Boat Accident Attorneys

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

Certain victims may also be eligible for punitive damages if the defendant's behavior was egregious or boat accident attorney reckless. These types of awards are designed to punish the offender and discourage similar behavior in the future.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can lead to serious injuries, many of them can be avoided. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are a common cause of boat accidents along with other reckless choices like operating under the influence, carrying too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The injuries could range from bruising and lacerations to permanent paralysis due to neck or spinal cord injuries.

Victims of boating accidents are entitled to compensation for medical bills as well as the loss of work or income during their recovery from injuries. If their injuries last for a long time they can also claim costs for long-term treatment. Insurance companies usually try to accept less than the victims should receive when estimating claims' value. An experienced lawyer can help to get the highest settlement that is possible.

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

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats as well as other vessels, like supply ships, are exposed to dangerous conditions during their work. They are at risk of being injured not only by cargo or equipment falling, but also by boat accidents resulting from the negligence or recklessness of others aboard the vessel.

Seamen have certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that are designed to protect them from negligence by employers. If they suffer injuries due to these incidents, they are entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages could include medical expenses, lost income, cost of living while recovering, pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money.

In many cases, injured seamen on supply vessels tugboats, dredgers and tugboats barges, oil tanks, cruise or sightseeing boats require more than workers' compensation in order to compensate for their losses. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third party claims that seamen may be entitled to claims, for instance, allegations of unsafeness or the employer's inability to keep an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence pertaining to your claim. These include medical records, information on insurance policies, police reports, and more. They will then negotiate a settlement with the attorney representing the defendant as well as an insurance company in your name. If the settlement is not fair reached, they will then prepare an argument that is strong enough to be tried on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats result from defective equipment. Most boat accidents are caused by the reckless or negligent behavior of the boat's operator. In those instances, victims may seek compensation from the manufacturer of the defective product by filing a lawsuit. In these situations, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

Boats and defective equipment can be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. A warranty claim could be based on a violation of implied or express warranties that are imposed by law, such as the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles, or the guarantees of merchantability or the fit and finish of the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are often covered by insurance policies as well. While some people may argue that the issue is evident or boat Accident attorney obvious but courts typically require expert testimony from an engineer or other expert to determine if the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or resulted from an unnoticed condition.

There are some defects that are discovered after a boat is sold. These are typically regarded as manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is accountable for the defects. They are often discovered after the boat was operated and owned and may be the owner's fault. One instance is when the owner fails to emptying of the engine of water and the water then freezes and affects the motor in winter.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state with easy access the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. However, as with most recreational activities, they are accompanied by certain risks and liabilities that could affect the lives of the participants.

If boating accidents happen the injured can pursue a personal injury wrongful death claim for compensation to compensate for their losses. Damages include medical expenses, loss of income, property losses along with pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement, and other expenses. In the event of gross negligence, victims may also pursue punitive damages.

Insurance companies involved in a boating accident case can be difficult to work with, particularly when their main goal is to pay you the least amount they can. Hire a NYC lawyer for a boating accident who will work closely with insurance companies to hold everyone accountable for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will look over all evidence available including police reports and medical records. They will also investigate witnesses' testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the responsible person and their insurance company in order to reach a fair settlement. If they are unable to come to an agreement the attorneys of our firm will prepare for trial. We are experienced in providing evidence to support your claim and obtaining the maximum financial award.