Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries in a boating accident that was not your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. This could include physical therapy, medical bills and lost income due to the inability to work.

Some victims may also be awarded punitive damages, if the defendant's conduct was reckless and egregious. These awards are designed to penalize the defendant for their actions and to discourage future offenses.

Personal Injury

Although boating accidents can lead to serious injuries, a lot of them can be avoided. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are a common cause of boat-related accidents as well as other naive choices like operating under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The injuries can range from minor bruising to paralysis due to spinal cord or brain injury.

Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for their medical expenses and loss of work or income while recovering from their injuries. They can also recover the expenses of long-term care for injuries that are permanent. Insurance companies frequently try to settle for less money than the victims are entitled to when estimating a claim's value. A knowledgeable attorney can assist you in negotiating the highest settlement possible.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the accident to gather all evidence relevant. This includes obtaining important documents, like police reports and witness statements along with logs of vessel maintenance, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of an accident and the property damage. Medical records can provide other essential information, such as detailed reports of the injuries, expenses and the future costs. The lawyer may then negotiate a fair settlement with the person responsible for the accident and/or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are typically exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of their job. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment as well as falling equipment, they are also at risk of accidents caused by negligent or reckless actions of other parties on board the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. If they suffer injuries due to such incidents, they're entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages could include medical expenses loss of income, cost of living while recovering as well as pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money.

Often, seamen who are injured on a supply ship, tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing boat accident law firms require more than workers' compensation to pay for their losses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims that a seaman may be able to claim compensation, such as allegations of unseaworthiness and the employer's failure to keep the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence related to your claim, including medical records and insurance policy information, police reports and more. They will then engage in settlement negotiations with the lawyer of the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If there is no fair settlement agreed upon, they will create a compelling case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents result from defective equipment. However, the majority of boat accidents are caused by the reckless or negligent actions of the boat Accident law Firm's operator. In these instances, victims may seek compensation from the company that manufactured the defective product by filing a lawsuit. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these instances.

Defective boats and equipment may be covered under strict liability, negligence, or warranty law. A warranty claim may be caused by a breach of implied or express warranties that are created by law, for example the New Jersey used car lemon laws as well as the warranties of fit and finish and merchantability under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies usually cover latent defects, too. Although some people believe that an issue is evident or obvious, courtrooms often require expert testimony from a surveyor or other expert to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or any other damage resulted from a hidden problem.

A few defects are discovered when a boat is sold. These defects are typically considered manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is responsible for them. Others are discovered after a vessel is in operation and may be the responsibility of the owner. One example is when the owner does not empty the water from the engine and the water gets frozen and causes damage to the motor during the winter.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are popular in New York, a state with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. But, as with all recreation activities, they come with certain risks and liabilities that can have a negative impact on the lives of participants.

Injured individuals can file a personal injuries claim or wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation. The damages include medical expenses loss of income, property losses as well as pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement and other costs. In the event of gross negligence, the victims can also seek punitive damages.

Insurance companies aren't always easy to work with in a boating dispute, especially when their main goal is to settle the lowest amount they can. Level the playing field by hiring an NYC lawyer for boating injuries who will collaborate with insurers to ensure all parties involved are accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will scrutinize all evidence available including police reports as well as medical records. They will also look into witnesses' testimony. Then they will engage in negotiations with the person at fault and their insurance company to obtain an equitable settlement. If they are unable reach an agreement then our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are adept at providing evidence to support your claim and obtaining the maximum financial award.