Boat Accident Attorneys

If you were injured in an accident on the water which was not your fault, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. These costs could include physical therapy, medical bills and income loss due to the inability to work.

Certain victims could also be eligible for punitive damages when the defendant's behavior was egregious or reckless. These awards are intended to punish the defendant for their blunders and to discourage future offenses.

Personal Injury

Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries, but they are often preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the most common cause of boat accidents along with other naive choices like driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The severity of injuries can be anything from bruising and cuts to permanent paralysis due to injuries to the head or spinal cord.

Victims who are injured in a boating accident may receive compensation for their medical expenses and lost income or job while they recuperate. They may also be able to recover the expenses of long-term care if their injuries are permanent. Unfortunately, estimating the value of a personal injury claim isn't an easy task. Insurance companies frequently try to accept less than the victims have a right to. A skilled attorney can help you to fight for the most lucrative settlement you can get.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure all relevant evidence is collected. This includes the gathering of crucial documents like police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance records, chemical tests and photographs of the site of the accident as well as the property damage. Other crucial information can be obtained from medical records including detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained along with the costs incurred as well as estimates of future costs. The lawyer may then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person at fault and/or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers working on workboats as well as other vessels, including supply ships, are subject to hazardous conditions throughout their employment. They are at risk of getting injured not only by falling equipment or cargo but also from boat accidents caused by the negligence or recklessness of other parties on board the vessel.

Seamen have rights that are specific to them under the Jones Act and other federal laws designed to protect them from negligence by employers. If they suffer injuries due to these types of incidents, they are entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages could include medical expenses loss of income, cost of living while recovering as well as pain and suffering and other monetary benefits.

Many times, seamen who are injured on a supply boat tugboat, dredger barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing boat require more than just workers' compensation to compensate their expenses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer will be able to identify any other third-party claims where a seaman could be eligible for compensation, such as allegations of unseaworthiness and the employer's failure to maintain a safe vessel.

Your attorney will collect crucial documents and evidence regarding your claim, including medical records and insurance policy information as well as police reports and other. They will then engage in settlement discussions with the lawyer of the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair agreement cannot be reached then they will prepare for trial so that they can argue your case in court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

While most boat accidents occur due to reckless or negligent behavior of the boat owner, there are also many instances where a crash is actually the result of defective equipment. In these instances, the victims could sue the firm responsible for the product to seek compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these instances.

Defective boats and equipment may be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. Warranty claims can be based on a breach of implied or express guarantees provided by law, such as the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles, or the guarantees of merchantability, or fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies as well. While some individuals may assert that a problem is evident or obvious but courts typically require expert testimony from an engineer or other qualified professional to determine if the mechanical breakdown or damage resulted from an unnoticed condition.

Some defects are found after a boat has been sold. These are generally deemed manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is responsible for the defects. Others are discovered after the boat is operated and owned and could be the fault of the owner. An example of this is when a boat owner forgets to drain the water from the engine, and that water freezes in the winter and damages 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. As with all recreational activities there are risks and responsibilities associated with it.

Injured individuals can file a personal injury claim or wrongful death suit to recover damages. Medical expenses as well as lost income, property losses and suffering and pain are all considered damages. In the event of gross negligence, victims can also seek punitive damages.

Insurance companies aren't easy to work with in a case involving a boat particularly when their primary objective is to pay the lowest amount they can. Set the bar higher by hiring a NYC lawyer for injuries sustained in boating who will work with insurers to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will scrutinize all evidence available including police reports and medical records. They will also review witnesses' testimony. They will then engage in discussions with the at-fault party and their insurance company to obtain an equitable settlement. If they cannot agree on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for trial. We are skilled at presenting evidence in support of your claim and securing maximum amount of financial compensation.