Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured in an accident in the boating industry, and it was not your fault you may be entitled to a substantial settlement. These costs could include medical bills, physical therapy as well as loss of income due to the inability to work.

Some victims may also be awarded punitive damages in the event that the defendant's behavior was egregious and reckless. These awards are intended to punish the defendant for their actions and also to deter further incidents.

Personal Injury

Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries, but they are often avoidable. Boat accidents are usually caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, as well as other reckless choices such as driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing more than one person, and reckless behavior. Injuries may range from lacerations and bruises to permanent paralysis caused by head injuries or a spinal cord injury.

Victims of injuries sustained in a boating accident may receive compensation for their medical expenses and loss of income or work as they recuperate. If their injuries are permanent they may also recover costs for long-term medical care. Unfortunately, estimating the value of a personal injury claim isn't a simple task and insurance firms often attempt to accept less than the victims need to receive. An experienced attorney will help you fight for the highest amount of compensation possible.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to collect all relevant evidence. This includes the collection of important documents such as police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance documents, chemical tests and photographs of the site of the accident as well as the damage to property. Medical records can provide other vital information, like detailed reports on the injuries, expenses and future costs. The lawyer may then negotiate a fair settlement with the person responsible for the accident or the insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers working on workboats and other vessels, like supply ships, are subject to dangerous conditions during their employment. They are at risk of getting injured not just by cargo or equipment falling but also from boat accidents caused by negligence or inattention of other passengers on board the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. If they are injured in these kinds of incidents, they are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). The damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, cost of living during recuperation along with pain and suffering and other monetary benefits.

In many cases, injured seamen on supply vessels, tugboats, dredgers, oil tanks, barges cruise or sightseeing boats need more than workers' compensation in order to pay for their expenses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims that a seaman could be eligible to recover compensation, including allegations of unseaworthiness and the failure of the employer to maintain the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will collect crucial documents and evidence in connection with your claim. This includes medical records, information regarding insurance policies, police reports, and much more. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the lawyer of the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If an acceptable settlement cannot be reached, they will then prepare an effective case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

While the majority of boat crashes occur because of negligent or reckless behaviour on the part of the boat's owner However, there are many instances where a crash is actually caused by faulty equipment. In such cases, the victims can seek compensation from the company that made the defective product by filing a lawsuit. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these cases.

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

Insurance policies can cover nebulous defects too. Although some people think an issue is evident or obvious, courtrooms often require expert testimony from a surveyor, or any other qualified professional to determine whether an issue with a mechanical component or any other damage was caused by a hidden condition.

A few defects are discovered when the boat is sold. These are typically considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Other defects are discovered after the boat accident lawsuits is operated and owned and may be the responsibility of the owner. One example is when the boat owner forgets the empty the engine's water and the water freezes and affects the motor in winter.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state with easy access the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. As with all recreational activities, there are risks and liabilities to be considered.

In the event of boating accidents the injured can file a personal injury or wrongful death claim for compensation to cover their losses. Damages can include medical expenses, loss of income, property losses along with pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement, and other expenses. Victims can also demand punitive damages in the event of reckless or gross negligence behaviour by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies can be difficult to negotiate with in a case involving a boat, especially when their main goal is to settle the least amount possible. Find an NYC lawyer for a boating accident who will work closely with insurers to hold everyone accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will look over all evidence that is available including police reports, medical records and witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with the person at fault and their insurance company to negotiate an equitable settlement. If they cannot come to an agreement then our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are experts at presenting evidence in support of your claim and securing maximum amount of money.