Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries in an accident on the water which was not your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These expenses may include physical therapy, medical bills and income loss because of inability to work.

Some victims may also qualify for punitive damages if defendant's conduct was inexplicably reckless. These awards are designed to punish the defendant for their actions and to discourage future offenses.

Personal Injury

Although boating accidents can lead to serious injuries, a majority of them can be avoided. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are common causes of boat accidents, along with other careless choices such as driving under the influence, transporting too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The severity of injuries ranges from minor bruises to paralysis due to brain injury or a spinal cord injury.

Victims of injuries sustained in a boating incident can be compensated for medical expenses and lost income or work while they recover. If their injuries are irreparable they may also be able to recover costs for long-term treatment. Unfortunately the process of estimating the value of a personal injury claim isn't a simple task and insurance companies frequently try to accept less than the victims need to receive. A skilled attorney can help you to fight for the highest possible settlement.

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

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are often exposed to hazardous conditions during the course of working. They are at risk of getting injured not just from falling equipment or cargo and cargo, but also due to boat accidents caused by negligence or inattention of other passengers aboard 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 could include medical expenses loss of income, cost of living during recovery as well as pain and suffering and other monetary benefits.

Many times, injured seamen on supply vessels tugboats, dredgers, barges, oil tanks, cruise or sightseeing boats require more than workers' compensation to cover their expenses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third-party claims that a seamen could be eligible for compensation, including claims of unseaworthiness and the failure of the employer to maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your attorney will collect important documents and evidence related to your claim. This includes medical records, information about insurance policies, police reports, boat accident attorneys and much more. They will then engage in settlement negotiations with the lawyer of the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If the settlement is not fair reached, they will draft an argument that is strong enough to be tried on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents are caused by defective equipment. Most boat accidents are caused by the reckless or negligent behavior of the boat operator. In these instances, the victims can sue the company that made the defective product to obtain compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these instances.

Defective boats and equipment may be covered by claims that are based on negligence or strict liability law. A warranty claim could be based on a violation of implied or express guarantees made by law, such as the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles, boat accident attorneys or the guarantees of merchantability, or fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies, too. Although some consumers might claim that the issue is evident or obvious but courts typically require expert testimony from a surveyor or another certified professional to determine if a mechanical breakdown or damage resulted from an unnoticed problem.

Certain defects are discovered after the boat is sold. They are usually regarded as manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Some are discovered after the boat accident lawyers was operated and owned, and may be the fault of the owner. One example is when the owner forgets the emptying of the engine of water and the water freezes and causes damage to the motor during the winter.

Insurance

In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes, boating and similar water recreational activities are commonplace among residents. But, as with all recreational activities, they are accompanied by certain risks and liabilities that can have a negative impact on the lives of participants.

When boating accidents occur, injured individuals may make a personal injury claim or wrongful death claim to receive compensation to cover their damages. Damages may include medical costs, loss of income, property losses along with pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement and other costs. In cases of gross negligence, victims may also pursue punitive damages.

Insurance companies involved in a maritime accident case aren't easy to deal with, especially when their main goal is to pay you as little as they can. Employ a NYC boating accident attorney who will work closely with insurers to hold all parties responsible for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will scrutinize all evidence available, including police reports and medical records. They will also examine witnesses' testimony. They will then engage in discussions with the at-fault party and their insurance company to obtain an equitable settlement. If they are unable come to an agreement then our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are experts in the presentation of evidence in support of your claim and securing highest amount of financial compensation.