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 a substantial compensation. These expenses may include physical therapy, medical bills as well as lost income because of your inability to work.

Some victims may also be awarded punitive damages in cases where the conduct of the defendant was reckless and egregious. These awards are intended to punish the defendant for their conduct and also to deter further incidents.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can cause serious injuries, but a majority are preventable. Boat accidents are often caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, as well as other reckless decisions like driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing many passengers, and reckless behavior. The severity of injuries can vary from lacerations and bruising to permanent paralysis resulting from injuries to the head or spinal cord.

Victims who are injured in a boating incident can receive compensation for their medical expenses and loss of income or work as they recover. They can also claim the cost of long-term treatment if their injuries are permanent. Insurance companies often try and offer less money than the victims are entitled to when estimating a claim's value. An experienced attorney will assist you in negotiating the most lucrative settlement you can get.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes gathering important documents, like witness statements and police reports, vessel maintenance logs, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of the accident and the property damage. Other important information can be obtained from medical records, including detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained along with the costs incurred as well as estimated future costs. The lawyer can then negotiate with the at-fault party or the insurance company to negotiate an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are often exposed to hazardous conditions during the course of their employment. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment, they are also at risk for boat accidents caused by negligence or reckless behavior of other parties on board the vessel.

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

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

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence related to your claim. These include medical records, details about insurance policies, police reports, and many more. They will then negotiate a settlement with the attorney representing the defendant as well as an the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached, they will prepare for trial so that they can argue a convincing case in the court on your behalf.

Product Defects

While most hartford boat accident attorney accidents occur due to reckless or negligent behavior of the boat's operator However, there are a number of instances where a crash is actually the result of faulty equipment. In these instances, the victims can sue the company that manufactured the defective product in order to recover compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these instances.

Defective equipment and boats may be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. A warranty claim may be based on a breach of express or implied guarantees that are imposed by law, for example the New Jersey lemon laws for used cars or the warranties of merchantability, or fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies as well. While some consumers suggest the issue is obvious or obvious, courts often require expert testimony from a surveyor or other expert to determine if an engine failure or other damage was caused by a hidden problem.

Some defects are found after a boat is sold. These are typically regarded as manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is accountable for these. Other defects are discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and may be the fault of the owner. One example is when a boat owner forgets to drain the water out of the engine, and that water freezes during winter and causes damage to the engine.

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 among residents. Like all recreational activities there are risks and liabilities involved.

If boating accidents happen the injured can make a personal injury claim or boat accident lawyer wrongful death claim for compensation to compensate for their losses. Medical expenses and lost income, as well as property losses, as well as suffering and pain are all damages. Victims may also seek punitive damages when they are the result of reckless or gross negligence actions by the responsible party.

Insurance companies involved in a boating collision case can be difficult to work with, particularly when their primary goal is to compensate you as little as possible. Level the playing field by hiring a NYC lawyer for boating injuries who will work with insurers to ensure all parties involved are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will thoroughly look over all evidence that is available including police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the at fault person and their insurance company to reach an acceptable settlement. If they are not able to reach an agreement on the amount of settlement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are experienced in presenting evidence to support your claim and securing maximum financial award.