Boat Accident Attorney: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of an accident on the water that wasn't your fault, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. These expenses can include physical therapy, medical bills, and loss of income due to an inability to work.

Certain victims may also be eligible for punitive damages in the event that the defendant's behavior was egregious or reckless. These awards are intended to punish the defendant for their blunders and also to deter further incidents.

Personal Injury

Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries, but they are often avoidable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are common causes of boat accidents, as are other careless choices such as operating under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The severity of the injuries vary from minor bruising to paralysis due to spinal cord or brain injury.

The victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for medical bills as well as the loss of income or work while they recover from injuries. They can also claim the costs of long-term medical care if their injuries are permanent. Insurance companies typically try to accept less than the victims have earned when estimating a claim's value. A knowledgeable attorney can in negotiating the best settlement that is feasible.

A New York City boat accident law firm; click the up coming article, accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to ensure all relevant evidence is collected. This includes the gathering of crucial documents such as police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance reports, chemical tests and photographs of the accident site and the damage to property. Other important information can be gathered from medical records that include detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained, the expenses incurred, as well as estimated future costs. The lawyer will then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person at fault and/or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are often exposed to hazardous conditions during the course of their employment. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment as well as falling equipment, they are also at risk of accidents that result from the negligence or reckless behavior of other passengers on the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and boat Accident Law firm Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The damages could include medical expenses as well as lost income, the cost of living while recovering the injury, pain and suffering, and other financial benefits.

Most often, seamen injured while on a supply ship tugboat, dredger barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing boat require more than workers' compensation to compensate their injuries. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third party claims that the seaman could be eligible for including claims of unseaworthiness or the employer's failure maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your attorney will collect crucial documents and evidence that pertain to your claim, such as medical records and insurance policy details and police reports, among others. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the defendant's lawyer and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not reached, they will prepare an argument that is strong enough to be tried on your behalf.

Product Defects

While most boat accidents occur because of negligent or reckless behavior on the part of the boat operator There are also instances where a crash is actually caused by defective equipment. In these instances, victims can seek compensation from the company that produced the defective product in a lawsuit. 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 the result of a breach implied or express warranties made 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 typically covered by insurance policies as well. Although some consumers might claim that the issue is obvious or clear but courts typically require expert testimony from a surveyor or other expert to determine if the mechanical breakdown or damage resulted from an unnoticed issue.

Certain defects are discovered after the boat is sold. These are usually considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Some are discovered after the boat is operated and owned and may be the owner's fault. An example of this is when a boat owner fails to drain the water out of the engine, and the water freezes in the winter and causes damage to the engine.

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. However, as with most sports, they also carry certain risks and liabilities that can impact the lives of participants.

In the event of boating accidents victims may make a personal injury claim or wrongful death claim to cover their damages. Damages may include medical costs, loss of income, property losses in addition to pain and suffering diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement, and other expenses. Victims can also seek punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or reckless behavior by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies can be difficult to work with in a case involving a boat, especially when their main goal is to compensate as little as possible. Set the bar higher by hiring an NYC attorney for boating injuries who will work with insurance companies to ensure that all parties are accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will go over all evidence available such as police reports and medical records. They will also examine witnesses' testimony. Then, they'll engage in discussions with the at-fault party and their insurance company to obtain a fair settlement. If they are unable reach an agreement then our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are experts at presenting evidence in support of your claim and securing maximum amount of financial compensation.