Boat Accident Attorneys
If you've suffered injuries in an accident on the water that was not your fault, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. These costs could include physical therapy, medical bills and lost income because of inability to work.
Certain victims may also be awarded punitive damages in the event that the defendant's behavior was reckless and egregious. These awards are designed to penalize the defendant for their blunders and also to deter further incidents.
Personal Injury
Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, but they are often preventable. Boat accidents are often caused by inexperienced and untrained boaters, in addition to other reckless actions like driving under the influence of alcohol, carrying too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The severity of the injuries vary from minor bruises to paralysis due to brain or spinal cord injuries.
Victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for medical bills and loss in income or employment during their recovery from injuries. If their injuries are severe they may also recover costs for long-term care. Unfortunately finding out the value of an injury claim isn't a simple task and insurance
firms often attempt to settle for less than victims are entitled to. An experienced lawyer can assist you in negotiating for the highest possible settlement.
A New York City
boat accident lawsuits accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected. This includes the collection of crucial documents, such as police reports and witness statements, boat maintenance records, chemical tests, and photographs of the site of the accident as well as the property damage. Medical records can also provide vital information, like detailed reports of the injuries, expenses, and future costs. The lawyer can then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the at-fault person or insurance company.
Maritime Workers' Compensation
Maritime workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are frequently exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of their job. They are at risk of getting injured not just by cargo or equipment falling as well as boat accidents caused by the negligence or recklessness of others 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 the negligence of employers. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages can include medical expenses loss of income, cost of living while recovering from injuries, pain and suffering and other benefits monetary.
Most often, seamen injured on a supply boat tugboat, dredger or tugboat barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing boat need more than just workers' compensation to cover their expenses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims that a seamen may be able to claim compensation, including claims of unreliability and the employer's failure to keep an appropriate vessel.
Your attorney will gather important documents and evidence pertaining to your claim, like medical records, insurance policy information or police reports, among others. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the lawyer of the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair and reasonable settlement cannot be reached, they will prepare for trial so that they can make a convincing argument in court on your behalf.
Product Defects
Many boat accidents are caused by defective equipment. However, the majority of accidents on boats result from the reckless or negligent actions of the boat's owner. In those cases, victims can seek compensation from the manufacturer of the defective product through a lawsuit. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these cases.
Defective equipment and boats may be covered by claims that are based on negligence, strict liability or warranty law. A warranty claim could be due to a breach of express or implied warranties created by law such as the New Jersey used car lemon laws or the warranties of the merchantability and fit and finishing under the Uniform Commercial Code.
Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies, too. Although some consumers may claim that the issue is obvious or clear and obvious, courts typically require expert testimony by a surveyor or other expert to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or damage was caused by a hidden condition.
A few defects are discovered when the boat is sold. These are typically considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Others are discovered after a
boat accident law firms is owned and operated and may be the responsibility of the owner. An example is when a boater forgets to empty water out of the engine, and the water freezes during winter, causing damage to the motor.
Insurance
In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes and waterways, boating and other water recreation activities are common for residents. Like all recreational activities there are risks and responsibilities to be considered.
Injured persons are able to file a personal injury claim or wrongful death suit to recover damages. The 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 demand punitive damages in the event of reckless or gross negligence behavior by the at-fault party.
Insurance companies aren't always easy to work with in a boating case, especially when their main goal is to pay as little as possible. Level the playing field by hiring an NYC attorney for boating injuries who will work with insurance companies to ensure all parties involved are held accountable for their actions.
An experienced lawyer will go through all evidence available that is available, including police reports medical records and witness testimony. Then, they'll engage in negotiations with the person at fault and their insurance company in order to reach an acceptable settlement. If they are unable to agree on a settlement the attorneys of our firm will prepare for trial. We are proficient in presenting evidence in support of your claim and obtaining the maximum financial award.