Boat Accident Attorneys

If you were injured in an accident while on a boat which was not your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These expenses may include physical therapy, medical bills and lost income because of inability to work.

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

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can cause serious injuries, many of them are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the main cause of boat accidents along with other careless choices such as driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The injuries can range from minor bruising to paralysis due to brain or spinal cord injuries.

Victims who are injured by a boating accident could be compensated for medical bills and lost earnings or work while they recuperate. If their injuries are severe, they can also recover costs for long-term medical care. Unfortunately finding out the value of a personal injury claim isn't a simple task and insurance firms often attempt to make a deal that is less than what victims need to receive. An experienced lawyer can assist you in negotiating the highest amount of compensation possible.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident in order to collect all relevant evidence. This includes obtaining important documents, such as police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance logs chemical tests, photographs of the scene of the accident as well as property damage. Medical records can provide vital information, like detailed reports on the injuries, expenses, and the cost of future expenses. The lawyer can then negotiate a fair settlement with the person at fault or the insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are typically exposed to hazardous conditions during the course of their job. They are at risk of getting injured not only from cargo or equipment falling, but also by boat accidents caused by the negligence or recklessness of others aboard the vessel.

Seamen have certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws designed to protect them from employer negligence. If they suffer injuries due to such incidents, they're entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages can include medical expenses loss of income, cost of living while recovering the injury, pain and suffering, and other financial benefits.

In many cases, injured seamen on a supply vessel such as tugboats or dredgers oil tanks, barges cruise boats, or sightseeing vessels require more than workers' compensation to pay for their losses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third-party claims that a seamen might be entitled to compensation, including claims of unreliability and the employer's inability to maintain a safe vessel.

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence related to your claim. These include medical records, information regarding insurance policies, police reports and many more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney for the defendant and the insurance company you have named. If a fair agreement cannot be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial and make a convincing argument in the court on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents are caused by defective equipment. The majority of accidents on boats result from the reckless or negligent actions of the boat operator. In these instances, the victims could sue the firm responsible for the product to obtain compensation. In these situations, 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 caused by a breach of express or implied warranties created by law such as the New Jersey used car lemon laws, or the warranties of merchantability and fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies can cover nebulous defects too. Although some consumers might claim that a problem is obvious or clear and obvious, courts typically require expert testimony from an expert surveyor or other certified professional to determine if the mechanical breakdown or damage was caused by an unnoticed issue.

There are some defects that are discovered after the boat is sold. These defects are typically considered manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is accountable for these. Others are discovered after the boat is owned and operated and could be the fault of the owner. A good example is when a boat owner fails to empty water out of the engine, firms and that water freezes in winter months and causes damage to the motor.

Insurance

In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes, boating and similar water recreation activities are common for residents. However, as with most recreational activities, they carry certain risks and liabilities that can affect the lives of those who participate.

Injured persons can file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages. The damages include medical expenses loss of income, property loss along with 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 behaviour by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies can be difficult to negotiate with in a case involving a boat especially when their primary goal is to settle as little as they can. Find an NYC lawyer for a boating accident who will work closely with insurers to hold them accountable for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will look over all evidence available such as police reports and medical records. They will also review witness testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the responsible person and their insurance company to negotiate an equitable settlement. If they are unable to agree on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for trial. We are adept at presenting evidence to support your claim and winning the maximum financial award.