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Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of an accident on the water, 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 inability to work.

Some victims may also qualify for punitive damages in the event that the defendant's conduct was inexplicably reckless. These types of awards are crafted to punish the defendant and deter similar actions in the future.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can cause serious injuries, but they are often avoidable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the most common cause of boat accidents along with other reckless choices like operating under the influence, transporting too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The severity of injuries ranges from minor bruising to paralysis due to brain injury or a spinal cord injury.

Victims who are injured in a boating accident can receive compensation for their medical expenses and loss of income or work as they recover. They can also claim the costs of long-term care for injuries that are permanent. Unfortunately the process of estimating the value of a personal injury claim is not a simple task and insurance companies frequently try to make a deal that is less than what victims are entitled to. An experienced lawyer can help you fight for the highest settlement possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to ensure all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes obtaining important documents, such as witness statements and police reports along with logs of vessel maintenance, chemical tests and photographs of the accident scene and the property damage. Other crucial information can be gathered from medical records, including detailed reports of the injuries suffered 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 insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are often exposed to hazardous conditions in the course of working. They are at risk of being injured not only by falling equipment or cargo, but also by boat accidents resulting from the negligence or recklessness of other parties on board the vessel.

Seamen have specific rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that are designed to 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 could include medical expenses as well as lost wages, the cost of living during recovery as well as pain and suffering and other monetary benefits.

In many cases, injured seamen on a supply vessel such as tugboats or dredgers barges, oil tanks, cruise or sightseeing boats need more than workers' compensation in order to cover their expenses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims that a seaman could be eligible for compensation, such as allegations of unseaworthiness and the employer's inability to maintain a safe vessel.

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence that pertain to your claim, including medical records as well as insurance policy information or police reports, among others. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney of the defendant and the insurance company you have named. If a fair and reasonable settlement cannot be reached, they will prepare for trial in order to make a convincing argument in court on your behalf.

Product Defects

Although the majority of boat accidents happen because of negligent or reckless behavior on the part of the boat operator, there are also many cases where a crash is actually caused by faulty equipment. In those cases, victims are able to seek compensation from the company that manufactured the defective product in a lawsuit. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these instances.

Defective equipment and boats can be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. A warranty claim can be the result of a breach express or implied warranties created by law, like the New Jersey used car lemon laws, or the warranties of quality and fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies as well. While some consumers may suggest that an issue is obvious or obvious, courtrooms frequently require an expert witness by a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or any other damage was caused by a hidden problem.

There are some defects that are discovered after a boat is sold. These are typically considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Some are discovered after the boat has been owned and operated and may be the fault of the owner. One example is when the boat owner forgets the emptying of the engine of water and the water gets frozen and damages the motor in the winter.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state with easy access to Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. However, like all recreation activities, they come with certain risks and liabilities that can affect the lives of the participants.

Individuals who have been injured may file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages. Medical expenses as well as lost income, property loss, and suffering and pain are all damages. In the event of gross negligence, the victims may also seek punitive damage.

Insurance companies aren't easy to work with in a case involving boats, especially when their main objective is to pay as little as they can. Bring the game level by hiring a NYC attorney for boating injuries who will work with insurance companies to ensure all parties involved are held accountable for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will review all available evidence including police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the at fault person and their insurance company in order to reach 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 providing evidence to support your claim and winning the maximum financial award.