Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of an accident while on a boat which was not your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These costs may include medical bills, physical therapies and lost income due to inability to work.

Certain victims may be awarded punitive damages, when the conduct of the defendant was reckless and indecent. These types of awards are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar actions in the future.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries but many are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the main cause of boat-related accidents as well as other reckless choices, such as operating under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The injuries can range from minor bruises to paralysis caused by spinal cord or brain injury.

Victims who are injured in a boating incident can get compensation for their medical expenses and loss of income or work while they recuperate. They also have the right to recover expenses of long-term care in the event that their injuries are irreparable. Unfortunately the process of estimating the value of an injury claim isn't an easy task. Insurance companies frequently try to settle for less than victims deserve. A skilled attorney can assist you in negotiating the highest possible settlement.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident in order to collect all relevant evidence. This includes the gathering of important documents such as police reports and witness statements, boat maintenance documents, chemical tests and photos of the scene of the accident and the property damage. Medical records can offer crucial information, for example, detailed reports on the injuries, expenses, and the cost of future expenses. The lawyer may then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person responsible for the accident or the insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers working on workboats as well as other vessels, such as supply ships, are subject to hazardous conditions throughout their work. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo, they are also at risk of accidents caused by negligent or reckless actions of other passengers on the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages may include medical expenses and lost income, as well as the cost of living while recovering as well as pain and suffering and other financial benefits.

In many cases, injured seamen on supply vessels, tugboats, dredgers, barges, oil tanks, cruise or sightseeing boats require more than workers' compensation to compensate for their losses. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third-party claims that the seaman could be eligible for, such as allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or an employer's negligence in maintaining an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will gather important documents and evidence related to your claim. This includes medical records, information on insurance policies, police reports and many more. They will then engage in settlement negotiations with the lawyer of the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If an acceptable settlement cannot be reached, they will prepare a compelling case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

Although the majority of boat accidents happen due to negligent or reckless actions of the boat owner, there are also many cases where a crash is actually the result of defective equipment. In these instances, the victims can sue the company that manufactured the defective product in order to recover compensation. In these cases, an 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, for example the New Jersey used car lemon laws as well as the warranties of the merchantability and fit and finishing under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies typically cover hidden defects too. While some individuals may assert that a problem is evident or obvious, courts often require expert testimony by an expert surveyor or other certified professional to determine if the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or resulted from an unnoticed issue.

Some defects are discovered after a boat has been sold. These are usually considered to be manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Other defects are discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and may be the fault of the owner. An example is the case of a boat owner who forgets to empty water out of the engine, and that water freezes during winter and damages the motor.

Insurance

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

Injured individuals are able to file a personal injury claim or wrongful death suit to recover damages. Damages include medical expenses, loss of income, property loss along with pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other expenses. In the event of gross negligence, victims could also seek punitive damages.

Insurance companies aren't always easy to work with in a boating case particularly when their main goal is to compensate as little as possible. Level the playing field by hiring a NYC lawyer for injuries sustained in boating who will work with insurance companies to ensure that all parties are accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will scrutinize all evidence available including police reports and medical records. They will also investigate witnesses' testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the at-fault person and their insurance company to negotiate an equitable settlement. If they can't agree on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for trial. We are skilled at the presentation of evidence to support your claim and obtaining the highest amount of money.