Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of an accident while on a boat, and it was not your fault you may be entitled to a substantial settlement. This could include physical therapy, medical bills as well as loss of income because of your inability to work.

Certain victims could also be eligible for punitive damages if the defendant's conduct was shocking or reckless. These awards are intended to penalize the defendant for their blunders and to deter future incidents.

Personal Injury

Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries, however many are avoidable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the main cause of boat-related accidents as well as other reckless choices like driving under the influence, carrying too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The injuries can range from minor bruising to paralysis due to the brain or spinal cord.

Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for medical expenses and loss of income or employment while recovering from their injuries. They can also claim the costs of long-term medical care when their injuries are permanent. Unfortunately it is difficult to estimate the value of an injury claim is not an easy task. Insurance companies frequently try to offer less than what victims have a right to. A knowledgeable attorney can fight for the maximum settlement possible.

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

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are typically exposed to hazardous conditions in the course of their employment. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment in the course of their work, they are also at risk for boat accidents caused by negligent or reckless actions of other passengers on the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. If they sustain injuries as a result of these kinds of incidents, they are entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages can include medical expenses as well as lost wages, the cost of living during recuperation, pain and Boat Accident Attorneys suffering, as well as other benefits in the form of money.

Most often, seamen injured on a supply boat accident lawsuit tugboat, dredger or tugboat barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing boat require more than workers' compensation to pay for their injuries. A New York boat accident lawsuit accident attorney can identify third party claims that an individual seaman may be eligible for claims, for instance, allegations of unreliability or the employer's inability to keep the safety of the vessel.

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

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats are caused by defective equipment. However, the majority of boat accidents are caused by the reckless or negligent behavior of the boat accident lawsuit's operator. In these instances, victims are able to seek compensation from the company that produced the defective product through a lawsuit. In these instances, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist.

Defective equipment and boats can be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. Warranty claims can be based on a breach of implied or express warranties provided by law, for example the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles or the warranties of merchantability or fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies usually cover latent defects, too. Although some consumers might claim that the issue is evident or obvious and obvious, courts typically require expert testimony by an expert surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if the mechanical breakdown or damage resulted from an unnoticed issue.

A few defects are discovered when a boat is sold. They are usually regarded as manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. They are often discovered after the boat is operated and owned, and may be the fault of the owner. One instance is when the owner forgets the empty the engine's water and the water then freezes and affects the motor in winter.

Insurance

In a state like New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes, boating and similar water recreational activities are commonplace among residents. As with all recreational activities, there are risks and liabilities associated with it.

Individuals who have been injured are able to file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages. Damages may include medical costs, loss of income, property loss in addition to pain and suffering diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement, and other costs. In cases of gross negligence, victims may also seek punitive damage.

Insurance companies aren't easy to work with in a case involving a boat accident litigation especially when their primary goal is to pay the least amount possible. Find a NYC lawyer who will work closely with insurance companies to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will thoroughly examine all evidence available including police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the responsible person and their insurance company in order to reach a fair settlement. If they are unable to reach a settlement then our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are experts at presenting evidence to support your claim and securing the highest amount of financial compensation.