Boat Accident Attorneys
If you’ve suffered injuries as a result of a boating accident, and it was not your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. This could include medical bills, physical therapies and income loss because of your inability to work.
Some victims may also qualify for punitive damages if defendant’s actions were egregious or reckless. These types of awards are designed to punish the perpetrator and discourage similar behavior in the future.
Personal Injury
While boating accidents can lead to serious injuries, the majority of them are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are common causes of boat accidents along with other reckless choices, such as operating under the influence, transporting too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The severity of the injuries vary from minor bruising to paralysis due to brain or spinal cord injuries.
Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for their medical bills as well as the loss of income or work during their recovery from injuries. They can also recover the cost of long-term treatment in the event that their injuries are irreparable. Unfortunately, estimating the value of an injury claim isn’t a simple task and insurance companies often accept less than the victims have a right to. An experienced lawyer can in negotiating the best settlement that is feasible.
A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the incident to ensure all relevant evidence is collected. This includes collecting important documents, including police reports and witness statements and logs of maintenance on the vessel as well as chemical tests and photos of the scene of the accident and the property damage. Medical records can provide other vital information, like detailed reports of the injuries, boat accident expenses and future costs. The lawyer will then negotiate a fair settlement with the person who was at fault or insurance company.
Maritime Workers’ Compensation
Maritime workers working on workboats and other vessels, like supply ships, are exposed to dangerous conditions during their employment. They are at risk of being injured not only from cargo or equipment falling as well as boat accidents caused by the negligence or inattention of other passengers on board the vessel.
Seamen have rights that are specific to them under the Jones Act and other federal laws designed to protect them from the negligence of employers. If they are injured in these incidents, they are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages can be a result of medical expenses and lost wages, as well as the cost of living during recovery, pain and suffering, and other financial benefits.
In many cases, injured seamen on a supply vessel, tugboats, dredgers, barges, oil tanks, cruise or sightseeing boats require more than workers’ compensation to pay for their expenses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can identify other third-party claims that a seamen could be eligible to recover compensation, including claims of a lack of seaworthiness or the failure of the employer to maintain the safety of the vessel.
Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence pertaining to your claim, like medical records, insurance policy information as well as police reports and other. They will then engage in settlement discussions with the lawyer of the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If an acceptable settlement cannot be reached, they will prepare a compelling case for trial on your behalf.
Product Defects
While most boat accident lawyer accidents occur due to reckless or negligent behavior of the boat’s operator However, there are many cases where a crash is actually caused by faulty equipment. In those instances, victims are able to seek compensation from the company that made the defective product in a lawsuit. In these cases, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.
Defective equipment and boats can be covered under strict liability, negligence, or warranty law. A warranty claim can be caused by a breach of implied or express warranties made by law, like the New Jersey used car lemon laws or the warranties of fit and finish and merchantability under the Uniform Commercial Code.
Insurance policies often cover latent problems as well. Although some consumers may claim that the issue is obvious or clear, courts often require expert testimony by a surveyor or another expert to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or damage resulted from a hidden condition.
There are some defects that are discovered after a boat is sold. These defects are typically considered manufacturing defects, and boat accident the manufacturer is accountable for them. Others are discovered after the vessel is in operation and could be the fault of the owner. One example is the case of a boat owner who forgets to drain the water from the engine, and the water freezes in the winter months and causes damage to the motor.
Insurance
Boating and other water sports are popular in New York, a state with easy access the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. Like all recreational activities there are risks and responsibilities associated with it.
If boating accidents happen the injured can file a personal injury or wrongful-death claim for compensation to cover their losses. Medical expenses, lost income, property losses and pain and suffering are all examples of damages. Victims can also seek punitive damages in cases of reckless or gross negligence behavior by the party at fault.
Insurance companies can be difficult to negotiate with in a case involving boats particularly when their primary goal is to settle the least amount possible. Find a NYC lawyer for boating accidents who will work closely with insurers to hold them 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 engage in discussions with the at-fault party and their insurance company to secure a fair settlement. If they cannot reach a settlement Our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are experienced in presenting evidence to support your claim and securing the maximum financial award.