Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries in an accident on the water that was not your fault, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. These costs could include physical therapy, medical bills and income loss due to the inability to work.

Some victims may also qualify for punitive damages when the defendant's conduct was shocking 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, but they are often avoidable. Boat accidents are often caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, as well as other reckless choices such as driving under the under the influence of alcohol, transporting many passengers, and reckless behavior. The severity of injuries can be anything from bruising and cuts to permanent paralysis caused by neck or spinal cord injuries.

Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for their medical bills and loss in earnings or work while they recover from injuries. They can also recover the costs of long-term care when their injuries are permanent. Insurance companies usually try to offer less money than the victims are entitled to when estimating a claim's value. An experienced attorney can help in negotiating the best settlement that is possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure all relevant evidence is collected. This includes gathering important documents, including police reports and witness statements along with logs of vessel maintenance as well as chemical tests and photos of the scene of an accident and the property damage. Medical records can also provide essential information, such as detailed reports on the injuries, expenses, and future costs. Lawyers can negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault person or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers working on workboats as well as other vessels, including supply ships, are exposed to hazardous conditions throughout their employment. They are at risk of getting injured not just by cargo or equipment falling, but also by boat accidents caused by negligence or recklessness of others on board the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. If they are injured in these incidents, they are entitled to full damages 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 as well as pain and suffering and other monetary benefits.

Most often, seamen injured on a supply ship tugboat, dredger or tugboat barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing boat require more than just workers' compensation to compensate their losses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can identify other third-party claims that a seamen could be eligible to recover compensation, such as allegations of insecurities and the employer's failure to maintain a safe vessel.

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence pertaining to your claim. These include medical records, details about insurance policies, police reports, and many more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney for the defendant and insurance company in your name. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, they will prepare for trial in order to present a strong case in the court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats are caused by defective equipment. Most accidents on boats are caused by the negligent or reckless actions of the boat's owner. In these instances, the victims may sue the company that manufactured the defective product to claim compensation. In these cases, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

Defective equipment and boats can be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. A warranty claim may be based on a breach of implied or express guarantees provided by law, like the New Jersey lemon laws for used cars or the warranties of merchantability or quality and fit under Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies can cover nebulous defects too. While some consumers may suggest that an issue is obvious or obvious, courtrooms frequently require an expert witness from a surveyor, or any other qualified professional to determine whether the mechanical breakdown or another damage was caused by a concealed condition.

Certain defects are discovered after a boat is sold. These are generally deemed manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is responsible for them. Some are discovered after the boat is operated and owned, and may be the owner's fault. A good example is when a boat accident law firms owner forgets to empty water out of the engine, and the water freezes during winter months and causes damage to the motor.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state with easy access to Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. However, like most recreational activities, they are accompanied by certain risks and liabilities that could affect the lives of those who participate.

Individuals who have been injured can file a personal injury claim or wrongful death suit to recover damages. Medical expenses, lost income, property losses, as well as suffering and pain are all considered damages. In cases of gross negligence, the victims may also pursue punitive damages.

Insurance companies involved in a boating collision case are often difficult to deal with, especially when their primary objective is to pay you as little as possible. Make sure you are level playing field by hiring a NYC attorney for boating injuries who will work with insurance companies to ensure all parties involved are held accountable for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will review all available evidence that is available, including police reports medical records and witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with the person at fault and their insurance company in order to reach an equitable settlement. If they can't agree on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for trial. We are experienced in providing evidence to support your claim and winning the maximum financial award.