Boat Accident Attorneys

If you were injured in a boating accident that wasn't your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These costs may include physical therapy, medical bills as well as lost income due to inability to work.

Some victims can be awarded punitive damages in cases where the conduct of the defendant was reckless and egregious. These kinds of awards are designed to punish the defendant and deter similar misconduct in the future.

Personal Injury

Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries, but a majority are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the most common cause of boat accidents, as are other careless choices such as driving under the influence, bringing too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The severity of injuries can range from bruising and lacerations to permanent paralysis resulting from head injuries or a spinal cord injury.

Victims of injuries sustained in a boating accident may get compensation for their medical expenses and loss of earnings or work while they recover. They may also be able to recover the cost of long-term treatment for injuries that are permanent. Unfortunately finding out the value of an injury claim is not an easy task, and insurance companies often try to accept less than the victims deserve. 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 to collect all relevant evidence. This includes gathering important documents, including witness statements and police reports, vessel maintenance logs chemical tests, and photographs of the scene of an accident and the property damage. Other vital information can be obtained from medical records including detailed accounts of the injuries sustained, the expenses incurred, as well as estimated future costs. Lawyers can negotiate an acceptable settlement with the at-fault person and/or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers working on workboats as well as other vessels, like supply ships, are exposed to hazardous conditions during their employment. They are at risk of being injured not only by cargo or equipment falling but also from boat accidents caused by negligence or recklessness of others aboard the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Boat accident litigation Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages can include medical expenses, lost income, cost of living during recovery from injuries, pain and suffering and other benefits monetary.

Often, seamen who are injured while on a supply ship, tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing boat accident lawsuit require more than workers' compensation to compensate their losses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident legal accident litigation (visit my home page) accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims that a seaman may be able to claim compensation, such as allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or the employer's failure to keep an appropriate vessel.

Your attorney will collect important documents and evidence that relate to your claim. This includes medical records, information regarding insurance policies, police reports and much more. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the lawyer for the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If an acceptable settlement cannot be reached, they will then prepare an argument that is strong enough to be tried on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats result from defective equipment. While the majority of boat accidents are caused by the reckless or Boat Accident Litigation negligent actions of the boat accident compensation's operator. In such cases, the victims can seek compensation from manufacturer of the defective product by filing a lawsuit. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these cases.

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

Insurance policies often cover latent defects too. While some people may argue that the issue is evident or obvious and obvious, courts typically require expert testimony by a surveyor or other certified professional to determine if a 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. Some are discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and may be the fault of the owner. One example is when the boat owner forgets the empty the water from the engine and the water then freezes and damages the motor in the 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 for residents. However, like all recreation activities, they come with certain risks and liabilities that could affect the lives of those who participate.

Injured people are able to file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation. Damages may include medical costs, loss of income, property loss as well as pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement, and other expenses. Victims may also seek punitive damages in cases of reckless or gross negligence behaviour by the at-fault party.

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

An experienced attorney will review all evidence available including police reports and medical records. They will also look into witnesses' testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the at-fault person and their insurance company to negotiate an equitable settlement. If they cannot agree on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for trial. We are experienced in presenting evidence in support of your claim and securing the highest amount of financial compensation.