Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries as a result of a boating accident, and it was not your fault you may be entitled to a substantial settlement. This could include physical therapy, medical bills, and lost income because of inability to work.

Some victims can also be awarded punitive damages in cases where the conduct of the defendant was reckless and egregious. These awards are designed to penalize the defendant for their actions and also to deter further incidents.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can cause serious injuries, the majority of them are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are a common cause of boat accidents, as are other careless choices such as driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. Injuries can vary from lacerations and bruising to permanent paralysis from neck or spinal cord injuries.

Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for medical bills and loss of earnings or work as they recover from their injuries. If their injuries are severe they can also claim costs for long-term treatment. Unfortunately the process of estimating the value of an injury claim isn't an easy task, and insurance firms often attempt to offer less than what victims need to receive. An experienced lawyer can help ensure that you receive the highest settlement possible.

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

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers working on workboats and other vessels, like supply ships, are exposed to dangerous conditions during their employment. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo as well as falling equipment, they are also at risk for palmetto boat accident lawsuit 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 types of incidents, they are entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). The damages could include medical expenses as well as lost income, the cost of living while recovering from injuries, pain and suffering and other monetary benefits.

Often, seamen who are injured on a supply vessel tugboats, dredgers and tugboats barges, oil tanks, cruise or sightseeing vessels need more than workers' compensation to compensate for their expenses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third-party claims where a seaman could be eligible for compensation, such as allegations of unseaworthiness and the employer's failure to maintain the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence pertaining to your claim, including medical records and insurance policy details, police reports and more. They will then enter into settlement discussions with the lawyer of the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement cannot be reached then they will prepare for trial to argue your case in court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents are caused by defective equipment. The majority of boat accidents result from the negligent or reckless behavior of the boat operator. In those cases, victims can seek compensation from manufacturer of the defective product through a lawsuit. A Reston, VA, firms product defect lawyer can assist in these instances.

Defective equipment and boats may be covered by claims based on negligence, strict liability or warranty law. Warranty claims can be based on a breach of implied or express guarantees created by law, such as the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles, or the guarantees of merchantability, or quality and fit under Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies too. Although some consumers might claim that the issue is obvious or clear however, courts usually require expert testimony from a surveyor or another qualified professional to determine if the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or was caused due to a hidden condition.

Some defects are discovered after a boat is sold. These are typically regarded as manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is responsible for these. Others are discovered after the marlow boat accident lawyer has been operated and owned and could be the responsibility of the owner. One example is the case of a boat owner who forgets to empty water out of the engine, and the water freezes in the winter months and causes damage to the motor.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are popular in New York, a state with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. Like all recreational activities, firms there are risks and responsibilities that are involved.

Injured people can file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation. Medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and suffering and pain are all considered damages. Victims can also seek punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or reckless behavior by the party at fault.

Insurance companies aren't easy to work with in a boating dispute especially when their primary objective is to pay as little as possible. Hire a NYC lawyer who will work closely with insurers to hold everyone 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 engage in negotiations with the person at fault and their insurance company to secure a fair settlement. If they are not able to reach an agreement on the amount of settlement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are skilled at the presentation of evidence to support your claim and obtaining the maximum financial award.