boat accident law firms Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries as a result of an accident in the boating industry, and it was not your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial payout. This could include medical bills, physical therapies, and lost income due to inability to work.

Certain victims may be awarded punitive damages, in the event that the defendant's behavior was egregious and reckless. These types of awards are intended to penalize the defendant and deter similar misconduct in the future.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can lead to serious injuries, a majority of them are preventable. Boat accidents are often caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, and other careless choices like driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The injuries could range from lacerations and bruises to permanent paralysis due to spinal cord or head injury.

Victims of injuries sustained in a boating incident can get compensation for their medical expenses as well as lost earnings or work while they recover. They can also recover the costs of long-term care when their injuries are permanent. Unfortunately finding out the value of an injury claim isn't a simple task and insurance companies often try to accept less than the victims deserve. An experienced lawyer can help fight for the maximum settlement that is feasible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to ensure all relevant evidence is collected. This includes gathering important documents, such as witness statements and police reports, vessel maintenance logs chemical tests, and photographs of the scene of the accident as well as the property damage. Other essential information may be obtained from medical records, which include detailed accounts of the injuries sustained, the expenses incurred, as well as estimates of future costs. The lawyer can then negotiate with the at-fault party and/or the insurance company for a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are frequently exposed to hazardous conditions in the course of their job. They are at risk of being injured not only by cargo or equipment falling and cargo, but also due to boat accidents caused by negligence or carelessness of other people aboard the vessel.

Seamen have rights that are specific to them under the Jones Act and other federal laws that are designed to protect them from the negligence of employers. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The damages may include medical expenses and lost wages, as well as the cost of living during recuperation, pain and suffering, and other monetary benefits.

Often, seamen who are injured on a supply vessel tugboats, dredgers, barges, oil tanks, cruise or sightseeing vessels need more than workers' compensation in order to cover their losses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims that a seamen might be entitled to compensation, including allegations of insecurities and the employer's inability to maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence that pertain to your claim, including medical records as well as insurance policy information or police reports, among others. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the defendant's lawyer and insurance company on your behalf. If a fair agreement cannot be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial to present a strong case in court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Although the majority of boat accident attorney accidents happen due to reckless or negligent behavior on the part of the boat operator However, there are a number of cases where a crash is actually caused by faulty equipment. In such cases, the victims can seek compensation from the company that manufactured the defective product in a lawsuit. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these instances.

Defective boats and equipment could be covered by claims that are based on negligence, strict liability or warranty law. A warranty claim could be caused by a breach of implied or express warranties imposed by law, such as the New Jersey used car lemon laws as well as the warranties of merchantability and fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies as well. While some consumers may suggest that an issue is evident or obvious, courtrooms frequently require an expert witness from a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or any other damage was caused by a hidden condition.

There are some defects that are discovered after the boat is sold. These are generally deemed manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is accountable for the defects. They are often discovered after the boat has been owned and operated, and may be the fault of the owner. One example is when the boat owner fails to empty the engine's water and the water gets frozen and damages the motor in the winter.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are popular in New York, a state with easy access the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. Like any other recreational activity there are risks and liabilities that are involved.

Injured people can file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation. Damages can include medical expenses, loss of income, property losses as well as pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement and other costs. In cases of gross negligence, victims can also seek punitive damages.

Insurance companies can be difficult to negotiate with in a boating case especially when their primary goal is to compensate the lowest amount they can. Level the playing field by hiring a NYC lawyer for boating injuries who will work with insurance companies to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will go through all evidence available that is available, including police reports medical records, and witness testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the responsible person and their insurance company to reach an acceptable settlement. If they can't agree on an agreement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are experts at presenting evidence in support of your claim and securing maximum amount of financial compensation.