Boat Accident Attorneys

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

Some victims may be awarded punitive damages in cases where the conduct of the defendant was reckless and indecent. These types of awards are intended to punish the defendant and discourage similar behavior in the future.

Personal Injury

Although boating accidents can result in serious injuries, a majority of them are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the most common cause of boat-related accidents as well as other reckless choices, such as operating under the influence, carrying too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The severity of injuries can range from lacerations and bruises to permanent paralysis caused by spinal cord or head injury.

Victims who suffer injuries in a boating incident can receive compensation for their medical expenses and lost earnings or work while they recover. If their injuries are irreparable they can also claim expenses for long-term care. Unfortunately finding out the value of a personal injury claim is not an easy task. Insurance firms often attempt to offer less than what victims have a right to. A knowledgeable attorney can to get the highest settlement that is feasible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the incident to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected. This includes the collection of important documents such as police reports, witness statements, vessel maintenance records, chemical tests and photos of the site of the accident as well as the property damage. Other important information can be gathered from medical records, including detailed accounts of the injuries sustained, expenses incurred, and estimated future costs. Lawyers can negotiate with the at-fault party or the insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers working on workboats and other vessels, like supply ships, are subject to hazardous conditions during their employment. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo in the course of their work, they are also at risk of accidents that result from the negligence or reckless actions of other people onboard the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages could include medical expenses loss of wages, cost of living during the recovery process along with pain and suffering and other monetary benefits.

Many times, seamen who are injured on a supply vessel tugboat, dredger barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing boat need more than just workers' compensation to cover their injuries. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third-party claims that a seamen might be entitled to compensation, including allegations of unreliability and the employer's failure to keep a safe vessel.

Your attorney will collect crucial documents and evidence pertaining to your claim, such as medical records as well as insurance policy information and police reports, among others. They will then engage in settlement negotiations with the lawyer of the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial so that they can argue a convincing case in court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats are caused by defective equipment. The majority of mount pleasant boat accident lawyer accidents are caused by the negligent or reckless behavior of the telford boat accident lawsuit operator. In such cases, the victims may seek compensation from the company that produced the defective product in a lawsuit. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these cases.

Defective equipment and boats may be covered by claims based on negligence, strict liability or warranty law. Warranty claims can be based on a breach of implied or express warranties made by law, such as the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles or the warranties of merchantability or the guarantee of fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies, too. Although some consumers might claim that the issue is obvious or clear, courts often require expert testimony by an engineer or other expert to determine if the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or was caused due to a hidden condition.

Some defects are found after a boat has been sold. These are generally deemed manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is responsible for the defects. Other defects are discovered after the vessel is in operation and could be the fault of the owner. An example of this is when a boater forgets to empty water out of the engine, and that water freezes in the winter and damages 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. But, as with all recreational activities, they carry certain risks and liabilities that could affect the lives of those who participate.

Injured people are able to file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation. Damages may include medical costs, loss of income, property losses as well as pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other expenses. In the event of gross negligence, victims may also pursue punitive damages.

Insurance companies involved in a boating collision case can be difficult to deal with, especially when their main goal is to pay you as little as they can. Make sure you are level playing field by hiring an NYC lawyer for boating injuries who will work with insurers to ensure all parties involved are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will review all evidence available, including police reports and medical records. They will also investigate witness testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the responsible person and their insurance company in order to negotiate an acceptable settlement. If they are unable to reach an agreement the attorneys of our firm will prepare for trial. We are experienced in providing evidence to support your claim and securing highest amount of financial compensation.