boat accident lawsuit Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries in an accident with a boat that wasn't your fault, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. These costs could include physical therapy, medical bills and lost income because of your inability to work.

Certain victims may also be eligible for punitive damages when the defendant's conduct was shocking or reckless. These awards are designed to penalize the defendant for their misconduct and to discourage future offenses.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, however many are preventable. Boat accidents are often caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, and other careless choices like driving under the under the influence of alcohol, transporting more than one person, and reckless behavior. Injuries can vary from lacerations and bruising to permanent paralysis from spinal cord or head injury.

The victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for their medical bills as well as the loss of earnings or work during their recovery from injuries. If their injuries are severe they can also claim costs for long-term treatment. Insurance companies typically try to offer less money than the victims are entitled to when estimating a claim's value. An experienced lawyer can help you fight for the highest possible settlement.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected. This includes collecting important documents, including police reports and witness statements and logs of maintenance on the vessel as well as chemical tests and photos of the scene of an accident and property damage. Medical records can also provide vital information, like detailed reports of the injuries, expenses, and the future costs. The lawyer will then negotiate with the at-fault party and/or the insurance company for a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

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

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages could include medical expenses as well as lost income, the cost of living during recovery as well as pain and suffering and other benefits monetary.

Many times, seamen who are injured on a supply vessel, tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing vessel need more than just workers' compensation to cover their injuries. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third party claims that an individual seaman may be entitled to claims, for instance, allegations of unseaworthiness or the employer's inability to maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your attorney will collect important documents and evidence related to your claim. These include medical records, details about insurance policies, police reports and more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney for the defendant and the insurance company that you represent. If a fair and reasonable settlement cannot be reached, they will prepare for trial in order to make a convincing argument in the court on your behalf.

Product Defects

Although the majority of Boat accident law firms accidents happen due to negligent or reckless behaviour on the part of the boat's operator, there are also many instances where a crash is actually the result of defective equipment. In those instances, victims may seek compensation from the manufacturer of the defective product by filing a lawsuit. In these situations, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist.

Defective boats and equipment 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 vehicles, or the guarantees of merchantability or the guarantee of fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies as well. Although some people think an issue is evident or obvious, courts often require an expert witness from a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if an engine failure or other damage resulted from a hidden condition.

There are some defects that are discovered after a boat is sold. These are usually considered to be manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Some are discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and could be the fault of the owner. An example of this is when a boat owner fails to empty water out of the engine, and that water freezes during winter and causes damage to the engine.

Insurance

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

Individuals who have been injured can file a personal injury claim or wrongful-death suit to seek compensation. The damages include medical expenses loss of income, property loss in addition to pain and suffering diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other expenses. In cases of gross negligence, the victims may also pursue punitive damages.

Insurance companies involved in a boating injury case can be difficult to work with, especially since their main goal is to settle the case as little as possible. Set the bar higher by hiring a NYC attorney for boating injuries who will collaborate with insurers to ensure all parties involved are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will go through all evidence available, including 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 a fair settlement. If they are unable to agree on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare for trial. We are skilled at providing evidence to support your claim and winning the maximum financial award.