Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of an accident in the boating industry and it wasn't your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial settlement. These expenses can include medical bills, physical therapy and income loss due to an inability to work.

Some victims may also be awarded punitive damages, in the event that the defendant's behavior was reckless and egregious. These types of awards are designed to punish the perpetrator and deter similar actions in the future.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can cause serious injuries, the majority of them can be avoided. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are common causes of boat accidents along with other careless choices such as driving under the influence, carrying too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The severity of the injuries vary from minor bruises to paralysis due to the brain or spinal cord.

Victims of injuries sustained in a boating incident can receive compensation for their medical bills and lost earnings or work while they recover. If their injuries are permanent they may also recover costs for long-term treatment. Insurance companies usually try to settle for less money than the victims deserve when estimating a claim's value. An experienced attorney can help ensure that you receive the highest settlement that is possible.

A New York City boat accident law firm accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the incident to ensure all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes the gathering of crucial documents such as police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance reports, chemical tests and photos of the site of the accident as well as property damage. Other crucial information can be obtained from medical records, including detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained along with the costs incurred as well as estimates of future costs. The lawyer can then bargain with the party at fault and/or the insurance company for an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats as well as other vessels, like supply ships, are exposed to hazardous conditions during their employment. They are at risk of being injured not only from falling equipment or cargo but also from boat accidents caused by the negligence or inattention of other passengers aboard the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. If they are injured in these incidents, they are entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages can be a result of medical expenses, lost wages, cost of living during the recovery process, pain and suffering, and other monetary benefits.

In many cases, injured seamen on a supply vessel tugboats, dredgers and tugboats oil tanks, barges cruise boats, or sightseeing vessels require more than workers' compensation in order to pay for their expenses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third-party claims that a seamen may be able to claim compensation, including claims of insecurities and the employer's failure to maintain the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will gather important documents and evidence pertaining to your claim. These include 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 agreement cannot be reached, they will prepare for trial in order to argue your case in court on your behalf.

Product Defects

While most boat accidents occur due to reckless or negligent behaviour on the part of the boat operator, there are also many instances where a crash was actually caused by faulty equipment. In these cases, victims could sue the firm that made the defective product to claim compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these cases.

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

Insurance policies can cover nebulous defects as well. Although some people believe that a problem is clear or obvious, courts typically require expert testimony from a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if the mechanical breakdown or another damage resulted from a hidden condition.

Some defects are discovered after a boat is sold. These are usually considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Others are discovered after a vessel is in operation and could be the fault of the owner. One example is when the owner fails to emptying of the engine's water and the water freezes and causes damage to the motor during the winter.

Insurance

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

Injured persons can file a personal injuries claim or wrongful death suit to seek compensation. Medical expenses and lost income, as well as property loss, and suffering and pain are all damages. Victims can also seek punitive damages when they are the result 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 particularly when their main goal is to pay the lowest amount they can. Hire an NYC lawyer who will work closely with insurance companies to hold all parties responsible for their actions.

An experienced attorney will review all evidence available, including police reports and medical records. They will also look into witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the responsible person and their insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement. If they are unable to agree on a settlement the attorneys of our firm will prepare for trial. We are adept at the presentation of evidence to support your claim and winning the highest amount of money.