Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured in an accident on the water, and it was not your fault, you could be entitled a substantial compensation. These costs could include medical bills, physical therapies as well as lost income because of your inability to work.

Some victims can also be awarded punitive damages, if the defendant's conduct was reckless and egregious. These awards are intended to punish the defendant for their blunders and to prevent future incidents.

Personal Injury

Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries, however many are avoidable. Boat accidents are often caused by inexperienced and untrained boaters, and other reckless choices such as driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing 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 injuries sustained in a boating incident can get compensation for their medical expenses as well as lost income or job while they recover. If their injuries are permanent they can also claim expenses for long-term care. Unfortunately the process of estimating the value of an injury claim is not a simple task and insurance companies often try to make a deal that is less than what victims deserve. An experienced lawyer can help in negotiating the best settlement that is possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes the collection of crucial documents such as police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance documents, chemical tests and photographs of the accident site and the property damage. Medical records can provide essential information, such as detailed reports on the injuries, expenses and future costs. The lawyer will then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person at fault or the insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are often exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of their job. They are at risk of being injured not only by falling equipment or cargo but also from accidents on boats caused by the negligence or inattention of other passengers on board the vessel.

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

A lot of times, injured seamen on supply vessels, tugboats, dredgers, oil tanks, barges cruise or sightseeing boats require more than workers' compensation in order to compensate for their expenses. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third party claims that the seaman could be entitled to including claims of unreliability or the employer's failure maintain the safety of the vessel.

Your attorney will gather important documents and evidence pertaining to your claim, including medical records as well as insurance policy information, police reports and more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney for the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If there is no fair settlement reached, they will prepare an argument that is strong enough to be tried on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats are caused by defective equipment. Most accidents on boats are caused by the reckless or negligent actions of the boat's operator. In those instances, victims may seek compensation from the company that made the defective product in a lawsuit. In these cases, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

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

Insurance policies usually cover latent problems as well. Although some consumers may claim that the issue is obvious or clear however, courts usually require expert testimony from a surveyor or another certified professional to determine if the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or was caused due to an unnoticed problem.

A few defects are discovered when the boat is sold. These defects are usually considered manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is responsible for these. Some are discovered after the boat has been owned and operated and may be the owner's fault. One example is when the great falls boat accident lawsuit owner forgets the emptying of the water from the engine and the water freezes and damages the motor during winter.

Insurance

In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes and waterways, boating and other water recreation activities are common among residents. But, Vimeo as with all recreational activities, they are accompanied by certain risks and liabilities that can affect the lives of the participants.

When boating accidents occur, injured individuals may pursue a personal injury wrongful-death claim for compensation to cover their damages. Medical expenses loss of income, property losses and pain and suffering are all examples of damages. In cases of gross negligence, victims could also seek punitive damages.

Insurance companies can be difficult to negotiate with in a boating dispute particularly when their main objective is to pay as little as they can. Employ an NYC boating accident attorney who will work closely with insurance companies to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will scrutinize all evidence available such as police reports and medical records. They will also review witness testimony. They will then engage in discussions with both the at-fault person and their insurance company to negotiate an equitable settlement. If they are not able to reach an agreement on an agreement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are skilled at presenting evidence to support your claim and securing the highest amount of financial compensation.