Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured in an accident while on a boat and it wasn't your fault you may be entitled to a substantial payout. These costs could include physical therapy, medical bills as well as lost income due to the inability to work.

Some victims may also qualify for punitive damages if the defendant's conduct was shocking or reckless. These types of awards are intended to punish the perpetrator and deter similar actions in the future.

Personal Injury

Although boating accidents can lead to serious injuries, a majority of them are preventable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are common causes of boat-related accidents as well as other reckless choices, such as driving under the influence, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The injuries can range from minor bruises to paralysis resulting from brain or spinal cord injuries.

Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for their medical expenses and loss of work or income during their recovery from injuries. They may also be able to recover the expenses of long-term care in the event that their injuries are irreparable. Insurance companies often try and settle for less money than the victims have earned when estimating a claim's value. An experienced lawyer can assist you in negotiating for the highest possible settlement.

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

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers working on workboats and other vessels, including supply ships, are exposed to dangerous conditions during their employment. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment, they are also at risk of boat accidents caused by the negligent or boat accident attorneys reckless behavior of other parties on board the vessel.

Seamen are entitled to certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that protect them from employer negligence. If they suffer injuries due to these incidents, they are entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages can be a result of medical expenses as well as lost wages, the cost of living during the recovery process in the event of pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money.

Often, seamen who are injured on supply vessels tugboats, dredgers and tugboats oil tanks, barges cruise or sightseeing boats need more than workers' compensation in order to pay for their losses. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third party claims that a seaman may be entitled to claims, for instance, allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or an employer's inability to maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence that relate to your claim. This includes medical records, details about insurance policies, police reports and many more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney for the defendant and insurance company in your name. If a fair and reasonable settlement cannot be reached, they will prepare for trial so that they can argue your case in court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents result from defective equipment. Most boat accidents are caused by the reckless or negligent behavior of the boat operator. In these cases, victims can sue the company responsible for the product in order to recover compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these cases.

Boats and defective equipment can be covered under strict liability, negligence, boat accident attorneys or warranty law. A warranty claim may be the result of a breach implied or express warranties that are created by law, such as the New Jersey used car lemon laws, or the warranties of fit and finish and merchantability under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies as well. While some individuals may assert that the issue is obvious or clear however, courts usually require expert testimony from an expert surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if the mechanical breakdown or damage was caused due to an unnoticed issue.

Some defects are discovered after a boat has been sold. They are usually regarded as manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. They are often discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and may be the fault of the owner. An example of this is when a boat owner forgets to drain the water from the engine, and the water freezes in the winter months and causes damage to the motor.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are popular in New York, a state that has easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. However, like all sports, they also carry certain risks and liabilities that could impact the lives of participants.

Individuals who have been injured can file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages. Medical expenses and lost income, as well as property damage, and pain and suffering are all damages. In the event of gross negligence, the victims may also pursue punitive damages.

Insurance companies involved in a maritime accident case can be difficult to deal with, especially when their primary goal is to settle the case as little as they can. Make sure you are level playing field by hiring an NYC lawyer for injuries sustained in boating who will work with insurance companies to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will review all evidence available including police reports and medical records. They will also examine witnesses' testimony. They will then enter into discussions with both the at-fault person and their insurance company to reach a fair settlement. If they fail to reach a settlement then our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are experts in presenting evidence in support of your claim and securing maximum financial award.