further incidents.

Personal Injury

Although boating accidents can lead to serious injuries, the majority of them are preventable. Boat accidents are often caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, and other reckless actions like driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The severity of the injuries vary from minor bruises to paralysis resulting from the brain or spinal cord.

Victims of boating accidents are entitled to compensation for their medical bills as well as the loss of income or employment as they recover from their injuries. They may also be able to recover the cost of long-term treatment for injuries that are permanent. Unfortunately, estimating the value of a personal injury claim isn't an easy task. Insurance companies often try to offer less than what victims deserve. An experienced attorney will assist you in negotiating the highest possible settlement.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the incident in order to collect all relevant evidence. This includes collecting important documents, such as witness statements and police reports, vessel maintenance logs, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of an accident and property damage. Other crucial information can be obtained from medical records including detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained, expenses incurred, and estimated future costs. Lawyers can negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person who was at fault or the insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers 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 Boat accidents cargo and equipment, they also are at risk of boat accidents caused by the negligent or reckless behavior by other crew members on the vessel.

Seamen have rights that are specific to them under the Jones Act and other federal laws designed to safeguard them from employer negligence. If they are injured in such incidents, they're entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages may include medical expenses loss of income, cost of living while recovering from injuries, pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money.

A lot of times, boat accidents injured seamen on a supply vessel tugboats, dredgers and tugboats oil tanks, barges cruise or sightseeing boats need more than workers' compensation to compensate for their losses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can identify other third-party claims that a seaman might be entitled to compensation, such as allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or the employer's failure to maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your attorney will gather important documents and evidence regarding your claim, such as medical records and insurance policy information, police reports and more. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the defendant's lawyer and insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement cannot be reached then they will prepare for trial so that they can argue your case in court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats are caused by defective equipment. However, the majority of boat accidents are caused by the reckless or negligent actions of the boat's owner. In those cases, victims can seek compensation from the manufacturer of the defective product in a lawsuit. In these cases, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

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

Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies as well. Although some consumers might claim that the issue is evident or obvious and obvious, courts typically require expert testimony from a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or was caused due to a hidden condition.

Certain defects are discovered after the boat is sold. These are typically regarded as manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is responsible for these. Other defects are discovered after the vessel is in operation and may be the fault of the owner. One example is when a boater forgets to drain the water from the engine, and the water freezes during 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 recreational activities are commonplace among residents. But, as with all recreational activities, they are accompanied by certain risks and liabilities that could affect the lives of the participants.

Injured individuals are able to file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation. 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 reckless or gross negligence actions by the responsible party.

Insurance companies involved in a boating accident case can be difficult to deal with, particularly since their primary goal is to pay you as little as is possible. Make sure you are level playing field by hiring an NYC lawyer for boating injuries who will work with insurers to ensure that all parties are accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will thoroughly go through all evidence available that is available, including police reports medical records, and witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the at fault person and their insurance company in order to reach a fair settlement. If they cannot reach an agreement the attorneys of our firm will prepare for trial. We are skilled at providing evidence to support your claim and securing the highest amount of financial compensation.