Boat Accident Attorneys

If you were injured in an accident while on a boat that wasn't your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These expenses may include physical therapy, medical bills and income loss because of inability to work.

Certain victims may also be awarded punitive damages, when the conduct of the defendant was reckless and egregious. These kinds of awards are designed to punish the offender and discourage similar behavior in the future.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, but a majority are avoidable. Boat accidents are often caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, as well as other careless choices like driving under the influence of alcohol, carrying more than one person, and reckless behavior. The severity of injuries can range from bruising and lacerations to permanent paralysis due to injuries to the head or spinal cord.

Victims of boating accidents are entitled to compensation for their medical bills and loss in income or employment while they recover from injuries. If their injuries are permanent they may also recover costs for long-term medical care. Insurance companies usually try to settle for less than the victims deserve when estimating a claim's value. An experienced attorney can help ensure that you receive the highest settlement possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected. This includes the collection of crucial documents like police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance records, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of the accident and the property damage. Medical records can offer important information, including detailed reports on the injuries, expenses and any future costs. Lawyers can negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person responsible for the accident and/or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are often exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of their job. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo as well as falling equipment, they are also at risk of accidents caused by the negligent or reckless actions of other people onboard the vessel.

Seamen have certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws designed to protect them from employer negligence. 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 as well as other benefits in the form of money.

Often, seamen who are injured on supply vessels tugboats, dredgers, oil tanks, barges, cruise boats, or sightseeing vessels require more than workers' compensation to compensate for their expenses. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third party claims that seamen may be entitled to including claims of a lack of seaworthiness or an employer's inability to maintain a safe vessel.

Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence pertaining to your claim, such as medical records, insurance policy information and police reports, among others. They will then engage in settlement negotiations with the defendant's lawyer and insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached, they will prepare for trial to make a convincing argument in court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

While most boat accidents occur due to negligent or reckless behavior of the boat operator However, there are many cases where a crash is actually the result of defective equipment. In these instances, victims may seek compensation from the company that manufactured the defective product by filing a lawsuit. In these instances, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist.

Defective boats and equipment could be covered by claims that are based on negligence or strict liability law. A warranty claim could be based on a violation of implied or express warranties provided by law, like the New Jersey lemon laws for used cars or the warranties of merchantability or the fit and finish of the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies too. Although some consumers may claim that the issue is obvious or clear and obvious, courts typically require expert testimony from a surveyor or another qualified professional to determine if the mechanical breakdown or damage was caused due to an unnoticed condition.

Certain defects are discovered after a boat has been sold. These are typically regarded as manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is accountable for them. They are often discovered after the boat accident law firm has been owned and operated, and may be the fault of the owner. An example is when a boat owner fails to empty water out of the engine, and that water freezes in winter, causing damage to the motor.

Insurance

In a state like New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes boats and other water recreation activities are common for residents. But, as with all recreation activities, they come with certain risks and liabilities that can affect the lives of the participants.

Injured individuals are able to file a personal injury claim or wrongful death suit to recover damages. Medical expenses and lost income, as well as property loss, and suffering and pain are all examples of damages. Victims may also seek punitive damages in cases of reckless or gross negligence behavior by the party at fault.

Insurance companies aren't always easy to work with in a case involving boats, especially when their main goal is to compensate the lowest amount they can. Find a NYC lawyer for a boating accident who will work closely with insurers to hold all parties responsible for their actions.

An experienced attorney will go through all evidence available, including police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. They will then engage in discussions with the at-fault party and their insurance company to secure a fair settlement. If they are unable to come to an agreement Our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are experts at the presentation of evidence in support of your claim and securing the maximum amount of financial compensation.