Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured in an accident on the water which was not your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These expenses may include medical bills, physical therapies and lost income due to inability to work.

Some victims might also be eligible for punitive damages when the defendant's conduct was inexplicably reckless. These awards are designed to punish the defendant for their conduct and to deter future incidents.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can cause serious injuries, a majority of them are preventable. Boat accidents are usually caused by inexperienced and untrained boaters, and other reckless choices such as driving under the effects of alcohol, carrying many passengers, and reckless behavior. Injuries may be anything from bruising and cuts to permanent paralysis from neck or spinal cord injuries.

Victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for their medical bills as well as the loss of work or income while they recover from injuries. If their injuries are permanent, they can also recover expenses for long-term care. Insurance companies usually try to accept less than the victims should receive when estimating claims' value. An experienced attorney can help in negotiating the best settlement 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 the gathering of crucial documents like police reports as well as witness statements, vessel maintenance records, chemical tests and photographs of the site of the accident as well as the damage to property. Medical records can offer essential information, such as detailed reports on the injuries, expenses, and the cost of future expenses. The lawyer may then negotiate with the at-fault party or the insurance company for an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are typically exposed to dangers in the course of their job. They are at risk of being injured not just by cargo or equipment falling and cargo, but also due to boat accidents caused by negligence or carelessness of other people aboard the vessel.

Seamen have specific rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that protect them from employer negligence. If they are injured in these types of incidents, they are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages could include medical expenses as well as lost wages, the cost of living during the recovery process as well as pain and suffering and other monetary benefits.

A lot of times, 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 skilled New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third-party claims where a seaman could be eligible to recover compensation, including allegations of unreliability and the employer's failure to keep the safety of the vessel.

Your attorney will collect important documents and evidence that relate to your claim. This includes medical records, details about 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 a fair agreement cannot be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial so that they can argue a convincing case in the court on your behalf.

Product Defects

Although the majority of boat accidents happen because of negligent or reckless actions of the Boat Accident Law Firms's operator However, there are a number of cases where a crash is actually the result of defective equipment. In these instances, the victims could sue the firm that made the defective product to claim compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these instances.

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

Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies as well. Although some people think an issue is evident or obvious, courts often require expert testimony by a surveyor or other certified professional to determine if the mechanical breakdown or another damage resulted from a hidden problem.

Some defects are discovered after the boat is sold. They are usually regarded as manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Others are discovered after a vessel is in operation and may be the responsibility of the owner. An example is when a boat owner fails to drain the water from the engine, and the water freezes during winter months and causes damage to the motor.

Insurance

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

When boating accidents occur and people are injured, they can make a personal injury claim or wrongful death claim for compensation to cover their losses. Medical expenses and lost income, as well as property damage, and suffering and pain are all considered damages. In the event of gross negligence, the victims can also seek punitive damages.

Insurance companies can be difficult to negotiate with in a case involving boats particularly when their primary objective is to pay as little as possible. Make sure you are level playing field by hiring a NYC boating injury attorney who will work 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 as well as medical records. They will also examine witnesses' testimony. Then they will engage in discussions with the at-fault party and their insurance company in order to reach a fair settlement. If they can't agree on an agreement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are proficient in presenting evidence to support your claim and obtaining the maximum financial award.