Boat Accident Attorneys

If you were injured in an accident on the water which was not your fault, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. These expenses could include physical therapy, medical bills and loss of income because of your inability to work.

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

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can cause serious injuries, but a majority are avoidable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the most common cause of boat accidents, as are other reckless choices, such as operating under the influence, transporting too many passengers, and reckless behavior. Injuries can be anything from bruising and cuts to permanent paralysis resulting from neck or spinal cord injuries.

Victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for their medical bills and loss in earnings or work as they recover from their injuries. They can also claim the costs of long-term medical care when their injuries are permanent. Unfortunately finding out the value of a personal injury claim isn't an easy task, and insurance firms often attempt to make a deal that is less than what victims need to receive. A skilled attorney can assist you in negotiating the highest possible settlement.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to gather all evidence relevant. This includes collecting important documents, including police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance logs as well as chemical tests and photos of the scene of the accident as well as the property damage. Other crucial information can be obtained from medical records, including detailed reports of the injuries suffered, expenses incurred, and estimates of future costs. Lawyers can negotiate with the at-fault party and/or the insurance company for a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats as well as other vessels, like supply ships, are exposed to hazardous conditions during their work. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo, they are also at risk for boat 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 egg harbor city boat accident lawsuit Workers' Compensation Act. These damages could include medical expenses and lost income, as well as the cost of living while recovering, 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 require more than just workers' compensation to pay for their losses. A knowledgeable New York pontiac boat accident law firm accident lawyer will be able to identify any other third-party claims that a seaman may be able to claim compensation, including claims of unreliability and the failure of the employer to maintain a safe vessel.

Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence regarding your claim, such as medical records as well as insurance policy information, police reports and more. They will then enter into settlement discussions with the lawyer of the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not reached, they will prepare an effective case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents are caused by defective equipment. The majority of accidents on boats are caused by the reckless or negligent actions of the boat operator. In those instances, victims can seek compensation from the company that produced the defective product through a lawsuit. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these instances.

Boats and defective equipment can be covered under strict liability, negligence, or warranty law. A warranty claim may be based on a violation of implied or express warranties created by law, such as the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles or the warranties of merchantability or fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies can cover nebulous problems as well. While some people may argue that the issue is obvious or clear but courts typically 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 problem.

There are some defects that are discovered after a boat is sold. These defects are typically considered manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is responsible for these. Some are discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and could be the fault of the owner. One example is when the boat owner fails to emptying of the engine's water and the water freezes and damages the motor in the winter.

Insurance

In a state like New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes boats and other water recreational activities are commonplace for residents. However, as with most recreation activities, they come with certain risks and liabilities that could impact the lives of participants.

Individuals who have been injured can file a personal injury claim or wrongful death suit to seek compensation. The damages include medical expenses loss of income, property losses as well as pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement, and other costs. Victims can also pursue punitive damages in instances of reckless or gross negligence behavior by the party at fault.

Insurance companies aren't easy to work with in a boating case, especially when their main goal is to settle the least amount possible. Find a NYC lawyer for boating accidents who will work closely with insurance companies to hold everyone accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will scrutinize all evidence available such as police reports and medical records. They will also review witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the responsible person and their insurance company in order to reach a fair settlement. If they are unable agree on a settlement the attorneys of our firm will prepare for trial. We are experienced in presenting evidence to support your claim and securing the maximum financial award.