Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured in an accident with a boat which was not your fault, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. This could include physical therapy, medical bills and lost income because of your inability to work.

Some victims can also be awarded punitive damages, in the event that the defendant's behavior was egregious and reckless. These kinds of awards are intended to punish the defendant and discourage similar conduct in the future.

Personal Injury

Although boating accidents can result in serious injuries, a lot of them can be avoided. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the main cause of boat accidents along with other reckless choices like driving under the influence, carrying too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The severity of injuries can range from bruising and lacerations to permanent paralysis resulting from neck or spinal cord injuries.

Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for their medical bills and loss of income or work while they recover from injuries. If their injuries are permanent they can also claim costs for long-term treatment. Unfortunately, estimating the value of a personal injury claim is not an easy task, and insurance companies frequently try to accept less than the victims are entitled to. An experienced lawyer can assist you in negotiating for the highest settlement possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the incident to ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes the collection of crucial documents, such as police reports as well as witness statements, vessel maintenance records, chemical tests and photos of the site of the accident as well as the property damage. Other essential information may be gathered from medical records, which include detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained, the expenses incurred, as well as estimated future costs. The lawyer may then negotiate with the at-fault party and/or the insurance company for a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are typically exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of working. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo as well as falling equipment, they are also at risk for boat accidents caused by negligence or reckless conduct of other parties on board the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages can be a result of medical expenses loss of wages, cost of living during the recovery process, Boat accidents pain and suffering, as well as other benefits in the form of money.

A lot of times, injured seamen on supply vessels tugboats, dredgers, oil tanks, barges cruise or sightseeing boats require more than workers' compensation in order to pay for their losses. A New York boat accident attorney will be able to identify third-party claims the seaman could be entitled to, such as allegations of unsafeness or the employer's inability to maintain a safe vessel.

Your attorney will collect important documents and evidence in connection with your claim. These include medical records, details about insurance policies, police reports, and many more. They will then engage in settlement negotiations with the lawyer for the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If a fair agreement cannot be reached, they will prepare for trial and make a convincing argument in the court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

While most boat accidents occur because of reckless or negligent behaviour on the part of the boat accident lawsuits owner, there are also many instances when a crash actually caused by defective equipment. In these cases, victims may sue the company that manufactured the defective product in order to recover compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these cases.

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

Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies too. Although some consumers may claim that the issue is evident or obvious, courts often require expert testimony from an engineer or other certified professional to determine if the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or was caused by an unnoticed condition.

There are some defects that are discovered after a boat is sold. They are usually regarded as manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Some are discovered after the boat is owned and operated and could be the fault of the owner. An example of this is when a boater forgets to drain the water out of the engine, and Boat accidents that water freezes in winter and damages the motor.

Insurance

In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes and waterways, boating and other water recreation activities are common for residents. However, as with most recreation activities, they come with certain risks and liabilities that can impact the lives of participants.

If boating accidents happen, injured individuals may pursue a personal injury wrongful death claim to receive compensation to pay for their damages. Damages include medical expenses, loss of income, property loss, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement, and other expenses. Victims may also demand punitive damages in the event of gross negligence or reckless behavior by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies involved in a boating injury case are often difficult to deal with, especially when their main objective is to pay you the least amount they can. Hire an NYC lawyer for a boating accident who will work closely with insurance companies to hold everyone accountable for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will look over all evidence available, including police reports and medical records. They will also investigate witnesses' testimony. Then, they'll engage in negotiations with the at-fault party and their insurance company in order to reach an equitable settlement. If they fail to come to an agreement the attorneys of our firm will prepare for trial. We are experts in presenting evidence in support of your claim and securing highest amount of financial compensation.