Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured in an accident while on a boat that wasn't your fault, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. These expenses may include medical bills, physical therapies as well as lost income due to the inability to work.

Some victims may also be awarded punitive damages, when the conduct of the defendant was reckless and indecent. These awards are intended to penalize the defendant for their conduct and to discourage future offenses.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can result in serious injuries, the majority of them are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the main cause of boat accident law firms accidents, as are other careless choices such as operating under the influence, transporting too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The injuries could range from lacerations and bruises to permanent paralysis caused by injuries to the head or spinal cord.

Victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for their medical bills and loss in work or income during their recovery from injuries. They may also be able to recover the cost of long-term treatment in the event that their injuries are irreparable. Insurance companies often try and settle for less money than the victims have earned when estimating a claim's value. An experienced attorney can help in negotiating the best settlement possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the incident to ensure all relevant evidence is collected. This includes collecting important documents, including police reports and witness statements along with logs of vessel maintenance chemical tests, photographs of the scene of the accident and the property damage. Other crucial information can be obtained from medical records including detailed reports of the injuries suffered along with the costs incurred as well as estimates of future costs. The lawyer can then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person who was at fault and/or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats and other vessels, like supply ships, are subject to hazardous conditions during their employment. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment, they are also at risk of accidents caused by the negligent or reckless behavior of other passengers on the vessel.

Seamen have specific rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that protect them from negligence by employers. They are entitled 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 recuperation, pain and suffering, and other monetary benefits.

A lot of times, injured seamen on supply vessels, tugboats, dredgers, barges, oil tanks cruise or sightseeing vessels need more than workers' compensation in order to cover their expenses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer will be able to identify any other third-party claims for which a seaman might be entitled to compensation, for instance, allegations of unseaworthiness and the employer's failure to keep a safe vessel.

Your lawyer will gather important documents and evidence related to your claim. This includes medical records, information regarding insurance policies, police reports, and more. They will then engage in settlement negotiations with the lawyer for the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If there is no fair settlement agreed upon, they will create 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 actions of the boat's operator. In these instances, the victims can sue the company who made the defective product to seek compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these instances.

Defective equipment and boats may be covered by claims that are based on negligence, strict liability or warranty law. A warranty claim could be caused by a breach of implied or express warranties made by law such as the New Jersey used car lemon laws as well as the warranties of quality and fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies too. While some consumers suggest the issue is obvious or obvious, courts often require expert testimony by a surveyor or other certified professional to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or any other damage resulted from a hidden condition.

Certain defects are discovered after a boat is sold. These are usually considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Other defects are discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and may be the fault of the owner. An example is the case of a boat owner who forgets to drain the water out of the engine, and that water freezes in winter and causes damage to the engine.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are popular in New York, a state with easy access the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. Like any other recreational activity there are risks and liabilities involved.

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

Insurance companies involved in a boating collision case can be difficult to deal with, especially since their main goal is to settle the case the least amount they can. Set the bar higher by hiring a NYC attorney for boating injuries who will work with insurance companies to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will review all available evidence such as police reports, medical records and witness testimony. Then, they'll enter into discussions with the at-fault party and their insurance company to obtain a fair settlement. If they cannot reach an agreement Our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are skilled at presenting evidence in support of your claim and obtaining the maximum financial award.