boat accident law firms Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries in an accident on the water that wasn't your fault, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. This could include medical bills, physical therapies and lost income due to inability to work.

Certain victims could also be eligible for punitive damages in the event that the defendant's conduct was shocking or reckless. These awards are designed to punish the defendant for their actions and also to deter further incidents.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can cause serious injuries, however many are preventable. Boat accidents are usually caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, as well as other careless choices like driving under the under the influence of alcohol, transporting many passengers, and reckless behavior. The severity of the injuries vary from minor bruising to paralysis due to the brain or spinal cord.

Victims of boating accidents are entitled to compensation for medical bills as well as the loss of income or employment while they recover from injuries. They can also claim the costs of long-term medical care for injuries that are permanent. Insurance companies often try and accept less than the victims are entitled to when estimating a claim's value. An experienced lawyer can assist you in negotiating the highest amount of compensation possible.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the incident in order to gather all evidence relevant. This includes the collection of crucial documents such as police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance documents, chemical tests and photographs of the accident site and the damage to property. Other essential information may be gathered from medical records, including detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained as well as the expenses incurred and estimated future costs. The lawyer will then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person responsible for the accident or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers working on workboats and other vessels, including supply ships, are subject to hazardous conditions throughout their work. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo as well as falling equipment, they are also at risk of boat accidents that result from the negligence or reckless behavior by other crew members on the vessel.

Seamen are entitled to certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that are designed to protect them from the negligence of employers. If they suffer injuries due to these types of incidents, they are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). The damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, cost of living during recuperation as well as pain and suffering and other monetary benefits.

A lot of times, injured seamen on a supply vessel, tugboats, dredgers, barges, oil tanks cruise or sightseeing boats need more than workers' compensation to compensate for their losses. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third-party claims that the seaman could be entitled to, such as allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or an employer's inability to keep an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence pertaining to your claim. This includes medical records, information about insurance policies, police reports and much more. They will then enter into settlement discussions with the lawyer of the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If a fair agreement cannot be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial to make a convincing argument in the court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

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

Defective boats and equipment may be covered by claims that are based on negligence, strict liability or warranty law. A warranty claim may be the result of a breach express or implied warranties created by law such as the New Jersey used car lemon laws or the guarantees of quality and fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies too. While some consumers may suggest that the issue is obvious or obvious, courts often require expert testimony by a surveyor or other expert to determine if a mechanical breakdown or other damage was caused by a concealed problem.

There are some defects that are discovered after a boat is sold. These are typically considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. They are often discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and may be the fault of the owner. One instance is when the owner fails to empty the engine's water and the water freezes, which damages the motor during 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. Like all recreational activities there are risks and responsibilities to be considered.

When boating accidents happen victims may make a personal injury claim or wrongful death claim to cover their damages. Damages can include medical expenses, loss of income, property loss in addition to pain and suffering diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement, and other costs. Victims can also seek punitive damages when they are the result of reckless or gross negligence behavior by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies aren't always easy to work with in a case involving a boat particularly when their primary goal is to settle as little as they can. Bring the game level by hiring an NYC lawyer for boating injuries who will work with insurance companies to ensure all parties involved are held accountable for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will look over all evidence that is available that is available, including police reports medical records, accident and witness testimony. Then they will engage in negotiations with the at-fault party and their insurance company in order to reach an acceptable settlement. If they cannot reach an agreement then our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are experienced in providing evidence to support your claim and obtaining the highest amount of money.