boat accident law firm Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries as a result of an accident in the boating industry, and it was not your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial payout. These expenses could include medical bills, physical therapy and loss of income due to inability to work.

Certain victims may also be eligible for punitive damages in the event that the defendant's conduct was inexplicably reckless. These kinds of awards are intended to punish the offender and discourage similar conduct in the future.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents may cause serious injuries, a majority of them are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the main cause of boat accidents along with other reckless choices like operating under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. Injuries can vary from lacerations and bruising to permanent paralysis caused by neck or spinal cord injuries.

Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for their medical expenses and loss of work or income while recovering from their injuries. They can also recover the costs of long-term care in the event that their injuries are irreparable. Insurance companies often try and settle for less than the victims have earned when estimating a claim's value. An experienced lawyer can in negotiating the best settlement that is feasible.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the accident to collect all relevant evidence. This includes the gathering of important documents such as police reports as well as witness statements, vessel maintenance documents, chemical tests and photos of the scene of the accident and property damage. Other important 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. The lawyer may then negotiate a fair settlement with the person at fault and/or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats and other vessels, like supply ships, are exposed to hazardous conditions throughout their employment. They are at risk of being injured not just by falling equipment or cargo and cargo, but also due to boat accidents caused by the negligence or inattention of other passengers on the vessel.

Seamen have specific rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that protect them from employer negligence. If they are injured in these incidents, they are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages may include medical expenses as well as lost income, the cost of living while recovering the injury, pain and suffering, and other financial benefits.

Many times, injured seamen on supply vessels tugboats, dredgers and tugboats oil tanks, barges cruise boats, or sightseeing vessels require more than workers' compensation to pay for their expenses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can identify other third-party claims that a seaman might be entitled to compensation, including allegations of insecurities and the employer's failure to keep the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence that relate to your claim. These include medical records, details about insurance policies, police reports and more. They will then engage in settlement discussions with the lawyer of the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial so that they can present a strong case in court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

While most boat accidents occur because of reckless or negligent actions of the boat's operator However, there are many cases where a crash is actually the result of defective equipment. In these instances, the victims may sue the company that made the defective product to obtain compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these instances.

Boats and defective equipment can be covered under strict liability, negligence, Boat accidents or warranty law. A warranty claim could be based on a breach of implied or express guarantees provided by law, for example the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles or the warranties of merchantability or the guarantee of fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies too. Although some people believe that a problem is clear or obvious, courtrooms often require expert testimony by a surveyor or other expert to determine if an engine failure or other damage was caused by a hidden problem.

Certain defects are discovered after a boat is sold. They are usually regarded as manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. They are often discovered after the boat was operated and owned, and may be the owner's fault. A good example is when a boater forgets to drain the water out of the engine, and the water freezes during winter months and causes damage to the motor.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and boat accidents many lakes. As with all recreational activities there are risks and liabilities involved.

Injured people can file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages. Damages include medical expenses, loss of income, property loss along with pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement and other costs. Victims may also pursue punitive damages in instances of reckless or gross negligence behaviour by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies involved in a boating collision case can be difficult to deal with, particularly since their primary goal is to settle the case as little as possible. Employ an NYC lawyer for a boating accident who will work closely with insurers to hold everyone accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will scrutinize all evidence available, including police reports and medical records. They will also review witness testimony. Then they will engage in negotiations with the at-fault party and their insurance company to negotiate an equitable settlement. If they fail to reach an agreement the attorneys of our firm will prepare for trial. We are experienced in presenting evidence to support your claim and securing highest amount of financial compensation.