boat accident law firms Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries in an accident on the water that was not your fault, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. These costs could include medical bills, physical therapy and loss of income because of your inability to work.

Some victims may also qualify for punitive damages if the defendant's conduct was shocking or reckless. These awards are intended to punish the defendant for their conduct and to discourage future offenses.

Personal Injury

Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries, however many are avoidable. Boat accidents are often caused by inexperienced and untrained boaters, in addition to other reckless decisions like driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The severity of the injuries vary from minor bruises to paralysis resulting from spinal cord or brain injury.

Victims injured by a boating accident could get compensation for their medical expenses and loss of income or work while they recover. If their injuries are severe they may also recover expenses for long-term care. Unfortunately, estimating the value of an injury claim isn't an easy task, and insurance firms often attempt to make a deal that is less than what victims need to receive. An experienced lawyer can assist you in negotiating for the highest possible settlement.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to ensure all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes gathering important documents, like police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance logs chemical tests, and photographs of the scene of the accident as well as the property damage. Other crucial information can be gathered from medical records, which include detailed accounts of the injuries sustained as well as the expenses incurred and estimated future costs. The lawyer may then negotiate a fair settlement with the person responsible for the accident or the insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are often exposed to dangers in the course of their work. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo and equipment, they also are at risk for boat accidents caused by negligent or reckless actions by other crew members on the vessel.

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

Often, seamen who are injured on a supply boat tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing vessel need more than just workers' compensation to compensate their losses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can identify other third-party claims for which a seaman could be eligible to recover compensation, including claims of a lack of seaworthiness or the employer's inability to maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will gather important documents and evidence pertaining to your claim. These include medical records, information about insurance policies, police reports and many more. They will then negotiate a settlement with the defendant's attorney and insurance company in your name. If the settlement is not fair reached, they will prepare a strong case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

While most boat accidents occur due to negligent or reckless behaviour on the part of the boat operator However, there are a number of instances when a crash actually the result of faulty equipment. In such cases, the victims can seek compensation from company that produced the defective product by filing a lawsuit. In these instances, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist.

Defective boats and equipment could be covered by claims that are based on negligence, strict liability or warranty law. A warranty claim can be based on a breach of implied or express guarantees made by law, like the New Jersey lemon laws for automobiles used for sale or the warranties of merchantability, or the fit and finish of the Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies usually cover latent defects too. Although some people believe that a problem is clear or obvious, courtrooms often require expert testimony from a surveyor or another certified professional to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or any other damage resulted from a hidden condition.

There are some defects that are discovered after the boat is sold. These defects are typically considered manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is accountable for these. Some are discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and may be the fault of the owner. One example is when the boat owner does not empty the engine of water and the water freezes, which causes damage to the motor during the winter.

Insurance

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

In the event of boating accidents and people are injured, they can file a personal injury or wrongful-death claim for compensation to compensate for their losses. Damages can include medical expenses, loss of income, property loss as well as pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement, and other expenses. Victims may also pursue punitive damages in instances of gross negligence or reckless behavior by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies involved in a boating accident case can be difficult to work with, particularly since their main objective is to pay you as little as is possible. Employ a NYC lawyer who will work closely with insurance companies to hold everyone accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will review all evidence available such as police reports and medical records. They will also investigate witness testimony. Then, they'll enter into discussions with the party at fault and their insurance company to secure an acceptable settlement. If they are unable reach a settlement Our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are experts in presenting evidence to support your claim and securing the maximum financial award.