Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured in an accident on the water that was not your fault, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. This could include medical bills, physical therapies, and lost income due to inability to work.

Certain victims may also be awarded punitive damages, in the event that the defendant's behavior was reckless and egregious. These types of awards are crafted to penalize the defendant and deter similar actions in the future.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, but they are often avoidable. Boat accidents are usually caused by inexperienced and untrained boaters, and other reckless decisions like driving under the under the influence of alcohol, transporting too many people, and reckless behavior. The injuries could range from bruising and lacerations to permanent paralysis from head injuries or a spinal cord injury.

Victims of boating accidents are entitled to compensation for medical bills and loss in work or income while recovering from their injuries. They can also claim the cost of long-term treatment for injuries that are permanent. Unfortunately finding out the value of an injury claim isn't an easy task, and insurance firms often attempt to accept less than the victims are entitled to. An experienced attorney will assist you in negotiating for the highest possible settlement.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the incident to collect all relevant evidence. This includes the gathering of important documents such as police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance reports, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of the accident and the damage to property. Medical records can offer important information, including detailed reports of the injuries, expenses and the cost of future expenses. The lawyer may then bargain with the party at fault and/or the insurance company for an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are frequently exposed to hazardous conditions in the course of working. They are at risk of getting injured not only by cargo or equipment falling and cargo, but also due to boat accidents resulting from the negligence or recklessness of others on the vessel.

Seamen have rights that are specific to them under the Jones Act and other federal laws designed to protect them from the negligence of employers. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The damages could include medical expenses as well as lost income, the cost of living during recovery from injuries, pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money.

In many cases, injured seamen on supply vessels such as tugboats or dredgers oil tanks, barges cruise or sightseeing vessels need more than workers' compensation to cover their expenses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third-party claims for which a seaman might be entitled to compensation, such as allegations of unreliability and the employer's inability to maintain a safe vessel.

Your attorney will collect important documents and evidence that relate to your claim. This includes medical records, details about insurance policies, police reports, and much more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney for the defendant and the insurance company you have named. If a fair settlement is not reached, they will prepare a compelling case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents result from defective equipment. The majority of accidents on boats result from the negligent or reckless behavior of the boat's owner. In these instances, the victims may sue the company that made the defective product to claim compensation. A Reston, firms VA, product defect lawyer can help in these cases.

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

Insurance policies usually cover latent defects, too. While some individuals may assert that the issue is obvious or clear, courts often require expert testimony from a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or damage was caused by an unnoticed issue.

There are some defects that are discovered after the boat is sold. They are usually regarded as manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Some are discovered after the boat accident lawsuits was operated and owned and could be the fault of the owner. A good example is when a boat owner fails to drain the water out of the engine, and the water freezes in winter, causing damage to the motor.

Insurance

In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes, boating and similar water recreational activities are commonplace for residents. However, as with most recreation activities, they come with certain risks and liabilities that can affect the lives of those who participate.

Injured people can file a personal injury claim or wrongful death suit to seek compensation. Medical expenses, lost income, property losses, as well as suffering and pain are all considered damages. Victims may also demand punitive damages in the event of gross negligence or reckless behavior by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies can be difficult to negotiate with in a case involving boats especially when their primary goal is to settle the lowest amount they can. Level the playing field by hiring an NYC attorney for boating injuries who will collaborate with insurers to ensure that all parties are accountable for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will examine all evidence available including police reports, medical records and witness testimony. They will then engage in discussions with both the at-fault person and their insurance company in order to reach an acceptable settlement. If they cannot agree on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for trial. We are adept at the presentation of evidence to support your claim and obtaining the highest amount of money.