Boat Accident Attorneys

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

Some victims may also qualify for punitive damages if defendant's actions were egregious or reckless. These awards are designed to punish the defendant for their conduct and to prevent future incidents.

Personal Injury

Although boating accidents can lead to serious injuries, many of them can be avoided. Boat accidents are usually caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, in addition to other reckless choices such as driving under the under the influence of alcohol, transporting too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The injuries could range from lacerations and bruises to permanent paralysis from head injuries or a spinal cord injury.

Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for their medical expenses and loss of income or employment as they recover from their injuries. If their injuries are permanent they may also recover costs for long-term treatment. Unfortunately it is difficult to estimate the value of an injury claim is not an easy task, and insurance companies often make a deal that is less than what victims have a right to. A knowledgeable attorney can assist you in negotiating the highest possible settlement.

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

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are frequently exposed to hazardous conditions in the course of their employment. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment as well as falling equipment, they are also at risk of being involved in boat accidents caused by negligence or reckless conduct of other people onboard the vessel.

Seamen are entitled to certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that are designed to safeguard them from employer negligence. If they sustain injuries as a result of these kinds of incidents, they are entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages may include medical expenses and lost income, as well as the cost of living during recovery the injury, pain and suffering, and other monetary benefits.

Often, seamen who are injured on supply vessels such as tugboats or dredgers oil tanks, barges, cruise boats, or sightseeing vessels require more than workers' compensation to cover their losses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can identify other third-party claims that a seaman could be eligible to recover compensation, including claims of a lack of seaworthiness or the employer's failure to maintain the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will gather important documents and evidence pertaining 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 representing the defendant as well as an the insurance company that you represent. If a fair settlement cannot be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial to argue your case in court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats are caused by defective equipment. However, the majority of boat accident law firm (click through the following page) accidents result from the reckless or negligent actions of the boat's operator. In these cases, victims may sue the company that made the defective product to obtain compensation. In these situations, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

Defective boats and equipment may be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. A warranty claim may be based on a breach of implied or express warranties that are created by law, such as the New Jersey used car lemon laws or the guarantees of the merchantability and fit and finishing under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies often cover latent defects, too. Although some people think a problem is clear or obvious, courts typically require an expert witness from a surveyor or another qualified professional to determine if a mechanical breakdown or other damage was caused by a hidden issue.

There are some defects that are discovered after a boat is sold. These are typically considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Some are discovered after the boat has been owned and operated and could be the fault of the owner. One example is when the owner does not empty the engine of water and the water then freezes and damages the motor during winter.

Insurance

In a state like New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes, boating and similar water recreation activities are common for residents. However, as with most recreation activities, they come with certain risks and liabilities that can impact the lives of participants.

Injured individuals may file a personal injury claim or wrongful-death suit to seek compensation. Medical expenses and lost income, as well as property losses and pain and suffering are all damages. In cases of gross negligence, victims may also pursue punitive damages.

Insurance companies involved in a maritime accident case are often difficult to deal with, especially since their primary goal is to settle the case the least amount they can. Choose an NYC lawyer for boating accidents who will work closely with insurance companies to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will review all evidence available such as police reports and medical records. They will also examine witnesses' testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with the at-fault party and their insurance company to secure an acceptable settlement. If they are unable come to an agreement, our attorneys will prepare for trial. We are experienced in the presentation of evidence in support of your claim and securing maximum amount of money.