Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured in an accident with a boat that was not your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These costs could include physical therapy, medical bills and income loss due to inability to work.

Some victims may also qualify for punitive damages if the defendant's actions were egregious or reckless. These awards are designed to penalize the defendant for their blunders and to deter future incidents.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can result in serious injuries, a lot of them can be avoided. Boat accidents are usually caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, in addition to other careless choices like driving under the under the influence of alcohol, transporting too many people, 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 bills and loss of work or income while recovering from their injuries. If their injuries are permanent they may also recover expenses for long-term care. Unfortunately it is difficult to estimate the value of a personal injury claim is not a simple task and insurance firms often attempt to make a deal that is less than what victims have a right to. A skilled attorney can assist you in negotiating the most lucrative settlement you can get.

A New York orange city boat accident lawyer boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the incident to gather all evidence relevant. This includes obtaining important documents like witness statements and police reports along with logs of vessel maintenance, chemical tests and photographs of the accident scene and property damage. Other essential information may be obtained from medical records that include detailed reports of the injuries suffered, expenses incurred, and estimated future costs. The lawyer can then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person responsible for the accident or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

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

Seamen are entitled to certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws designed to protect them from employer negligence. 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 could include medical expenses and lost income, as well as the cost of living while recovering from injuries, pain and suffering and other benefits monetary.

In many cases, injured seamen on supply vessels such as tugboats or dredgers oil tanks, barges cruise or sightseeing boats need more than workers' compensation to cover their expenses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer will be able to identify any other third-party claims that a seamen could be eligible to recover compensation, including claims of unseaworthiness and the employer's failure to keep an appropriate vessel.

Your attorney will gather important documents and evidence related to your claim, like medical records, insurance policy information, police reports and more. They will then negotiate a settlement with the attorney representing the defendant as well as an the insurance company that you represent. If the settlement is not fair agreed upon, they will create an effective case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

While most boat accidents occur due to reckless or negligent actions of the boat owner However, there are a number of cases where a crash is actually caused by defective equipment. In these instances, firms the victims may sue the company responsible for the product to claim compensation. 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 violation of express or implied guarantees provided by law, like the New Jersey lemon laws for used cars or the warranties of merchantability, or fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies as well. Although some consumers might claim that the issue is obvious or firms clear but courts typically require expert testimony from a surveyor or other certified professional to determine if a mechanical breakdown or damage resulted from an unnoticed issue.

Certain defects are discovered after a boat has been sold. These are typically regarded as manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is responsible for them. Some are discovered after the vessel is in operation and may be the responsibility of the owner. A good example is when a boat owner fails to drain water from the engine, and that water freezes in the winter, causing damage to the motor.

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. As with all recreational activities, there are risks and responsibilities associated with it.

Injured people can file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages. Damages include medical expenses, loss of income, property losses along with pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other expenses. Victims can also seek punitive damages when they are the result of gross negligence or reckless behaviour by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies involved in a maritime accident case can be difficult to work with, particularly when their main goal is to settle the case as little as possible. Find a NYC boating accident attorney who will work closely with insurance companies to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will review all available evidence such as police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. They will then enter into discussions with both the at-fault person and their insurance company in order to reach an acceptable settlement. If they cannot agree on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for trial. We are adept at the presentation of evidence to support your claim and obtaining the highest amount of money.