Boat Accident Attorneys

If you were injured in a boating accident that was not your fault, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. These expenses could include physical therapy, medical bills and income loss due to inability to work.

Certain victims may also be eligible for punitive damages in the event that the defendant's conduct was inexplicably reckless. These types of awards are crafted to punish the perpetrator and deter similar misconduct in the future.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries but many are preventable. Boat accidents are often caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, and other reckless choices such as driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many people, and reckless behavior. Injuries can range from lacerations and bruises to permanent paralysis resulting from injuries to the head or spinal cord.

Victims injured by a boating accident could be compensated for medical bills and lost earnings or work while they recuperate. They can also claim the expenses of long-term care for injuries that are permanent. Unfortunately, estimating the value of an injury claim is not an easy task. Insurance firms often attempt to accept less than the victims need to receive. An experienced attorney can help to get the highest settlement possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected. This includes the gathering of important documents such as police reports, witness statements, vessel maintenance records, chemical tests, and photos of the scene of the accident and property damage. Other crucial information can be gathered from medical records, including detailed reports of the injuries suffered along with the costs incurred as well as estimated future costs. The lawyer will then negotiate a fair settlement with the person at fault and/or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are often exposed to dangers in the course of working. They are at risk of being injured not only by cargo or equipment falling and cargo, but also due to boat accidents caused by negligence or inattention of other passengers on board the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. 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 and lost income, as well as the cost of living while recovering, pain and suffering and other financial benefits.

Many times, injured seamen on supply vessels tugboats, dredgers and tugboats oil tanks, barges cruise or sightseeing vessels need more than workers' compensation in order to pay for their losses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can identify other third-party claims that a seamen may be able to claim compensation, such as allegations of unseaworthiness and the employer's failure to keep an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence pertaining to your claim, such as medical records and insurance policy details or police reports, among others. They will then engage in settlement negotiations with the lawyer for the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not reached, they will draft a strong case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

Although the majority of boat accidents happen because of negligent or reckless behaviour on the part of the boat's operator However, there are many instances where a crash is actually the result of faulty equipment. In these cases, victims may sue the company who made the defective product to seek compensation. In these cases, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

Defective equipment and boats could be covered by claims that are based on negligence or strict liability law. Warranty claims can be based on a breach of implied or express warranties imposed by law, like the New Jersey used car lemon laws, or the warranties of merchantability and fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies, too. Although some people believe that an issue is evident or obvious, courts often require expert testimony from a surveyor, or any other expert to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or any other damage was caused by a hidden problem.

Some defects are discovered after a boat is sold. These are usually considered to be manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. They are often discovered after the boat has been owned and operated and could be the owner's fault. One example is when a boat owner fails to drain the water from the engine, and the water freezes during winter, causing damage to the motor.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state with easy access to Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. However, like all recreation activities, they come with certain risks and liabilities that can affect the lives of the participants.

In the event of boating accidents, injured individuals may pursue a personal injury wrongful death claim to receive compensation to pay for their damages. 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 when they are the result of reckless or firms gross negligence behavior by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies involved in a maritime accident case can be difficult to deal with, especially when their main goal is to pay you the least amount they can. Bring the game level by hiring an NYC boating injury attorney who will collaborate with insurers to ensure all parties involved are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will go through all evidence available such as police reports, medical records and witness testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the at-fault person and their insurance company in order to negotiate an acceptable settlement. If they are unable to reach an agreement the attorneys of our firm will prepare for trial. We are skilled at presenting evidence in support of your claim and winning the maximum financial award.