Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured in a boating accident, and it was not your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial settlement. These expenses may include physical therapy, medical bills as well as lost income because of inability to work.

Some victims may also qualify for punitive damages in the event that the defendant's behavior was egregious or reckless. These kinds of awards are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar actions in the future.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can result in serious injuries, a majority of them are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the most common cause of boat-related accidents as well as other reckless choices like operating under the influence, transporting too many passengers, and reckless behavior. Injuries can range from bruising and boat accident attorney lacerations to permanent paralysis from spinal cord or head injury.

Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for medical bills as well as the loss of earnings or work while recovering from their injuries. If their injuries are severe, they can also recover costs for long-term care. Insurance companies typically try to offer less money than the victims should receive when estimating claims' value. An experienced lawyer can help fight for the maximum settlement that is feasible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to ensure all relevant evidence is collected. This includes gathering important documents, like police reports and witness statements and logs of maintenance on the vessel, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of the accident and the property damage. Other important information can be gathered from medical records including detailed reports of the injuries suffered as well as the expenses incurred and estimates of future costs. The lawyer may then negotiate a fair settlement with the person responsible for the accident or the insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats as well as other vessels, including supply ships, are subject to hazardous conditions during their employment. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo, they are also at risk of boat accident lawyers accidents that result from the negligence or reckless behavior of other passengers on the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. If they sustain injuries as a result of these kinds of incidents, they are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages could include medical expenses loss of income, cost of living while recovering, pain and suffering and other financial benefits.

A lot of seamen injured on a supply vessel tugboat, dredger barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing vessel require more than workers' compensation to pay for their losses. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third-party claims that a seaman may be entitled to claims, for instance, allegations of unsafeness or the employer's inability to keep an appropriate vessel.

Your attorney will collect important documents and evidence pertaining to your claim. These include medical records, information on insurance policies, 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 a fair agreement cannot be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial and argue your case in court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents result from defective equipment. However, the majority of accidents on boats result from the negligent or reckless actions of the boat's operator. In these instances, boat accident attorney the victims may sue the company responsible for the product to obtain compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these cases.

Defective equipment and boats may be covered by claims that are based on negligence, strict liability or warranty law. Warranty claims can be based on a violation of express or implied guarantees provided by law, for example 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.

Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies as well. While some consumers suggest an issue is obvious or obvious, courtrooms frequently require expert testimony from a surveyor, or any other qualified professional to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or any other damage was caused by a concealed issue.

Certain defects are discovered after a boat is sold. These are generally deemed manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is accountable for them. Other defects are discovered after the boat is owned and operated and could be the responsibility of the owner. An example of this is when a boater forgets to empty water out of 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 and waterways, boating and other water recreation activities are common for residents. Like all recreational activities, there are risks and responsibilities that are involved.

In the event of boating accidents victims may be able to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim to cover their losses. Medical expenses as well as lost income, property losses, as well as pain and suffering are all considered damages. Victims can also seek punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or reckless behaviour by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies can be difficult to work with in a case involving a boat particularly when their main objective is to pay the least amount possible. Set the bar higher by hiring a NYC lawyer for boating injuries who will work with insurers to ensure that all parties are accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will go through all evidence available including police reports, medical records and witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the responsible person and their insurance company in order to negotiate a fair settlement. If they cannot agree on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for trial. We are proficient in presenting evidence in support of your claim and winning the maximum financial award.