Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries in an accident with a boat that was not your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. This could include physical therapy, medical bills and income loss because of your inability to work.

Certain victims may also be eligible for punitive damages if defendant's actions were egregious or reckless. These types of awards are intended to punish the offender and discourage similar behavior in the future.

Personal Injury

Although boating accidents can result in serious injuries, a majority of them can be avoided. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are a common cause of boat-related accidents as well as other naive choices like driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. Injuries can be anything from bruising and cuts to permanent paralysis caused by neck or spinal cord injuries.

Victims of boating accidents are entitled to compensation for their medical bills and loss of work or income while recovering from their injuries. They also have the right to recover cost of long-term treatment in the event that their injuries are irreparable. Unfortunately the process of estimating the value of a personal injury claim is not a simple task and insurance companies often make a deal that is less than what victims have a right to. An experienced lawyer can help in negotiating the best settlement that is possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes the gathering of crucial documents, such as police reports as well as witness statements, vessel maintenance records, chemical tests, and photos of the scene of the accident and the property damage. Medical records can provide other vital information, like detailed reports on the injuries, expenses and any future costs. The lawyer will then bargain with the party at fault or the insurance company to negotiate an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are typically exposed to hazardous conditions in the course of their work. They are at risk of getting injured not just from cargo or equipment falling, but also by boat accidents caused by negligence or carelessness of other people aboard 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, lost wages, cost of living during recuperation as well as pain and suffering and other financial benefits.

Many times, seamen who are injured on a supply boat, tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing boat accident Law Firms require more than workers' compensation to cover their losses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer will be able to identify any other third-party claims that a seaman could be eligible to recover compensation, for instance, allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or the employer's failure to keep the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will collect crucial documents and evidence related to your claim. This includes medical records, details about insurance policies, police reports, and much more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney of the defendant and insurance company in your name. If the settlement is not fair reached, they will then prepare a compelling case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

While the majority of boat crashes occur because of reckless or negligent actions of the boat owner However, there are a number of instances where a crash is actually the result of defective equipment. In those cases, victims may seek compensation from the company that produced the defective product in a lawsuit. In these cases, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist.

Defective boats and equipment could be covered by claims based on negligence or strict liability law. A warranty claim could be based on a violation of implied or express warranties provided by law, for example the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles, or the guarantees of merchantability or the fit and finish of the Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies typically cover hidden defects, too. While some people may argue that a problem is evident or obvious, courts often require expert testimony from a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or damage was caused due to an unnoticed issue.

Some defects are discovered after a boat has been sold. They are usually regarded as manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. They are often discovered after the boat has been owned and operated, and may be the fault of the owner. A good example is the case of a boat owner who forgets to drain water from the engine, and that water freezes in the winter months and causes damage to the motor.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state with easy access the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. However, like most sports, they also carry certain risks and liabilities that can impact the lives of participants.

Injured people may file a personal injury claim or wrongful death suit to seek compensation. The damages include medical expenses loss of income, property loss, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other expenses. Victims may also demand punitive damages in the event of reckless or gross negligence actions by the responsible party.

Insurance companies involved in a maritime accident case aren't easy to deal with, especially when their main objective is to pay you the least amount they can. Set the bar higher 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 attorney will review all evidence available including police reports as well as medical records. They will also review witness testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the at-fault person and their insurance company to negotiate an equitable settlement. If they are unable to agree on an agreement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are proficient in presenting evidence in support of your claim and obtaining the maximum financial award.