Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of a boating accident, and it was not your fault you may be entitled a substantial compensation. These expenses could include physical therapy, medical bills, and loss of income due to inability to work.

Certain victims could also be eligible for punitive damages if defendant's conduct was inexplicably reckless. These awards are designed to punish the defendant for their actions and to deter future incidents.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can cause serious injuries, a lot of them are preventable. Boat accidents are often caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, and other careless choices like driving under the effects of alcohol, carrying many passengers, and reckless behavior. The severity of injuries ranges from minor bruises to paralysis resulting from the brain or spinal cord.

The victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for their medical bills and loss of income or work during their recovery from injuries. If their injuries are severe they may also be able to recover costs for long-term medical care. Insurance companies usually try to settle for less money than the victims are entitled to when estimating a claim's value. A skilled attorney can help you fight for the highest possible settlement.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident in order to collect all relevant evidence. This includes the gathering of crucial documents like police reports as well as witness statements, vessel maintenance records, chemical tests, and photos of the site of the accident as well as property damage. Medical records can provide vital information, like detailed reports of the injuries, expenses, and future costs. The lawyer may then negotiate a fair settlement with the person who was at fault or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are frequently exposed to dangers in the course of working. They are at risk of being injured not only from falling equipment or cargo, but also by boat accident lawyer accidents caused by the negligence or recklessness of others aboard the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages can include medical expenses as well as lost wages, the cost of living during recovery along with pain and suffering and other financial benefits.

Many times, seamen who are injured while on a supply ship, tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing vessel require more than just workers' compensation in order to cover their injuries. A New York boat accident attorney will be able to identify third-party claims seamen may be entitled to, such as allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or an employer's negligence in maintaining a safe vessel.

Your attorney will gather important documents and evidence that pertain to your claim, such as medical records and insurance policy information or police reports, among others. They will then enter into settlement discussions with the lawyer of the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If a fair agreement cannot be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial so that they can present a strong case in court on your behalf.

Product Defects

Although the majority of boat accident lawsuits accidents happen due to reckless or negligent behavior on the part of the boat's operator, there are also many instances when a crash actually the result of faulty equipment. In these instances, the victims can sue the company that manufactured the defective product in order to recover compensation. In these cases, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

Defective equipment and boats may be covered under strict liability, negligence, or warranty law. A warranty claim could be based on a breach 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 fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies too. While some consumers may suggest that a problem is clear or obvious, courtrooms often require an expert witness from a surveyor, or any other expert to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or any other damage was caused by a concealed issue.

Some defects are discovered after a boat is sold. These defects are usually considered manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is responsible for the defects. They are often discovered after the boat has been operated and owned, and may be the owner's fault. One example is when a boat owner fails to empty water out of the engine, and that water freezes during winter and causes damage to the engine.

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 among residents. However, as with most sports, they also carry certain risks and liabilities that could have a negative impact on the lives of participants.

Injured persons can file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation. Medical expenses, lost income, property loss, and pain and suffering are all damages. In the event of gross negligence, victims may also pursue punitive damages.

Insurance companies involved in a maritime accident case can be difficult to work with, especially since their primary goal is to pay you as little as they can. Choose an NYC lawyer who will work closely with insurers to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will scrutinize all evidence available, including police reports and medical records. They will also examine witness testimony. Then, they'll enter into discussions with the at-fault party and their insurance company to secure a fair settlement. If they cannot agree on an agreement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are experts at presenting evidence in support of your claim and securing the maximum amount of money.