Boat Accident Attorneys

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

Some victims can also be awarded punitive damages in the event that the defendant's behavior was reckless and indecent. These awards are designed to punish the defendant for their actions and also to deter further incidents.

Personal Injury

Although boating accidents can lead to serious injuries, a majority of them can be avoided. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are a common cause of boat accident law firms accidents, along with other reckless choices, such as driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, or reckless behavior. Injuries can be anything from bruising and cuts to permanent paralysis caused by head injuries or a spinal cord injury.

Victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for medical bills as well as the loss of income or employment while recovering from their injuries. They can also claim the costs of long-term medical care when their injuries are permanent. Unfortunately it is difficult to estimate the value of a personal injury claim is not an easy task. Insurance firms often attempt to make a deal that is less than what victims are entitled to. An experienced attorney will assist you in negotiating for the highest possible settlement.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to ensure all relevant evidence is collected. This includes collecting important documents, such as police reports and witness statements as well as logs of maintenance for the vessel chemical tests, and photographs of the scene of the accident as well as the property damage. Medical records can provide crucial information, for example, detailed reports of the injuries, expenses, and any future costs. The lawyer will then bargain with the party at fault and/or the insurance company for an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are often exposed to hazardous conditions during the course of working. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo, they are also at risk of accidents caused by negligent or reckless conduct of other passengers on the vessel.

Seamen have specific rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that are designed to protect them from negligence by employers. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages could include medical expenses as well as lost income, the cost of living during recovery as well as pain and suffering and other benefits monetary.

Most often, seamen injured on a supply ship, tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing vessel need more than just workers' compensation to compensate their loss. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer will be able to identify any other third-party claims where a seaman could be eligible to recover compensation, including allegations of unreliability and the employer's inability to maintain the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will gather important documents and evidence pertaining to your claim. This includes medical records, information regarding insurance policies, police reports and much more. They will then negotiate a settlement with the attorney for the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached then they will prepare for trial and make a convincing argument in the court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

While most boat accidents occur because of negligent or reckless actions of the boat's operator, there are also many instances where a crash is actually caused by defective equipment. In these instances, victims are able to seek compensation from the company that produced the defective product in a lawsuit. In these cases, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist.

Boats and defective equipment can be covered under strict liability, negligence, or warranty law. A warranty claim could be based on a violation of implied or express warranties that are imposed by law, for example the New Jersey lemon laws for used cars or the warranties of merchantability or the fit and finish of the Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies usually cover latent defects, too. Although some people think an issue is evident or obvious, courts typically require an expert witness from a surveyor, or any other qualified professional to determine whether an issue with a mechanical component or any other damage resulted from a hidden condition.

Some defects are discovered after a boat is sold. These are generally deemed manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is responsible for the defects. Some are discovered after the boat is operated and owned and could be the responsibility of the owner. A good example is when a boat owner forgets to empty water out of the engine, and that water freezes during winter and causes damage to the engine.

Insurance

In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes such as boating, water sports and similar recreational activities are commonplace among residents. Like any other recreational activity, there are risks and responsibilities to be considered.

When boating accidents happen the injured can file a personal injury or wrongful death claim for compensation to pay for their damages. The damages include medical expenses loss of income, property loss along with pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other costs. Victims may also seek punitive damages in cases of reckless or gross negligence behaviour by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies can be difficult to negotiate with in a case involving a boat particularly when their main objective is to pay as little as they can. Hire an NYC lawyer who will work closely with insurers to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will review all evidence available including police reports as well as medical records. They will also examine witness testimony. They will then enter into discussions with both the at-fault person and their insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement. If they cannot agree on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for trial. We are experts at presenting evidence to support your claim and securing the maximum amount of money.