Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries in a boating accident that was not your fault, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. These expenses can include medical bills, physical therapy and income loss due to inability to work.

Certain victims may be awarded punitive damages in cases where the conduct of the defendant was egregious and reckless. These awards are designed to penalize the defendant for their actions and to prevent future incidents.

Personal Injury

Although boating accidents can cause serious injuries, a lot of them are preventable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are the main cause of boat accidents, along with other naive choices like operating under the influence, transporting too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The severity of the injuries vary from minor bruises to paralysis caused by the brain or spinal cord.

Victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for their medical bills and loss in work or income as they recover from their injuries. If their injuries are severe they can also claim costs for long-term care. Insurance companies typically try to accept less than the victims have earned when estimating a claim's value. A knowledgeable attorney can assist you in negotiating for the highest possible settlement.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the accident in order to collect all relevant evidence. This includes the collection of crucial documents such as police reports and witness statements, boat accident lawyers maintenance records, chemical tests and photographs of the accident site and property damage. Other crucial information can be gathered from medical records including detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained along with the costs incurred as well as estimates of future costs. Lawyers can negotiate with the at-fault party or the insurance company for a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are typically exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of their work. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo and equipment, they also are at risk of boat accidents caused by negligent or reckless actions of other people onboard the vessel.

Seamen have rights that are specific to them under the Jones Act and other federal laws designed to protect them from employer negligence. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages may include medical expenses loss of income, cost of living while recovering from injuries, pain and suffering and other monetary benefits.

In many cases, injured seamen on supply vessels, tugboats, dredgers, barges, oil tanks cruise or sightseeing vessels need more than workers' compensation in order to cover their losses. A New York boat accident attorney will be able to identify third-party claims seamen may be entitled to, such as allegations of unreliability or the employer's negligence in maintaining the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence regarding your claim, like medical records, insurance policy information as well as police reports and other. They will then negotiate a settlement with the attorney representing the defendant as well as an the insurance company you have named. If a fair agreement cannot be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial so that they can present a strong case in the court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

While most boat accidents occur because of reckless or negligent behavior on the part of the boat accident law firms operator, there are also many instances when a crash actually the result of faulty equipment. In these instances, the victims can sue the company who made the defective product to seek compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these cases.

Boats and defective equipment can be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. A warranty claim may be based on a breach of implied or express guarantees made by law, like the New Jersey lemon laws for used cars or the warranties of merchantability, or quality and fit under Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies as well. Although some consumers may claim that a problem is obvious or clear but courts typically require expert testimony by a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or damage was caused by an unnoticed issue.

There are some defects that are discovered after a boat has been sold. These are usually considered to be manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. They are often discovered after the boat has been owned and operated, and may be the fault of the owner. An example is when a boat owner forgets to drain water from the engine, and the water freezes in the winter and damages the motor.

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 to be considered.

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

Insurance companies can be difficult to negotiate with in a case involving boats particularly when their primary goal is to pay the least amount possible. Choose an NYC lawyer for boating accidents who will work closely with insurance companies to hold all parties responsible for their actions.

An experienced attorney will go over all evidence available, including police reports and medical records. They will also look into witnesses' testimony. Then they will engage in negotiations with the at-fault party and their insurance company to secure an equitable settlement. If they are unable to agree on an agreement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are adept at the presentation of evidence to support your claim and obtaining the maximum financial award.