Boat Accident Attorneys

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

Some victims may be awarded punitive damages, in the event that the defendant's behavior was reckless and indecent. These awards are intended to punish the defendant for their misconduct and to deter future incidents.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can result in serious injuries, a lot of them are preventable. Boat accidents are often caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, and other reckless actions like driving under the influence of alcohol, carrying many passengers, and reckless behavior. The injuries could vary from lacerations and bruising to permanent paralysis caused by injuries to the head or spinal cord.

Victims who are injured by a boating accident could be compensated for medical bills and lost income or work while they recover. They may also be able to recover the cost of long-term treatment when their injuries are permanent. Insurance companies often try and settle for less money than the victims are entitled to when estimating a claim's value. An experienced lawyer can help ensure that you receive the highest settlement possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes gathering important documents, such as police reports and witness statements and logs of maintenance on the vessel, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of the accident and property damage. Other crucial information can be gathered from medical records that include detailed accounts of the injuries sustained as well as the expenses incurred and estimated 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 as well as other vessels, like supply ships, are exposed to dangerous conditions during their employment. They are at risk of getting injured not just by falling equipment or Vimeo cargo, but also by accidents on boats caused by the negligence or inattention of other passengers on the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. If they sustain injuries as a result of these kinds of incidents, they are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages can be a result of medical expenses, lost wages, cost of living during recuperation along with pain and suffering and other monetary benefits.

Often, seamen who are injured on a supply vessel tugboats, dredgers, barges, oil tanks, cruise boats, or sightseeing vessels require more than workers' compensation in order to pay for their losses. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third-party claims that a seaman may be entitled to like claims of unseaworthiness or the employer's negligence in maintaining the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence related to your claim, such as medical records and insurance policy details, police reports and more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the defendant's attorney and the insurance company you have named. If the settlement is not fair reached, they will then prepare a strong case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents result from defective equipment. Most accidents on boats are caused by the negligent or reckless actions of the boat's operator. In such cases, the victims are able to seek compensation from the manufacturer of the defective product by filing a lawsuit. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these cases.

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 or the warranties of quality and fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies usually cover latent defects, too. Although some consumers may claim that a problem is obvious or clear, courts often require expert testimony from a surveyor or other expert to determine if the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or resulted from an unnoticed issue.

A few defects are discovered when a boat is sold. These are generally deemed manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is accountable for them. They are often discovered after the clearwater boat accident attorney has been owned and operated and may be the owner's fault. An example is the case of a boat owner who forgets to drain water from the engine, and the 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 among residents. However, as with most recreational activities, they carry certain risks and liabilities that could impact the lives of participants.

Injured persons may file a personal injury claim or wrongful death suit to seek compensation. Damages may include medical costs, loss of income, property losses, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement and other expenses. Victims can also seek punitive damages when they are the result of reckless or gross negligence behavior by the party at fault.

Insurance companies can be difficult to work with in a boating dispute particularly when their primary goal is to compensate as little as they can. Find an NYC boating accident attorney who will work closely with insurers to hold all parties responsible for their actions.

An experienced attorney will review all evidence available such as police reports and medical records. They will also review witnesses' testimony. Then, they'll enter into negotiations with the at-fault party and their insurance company to negotiate an acceptable settlement. If they cannot agree on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare for trial. We are experienced in presenting evidence to support your claim and obtaining the highest amount of money.