Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries in a boating accident that wasn't your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These expenses can include physical therapy, medical bills and income loss due to an inability to work.

Certain victims could also be eligible for punitive damages if the defendant's behavior was egregious or reckless. These kinds of awards are crafted to penalize the defendant and discourage similar conduct in the future.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries but many are avoidable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are the most common cause of boat accidents, along with other reckless choices like operating under the influence, carrying too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The severity of injuries can range from lacerations and bruises to permanent paralysis resulting from neck or spinal cord injuries.

Victims who suffer injuries in a boating accident can receive compensation for their medical expenses as well as lost income or work as they recuperate. They may also be able to recover the cost of long-term treatment if their injuries are permanent. Insurance companies frequently try to accept less than the victims are entitled to when estimating a claim's value. A knowledgeable attorney can to get the highest settlement that is possible.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the accident in order to gather all evidence relevant. This includes gathering important documents, including police reports and witness statements along with logs of vessel maintenance chemical tests, and photographs of the accident scene and property damage. Medical records can also provide vital information, like detailed reports of the injuries, expenses, firm and the future costs. Lawyers can negotiate with the at-fault party or the insurance company for a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are frequently exposed to hazardous conditions in the course of their work. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment as well as falling equipment, they are also at risk for boat accidents caused by negligent or reckless behavior of other parties on board the vessel.

Seamen have certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws designed to protect them from employer negligence. If they sustain injuries as a result of these types of incidents, they are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages may include medical expenses, lost income, cost of living while recovering the injury, pain and suffering, as well as other benefits in the form of money.

In many cases, injured seamen on a supply vessel tugboats, dredgers, barges, oil tanks, cruise or sightseeing boats require more than workers' compensation in order to pay for their expenses. A New York boat accident attorney can help identify third-party claims a seaman may be entitled to including claims of unreliability or the employer's negligence in maintaining the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will collect crucial documents and evidence that relate to your claim. This includes medical records, information regarding insurance policies, police reports and much more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney for the defendant and insurance company in your name. If a fair agreement cannot be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial so that they can make a convincing argument in the court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Many boat accident lawyers accidents are caused by defective equipment. While the majority of accidents on boats result from the negligent or reckless behavior of the boat operator. In these cases, victims can sue the company that made the defective product to obtain compensation. In these instances, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist.

Defective equipment and boats may be covered under strict liability, negligence, or warranty law. Warranty claims can be based on a violation of express or implied guarantees provided by law, like the New Jersey lemon laws for automobiles used for sale or the warranties of merchantability, or the guarantee of fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies typically cover hidden defects too. While some consumers suggest the issue is obvious or obvious, courts typically require expert testimony from a surveyor or other certified professional to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or any other damage resulted from a hidden issue.

Some defects are found after a boat is sold. They are usually regarded as manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Some are discovered after the vessel is in operation and may be the responsibility of the owner. A good example is when a boat owner forgets to drain the water from the engine, and that water freezes in winter, causing 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. However, like all recreational activities, they carry certain risks and liabilities that can impact the lives of participants.

In the event of boating accidents and people are injured, they can make a personal injury claim or wrongful death claim to receive compensation to cover their damages. Medical expenses and lost income, as well as property loss, and suffering and pain are all damages. Victims can also demand punitive damages in the event of gross negligence or reckless behaviour by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies can be difficult to work with in a boating case, especially when their main goal is to pay the least amount possible. Hire 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 lawyer will scrutinize all evidence available including police reports and medical records. They will also review witnesses' testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the at fault person and their insurance company in order to reach a fair settlement. If they cannot agree on an agreement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are experts in the presentation of evidence in support of your claim and securing the maximum amount of money.