Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries as a result of a boating accident and it wasn't your fault you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These costs may include medical bills, physical therapies as well as lost income due to inability to work.

Some victims might also be eligible for punitive damages in the event that the defendant's behavior was egregious or reckless. These awards are designed to punish the defendant for their misconduct and also to deter further incidents.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can result in serious injuries, a lot of them can be avoided. Boat accidents are usually caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, and other reckless decisions like driving under the influence of alcohol, carrying many passengers, and reckless behavior. The severity of injuries ranges from minor bruises to paralysis due to brain or spinal cord injuries.

Victims who suffer injuries by a boating accident could be compensated for medical expenses and loss of income or job while they recover. If their injuries are irreparable they may also recover costs for long-term treatment. Unfortunately, estimating the value of an injury claim is not a simple task and insurance companies often settle for less than victims deserve. An experienced lawyer can 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 that all relevant evidence is collected. This includes the gathering of crucial documents such as police reports as well as witness statements, vessel maintenance records, chemical tests, and photographs of the scene of the accident and the property damage. Other vital information can be obtained from medical records, including detailed accounts of the injuries sustained as well as the expenses incurred and estimated future costs. The lawyer may then negotiate a fair settlement with the person who was at fault or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats as well as other vessels, including supply ships, are exposed to dangerous conditions during their employment. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment, they are also at risk of being involved in boat accidents caused by the negligent or reckless actions of other passengers on the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. When they suffer injuries from these types of incidents, they are entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). The damages could include medical expenses loss of income, cost of living during recovery from injuries, pain and suffering and other financial benefits.

In many cases, injured seamen on a supply vessel tugboats, dredgers and tugboats oil tanks, barges cruise or sightseeing boats need more than workers' compensation to compensate for their expenses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can identify other third-party claims that a seaman could be eligible for compensation, such as allegations of unreliability and the employer's failure to maintain the safety of the vessel.

Your attorney will gather important documents and evidence related to your claim, like medical records and insurance policy details, police reports and more. They will then engage in settlement negotiations with the lawyer for the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement cannot be reached then they will prepare for trial to argue a convincing case in the court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats result from defective equipment. Most accidents on boats result from the reckless or negligent actions of the boat's operator. In those instances, victims can seek compensation from the company that manufactured the defective product by filing a lawsuit. In these cases, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

Boats and defective equipment can be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. Warranty claims can be based on a violation of implied or express guarantees made by law, like the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles or the warranties of merchantability or the guarantee of fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies usually cover latent problems as well. Although some consumers might claim that a problem is evident or boat accident lawyer obvious, courts often require expert testimony from a surveyor or other expert to determine if a mechanical breakdown or damage was caused by an unnoticed issue.

There are some defects that are discovered after a boat is sold. These are typically regarded as manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is responsible for these. Some are discovered after the boat accident lawsuit is operated and owned and could be the responsibility of the owner. One example is when a boat owner fails to empty the engine's water and the water then freezes and damages the motor in the winter.

Insurance

In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes such as boating, water sports and similar recreation activities are common among residents. However, as with most recreational activities, they are accompanied by certain risks and liabilities that could affect the lives of the participants.

When boating accidents happen and people are injured, they can be able to file a personal injury or wrongful-death claim for compensation to compensate for their losses. Medical expenses as well as lost income, property loss, and suffering and pain are all considered damages. In the event of gross negligence, victims may also pursue punitive damages.

Insurance companies involved in a maritime accident case can be difficult to deal with, particularly since their main objective is to pay you as little as possible. Find a NYC boating accident attorney who will work closely with insurers to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will scrutinize all evidence available such as police reports and medical records. They will also examine witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the responsible person and their insurance company in order to reach an acceptable settlement. If they are not able to reach an agreement on an agreement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are experts in providing evidence to support your claim and securing highest amount of financial compensation.