Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries as a result of an accident while on a boat and it wasn't your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial settlement. These costs may include medical bills, physical therapies as well as lost income because of inability to work.

Certain victims could also be eligible for punitive damages if defendant's conduct was shocking or reckless. These kinds of awards are designed to penalize the defendant and deter similar actions in the future.

Personal Injury

Although boating accidents can cause serious injuries, a majority of them can be avoided. Boat accidents are usually caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, and other reckless decisions like driving under the influence of alcohol, carrying more than one person, and reckless behavior. The severity of the injuries vary from minor bruises to paralysis due to brain or spinal cord injuries.

Victims who are injured in a boating accident can be compensated for medical bills and lost income or job while they recover. They also have the right to recover 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 firms often attempt to settle for less than victims deserve. A knowledgeable attorney can in negotiating the best settlement that is possible.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to gather all evidence relevant. This includes the gathering of crucial documents like police reports as well as witness statements, vessel maintenance records, chemical tests and photos of the site of the accident as well as property damage. Other crucial information can be obtained from medical records including detailed reports of the injuries suffered along with the costs incurred as well as estimated future costs. The lawyer will then bargain with the party at fault or the insurance company to negotiate an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are typically exposed to hazardous conditions during the course of their employment. They are at risk of getting injured not only by cargo or equipment falling, but also by boat accidents resulting from the negligence or recklessness of others on the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen 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). The damages could include medical expenses as well as lost income, the cost of living while recovering the injury, pain and suffering, and other monetary benefits.

Many times, seamen who are injured while on a supply ship tugboat, dredger or tugboat barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing vessel require more than workers' compensation to compensate their loss. A New York boat accident attorney can help identify third-party claims an individual seaman may be entitled to including claims of a lack of seaworthiness or an employer's failure maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence related to your claim, like medical records and insurance policy details, 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 settlement cannot be reached, they will prepare for trial and argue your case in the court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents are caused by defective equipment. While the majority of accidents on boats are caused by the reckless or negligent behavior of the boat's operator. In these cases, victims could sue the firm who made the defective product in order to recover compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these cases.

Defective equipment and boats may be covered by claims based on negligence, strict liability or warranty law. A warranty claim could 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 quality and fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies often cover latent defects too. Although some people think the issue is obvious or obvious, courts often require an expert witness from a surveyor, or any other qualified professional to determine whether an engine failure or other damage was caused by a concealed issue.

A few defects are discovered when a oviedo boat accident attorney is sold. They are usually regarded as manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Others are discovered after the boat is operated and owned and may be the fault of the owner. An example of this is when a boat owner forgets to empty water out of the engine, and the water freezes during winter, causing damage to the motor.

Insurance

In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes such as boating, water sports and similar recreation activities are common among residents. However, as with most recreation activities, they come with certain risks and liabilities that can affect the lives of the participants.

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

Insurance companies involved in a boating accident case can be difficult to deal with, especially since their main objective is to pay you as little as they can. Set the bar higher by hiring an NYC lawyer for boating injuries who will work with insurers to ensure all parties involved are held accountable for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will go through all evidence available including police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. They will then engage in discussions with the at-fault party and their insurance company in order to reach an acceptable settlement. If they cannot reach an agreement the attorneys of our firm will prepare for trial. We are skilled at providing evidence to support your claim and securing highest amount of financial compensation.