Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of an accident while on a boat that wasn't your fault, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. These costs may include physical therapy, medical bills as well as lost income because of inability to work.

Some victims might also be eligible for punitive damages if defendant's conduct was shocking or reckless. These kinds of awards are intended to punish the offender and discourage similar conduct in the future.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can result in serious injuries, a majority of them are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are a common cause of boat accidents, as are other naive choices like driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The severity of the injuries vary from minor bruises to paralysis caused by brain injury or a spinal cord injury.

Victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for their medical bills and loss of income or employment as they recover from their injuries. They also have the right to recover costs of long-term care for injuries that are permanent. Insurance companies frequently try to offer less money than the victims should receive when estimating claims' value. An experienced lawyer can help fight for the maximum settlement that is possible.

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

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats as well as other vessels, such as supply ships, are subject to hazardous conditions throughout their work. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment and equipment, they also are at risk of being involved in boat accidents caused by the negligent or reckless conduct of other passengers on the vessel.

Seamen have rights that are specific to them under the Jones Act and other federal laws designed to protect them from negligence by employers. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The damages may include medical expenses loss of wages, cost of living during recovery along with pain and suffering and other monetary benefits.

Many times, injured seamen on a supply vessel tugboats, dredgers, oil tanks, barges cruise or sightseeing boats need more than workers' compensation in order to compensate for Boat Accident Lawyer their expenses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident law firms accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims for which a seaman might be entitled to compensation, such as allegations of insecurities and the employer's failure to keep a safe vessel.

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence pertaining to your claim, like medical records, insurance policy information, police reports and more. They will then negotiate a settlement with the defendant's attorney and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached, they will prepare for trial to argue your case in the court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents result from defective equipment. The majority of boat accidents result from the reckless or negligent behavior of the boat operator. In those instances, victims are able to seek compensation from the company that manufactured the defective product in a lawsuit. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these cases.

Defective boats and equipment could be covered by claims that are based on negligence, strict liability or warranty law. A warranty claim can be due to a breach of implied or express warranties imposed 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 typically cover hidden defects, too. While some consumers suggest an issue is obvious or obvious, courts typically require expert testimony from a surveyor or other expert to determine if the mechanical breakdown or another damage resulted from a hidden problem.

There are some defects that are discovered after a boat has been sold. These are usually considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. They are often discovered after the boat was operated and owned, and may be the fault of the owner. One example is when a boat owner forgets to empty water out of the engine, and that 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, boating and similar water recreation activities are common among residents. However, like all recreation activities, they come with certain risks and liabilities that can have a negative impact on the lives of participants.

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

Insurance companies can be difficult to negotiate with in a boating dispute especially when their primary goal is to compensate as little as they can. Level the playing field by hiring an NYC attorney for boating injuries who will collaborate with insurers to ensure all parties involved are accountable for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will look over all evidence available, including police reports and medical records. They will also examine witness testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the responsible person and their insurance company to reach an acceptable settlement. If they cannot reach an agreement then our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are skilled at presenting evidence in support of your claim and securing highest amount of financial compensation.