Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of an accident while on a boat, and it was not your fault you may be entitled to a substantial payout. These expenses can include physical therapy, medical bills, and loss of income due to an inability to work.

Some victims may be awarded punitive damages, in the event that the defendant's behavior was egregious and reckless. These types of awards are crafted to punish the offender and deter similar actions in the future.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, but they are often preventable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are the most common cause of boat accidents along with other careless choices such as operating under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. Injuries can be anything from bruising and cuts to permanent paralysis from neck or spinal cord injuries.

The victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for their medical bills and loss of income or work while they recover from injuries. They can also recover the costs of long-term care if their injuries are permanent. Insurance companies frequently try to settle for less money than the victims should receive when estimating claims' value. An experienced attorney can help in negotiating the best settlement that is possible.

A New York City boat accident [learn more about Highwave] lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes obtaining important documents, like witness statements and police reports, vessel maintenance logs, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of an accident and property damage. Medical records can provide other essential information, such as detailed reports of the injuries, expenses and the future costs. The lawyer may then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the at-fault person or the insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are often exposed to hazardous conditions in the course of their employment. They are at risk of getting injured not just by cargo or equipment falling but also from boat accidents caused by the negligence or carelessness of other people on the vessel.

Seamen are entitled to certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that protect them from employer negligence. If they suffer injuries due to these kinds of incidents, they are entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages could include medical expenses as well as lost wages, the cost of living during the recovery process, pain and suffering, and other financial benefits.

A lot of seamen injured on a supply vessel tugboat, dredger or tugboat barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing vessel require more than just workers' compensation to compensate their expenses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims for which a seaman might be entitled to compensation, including allegations of insecurities and the failure of the employer to maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will collect crucial documents and evidence in connection with your claim. This includes medical records, information about insurance policies, police reports, and much more. They will then negotiate a settlement with the defendant's attorney and insurance company in your name. If a fair settlement cannot be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial to present a strong case in court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

While most boat accidents occur because of negligent or reckless actions of the boat's owner However, there are a number of instances where a crash was actually the result of faulty equipment. In such cases, the victims may seek compensation from the manufacturer of the defective product through a lawsuit. In these situations, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

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

Insurance policies can cover nebulous defects as well. While some individuals may assert that the issue is evident or obvious and obvious, courts typically require expert testimony by 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.

Some defects are discovered after the boat is sold. These defects are usually considered manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is accountable for the defects. Others are discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and may be the fault of the owner. One example is when a boat owner fails to drain the water from the engine, and that water freezes during winter and damages 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 recreational activities are commonplace for residents. As with all recreational activities there are risks and liabilities involved.

If boating accidents happen, injured individuals may be able to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim to compensate for their losses. The damages include medical expenses loss of income, property loss as well as pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement, and other costs. In the event of gross negligence, victims may also seek punitive damage.

Insurance companies involved in a boating injury case are often difficult to deal with, especially when their primary goal is to pay you as little as possible. Make sure you are level playing field 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.

A seasoned attorney will go through all evidence available such as police reports, medical records and witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the at-fault person and their insurance company in order to reach a fair settlement. If they cannot agree on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for trial. We are experienced in the presentation of evidence in support of your claim and securing the maximum amount of money.