boat accident attorneys (click this link)

If you've been injured as a result of an accident on the water and it wasn't your fault, you could be entitled a substantial compensation. These costs may include physical therapy, medical bills and income loss because of your inability to work.

Some victims may be awarded punitive damages in the event that the defendant's behavior was reckless and egregious. These kinds of awards are designed to punish the defendant and discourage similar conduct in the future.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can result in serious injuries, the majority of them are preventable. Boat accidents are often caused by inexperienced and untrained boaters, in addition to other reckless actions like driving under the effects of alcohol, carrying more than one person, and reckless behavior. The injuries could vary from lacerations and bruising to permanent paralysis from spinal cord or head injury.

The victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for their medical bills and loss of income or work during their recovery from injuries. If their injuries are severe they may also recover costs for long-term care. Unfortunately the process of estimating the value of an injury claim isn't an easy task. Insurance firms often attempt to make a deal that is less than what victims need to receive. A knowledgeable attorney can assist you in negotiating for the highest settlement possible.

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

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are often exposed to hazardous conditions during the course of their job. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo as well as falling equipment, they are also at risk for boat accidents that result from the negligence or reckless behavior of other passengers on the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages can include medical expenses and lost income, as well as the cost of living during recovery from injuries, pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money.

Most often, seamen injured on a supply boat tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing boat require more than workers' compensation to compensate their expenses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims where a seaman may be able to claim compensation, including allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or the employer's inability to maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your attorney will collect important documents and evidence in connection with your claim. These include medical records, details about insurance policies, police reports and many more. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the defendant's lawyer and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached then they will prepare for trial in order to argue a convincing case in the court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Although the majority of boat accidents happen because of reckless or negligent behavior on the part of the boat operator, there are also many instances when a crash actually caused by defective equipment. In these cases, victims may sue the company that made the defective product to obtain compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these cases.

Defective boats and equipment may be covered under strict liability, negligence, or warranty law. A warranty claim can be based on a breach of implied or express warranties created by law, like the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles or the warranties of merchantability or the guarantee of fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies often cover latent defects, too. While some individuals may assert that the issue is evident or obvious and obvious, courts typically require expert testimony by a surveyor or other expert to determine if the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or was caused by an unnoticed problem.

There are some defects that are discovered after a boat has been sold. These defects are usually considered manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is responsible for these. Other defects are discovered after the boat is operated and owned and may be the responsibility of the owner. One example is when the owner does not emptying of the engine of water 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 recreational activities are commonplace for residents. Like any other recreational activity there are risks and responsibilities to be considered.

When boating accidents occur the injured can file a personal injury or wrongful death claim to cover their damages. The damages include medical expenses loss of income, property loss in addition to pain and suffering diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other expenses. In the event of gross negligence, victims could also seek punitive damages.

Insurance companies involved in a boating accident case can be difficult to deal with, particularly when their primary goal is to compensate you as little as is possible. Find an NYC boating accident attorney who will work closely with insurers to hold all parties responsible for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will review all available evidence, including police reports, medical records and witness testimony. Then they will engage in discussions with the party at fault and their insurance company to secure an equitable settlement. If they are not able to reach an agreement on the amount of settlement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are skilled at presenting evidence in support of your claim and obtaining the maximum financial award.