Boat Accident Attorneys

If you were injured in a boating accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. These costs could include medical bills, physical therapy as well as loss of income due to inability to work.

Certain victims could also be eligible for punitive damages if the defendant's actions were egregious or reckless. These awards are designed to punish the defendant for their blunders and to prevent future incidents.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, however many are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the main cause of boat accidents, along with other naive choices like driving under the influence, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The severity of the injuries vary from minor bruises to paralysis due to brain injury or a spinal cord injury.

Victims of boating accidents are entitled to compensation for medical bills and loss of income or employment while they recover from injuries. They can also claim the costs of long-term medical care if their injuries are permanent. Unfortunately it is difficult to estimate the value of a personal injury claim isn't an easy task, and insurance companies often try to accept less than the victims deserve. An experienced lawyer can help fight for the maximum settlement that is possible.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the incident in order to collect all relevant evidence. This includes the gathering of crucial documents, such as police reports as well as witness statements, vessel maintenance documents, chemical tests and photographs of the site of the accident as well as property damage. Other vital information can be obtained from medical records including detailed reports of the injuries suffered along with the costs incurred as well as estimates of future costs. The lawyer may then bargain with the party at fault or the insurance company to negotiate an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers working on workboats and other vessels, such as supply ships, are exposed to hazardous conditions during their work. They are at risk of getting injured not only from cargo or equipment falling but also from boat accidents caused by the negligence or inattention of other passengers on the vessel.

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

Often, seamen who are injured on supply vessels tugboats, dredgers, barges, oil tanks, cruise or sightseeing vessels need more than workers' compensation to cover their expenses. A New York boat accident lawsuits accident attorney can identify third-party claims that seamen may be eligible for, such as allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or an employer's inability to keep the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence related to your claim, including medical records and insurance policy information as well as police reports and other. They will then negotiate a settlement with the defendant's attorney and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, they will prepare for trial so that they can argue your case in the court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

While the majority of boat crashes occur due to negligent or reckless behavior on the part of the boat accident lawsuits owner However, there are many instances when a crash actually caused by defective equipment. In those cases, victims may seek compensation from the manufacturer of the defective product by filing a lawsuit. In these situations, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist.

Defective equipment and boats may be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. A warranty claim can be based on a breach of implied or express warranties that are imposed by law, such as the New Jersey lemon laws for automobiles used for sale or the warranties of merchantability, or fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies, too. Although some consumers might claim that a problem is obvious or clear, courts often require expert testimony from a surveyor or other certified professional to determine if the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or was caused by an unnoticed issue.

There are some defects that are discovered after a boat has been sold. These are generally deemed manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is responsible for these. Some are discovered after the boat is operated and owned and could be the fault of the owner. A good example is when a boat owner fails to drain 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 that has easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. Like any other recreational activity there are risks and liabilities associated with it.

Injured people are able to file a personal injury claim or wrongful-death suit to seek compensation. Medical expenses loss of income, property losses and pain and suffering are all damages. In the event of gross negligence, the victims may also seek punitive damage.

Insurance companies can be difficult to work with in a case involving a boat especially when their primary goal is to settle as little as possible. Make sure you are level playing field by hiring a NYC boating injury attorney who will work with insurers to ensure all parties involved are accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will scrutinize all evidence available such as police reports and medical records. They will also review witnesses' testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the responsible person and their insurance company in order to negotiate a fair settlement. If they are not able to reach an agreement on an agreement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are skilled at the presentation of evidence in support of your claim and securing the maximum amount of financial compensation.