Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of a boating accident which was not your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These expenses may include medical bills, physical therapies and income loss because of inability to work.

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

Personal Injury

Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries, but a majority are avoidable. Boat accidents are often caused by inexperienced and untrained boaters, as well as other reckless decisions like driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing more than one person, and reckless behavior. Injuries may vary from lacerations and bruising to permanent paralysis due to injuries to the head or spinal cord.

Victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for their medical bills and loss in earnings or work while recovering from their injuries. If their injuries are irreparable they can also claim costs for long-term treatment. Unfortunately finding out the value of a personal injury claim is not an easy task. Insurance companies frequently try to offer less than what victims need to receive. A skilled attorney can assist you in negotiating the most lucrative settlement you can get.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to ensure all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes the collection of important documents such as police reports and witness statements, Villa Park Boat Accident Law Firm maintenance documents, chemical tests and photos of the accident site and the property damage. Other vital information can be gathered from medical records that include detailed accounts of the injuries sustained along with the costs incurred as well as estimates of future costs. The lawyer can then bargain with the party at fault and/or the insurance company for a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers working on workboats and other vessels, including supply ships, are subject to dangerous conditions during their employment. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo as well as falling equipment, they are also at risk of being involved in boat accidents caused by the negligent truth or consequences boat accident law firm reckless behavior of other people onboard 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 be a result of medical expenses, lost wages, cost of living during recuperation, pain and suffering, as well as other benefits in the form of money.

Often, seamen who are injured on a supply bozeman boat accident lawsuit, tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing vessel require more than workers' compensation to pay for their losses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims for which a seaman could be eligible for compensation, such as allegations of unreliability and the employer's failure to maintain a safe vessel.

Your attorney will gather important documents and evidence regarding your claim, like medical records as well as insurance policy information or police reports, among others. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney for the defendant and the insurance company you have named. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached then they will prepare for trial and make a convincing argument in the court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats are caused by defective equipment. While the majority of accidents on boats are caused by the negligent or reckless actions of the boat's owner. In these cases, victims may sue the manufacturer responsible for the product to claim compensation. In these cases, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist.

Defective equipment and boats could be covered by claims that are based on negligence or strict liability law. A warranty claim can be due to a breach of express or implied warranties created 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 defects, too. Although some consumers might claim that a problem is obvious or clear but courts typically require expert testimony by a surveyor or another expert to determine if the mechanical breakdown or damage resulted from an unnoticed condition.

Some defects are discovered after a boat is sold. These are usually considered to be 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 does not empty the engine of water and the water freezes, which damages the motor during winter.

Insurance

In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes, boating and similar water recreational activities are commonplace for residents. However, as with most recreation activities, they come with certain risks and liabilities that could affect the lives of the participants.

When boating accidents occur victims may pursue a personal injury wrongful death claim to receive compensation to pay for their damages. 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 can also pursue punitive damages in instances of reckless or gross negligence behaviour by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies can be difficult to work with in a boating case particularly when their primary goal is to pay as little as they can. Hire an NYC lawyer for a boating accident who will work closely with insurers to hold everyone accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will look over all evidence that is available including police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the at fault person and their insurance company to negotiate an equitable settlement. If they can't agree on an agreement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are experts at providing evidence to support your claim and securing the highest amount of financial compensation.