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

Boat Accident Attorneys

If you were injured in an accident on the water that wasn't your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. This could include physical therapy, medical bills, and loss of income due to an inability to work.

Certain victims may be awarded punitive damages in cases where the conduct of the defendant was egregious and reckless. These awards are intended to punish the defendant for their blunders and to deter future incidents.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can cause serious injuries but many are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the most common cause of boat-related accidents as well as other naive choices like operating under the influence, transporting too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The severity of injuries can range from bruising and lacerations to permanent paralysis resulting from head injuries or a spinal cord injury.

Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for medical bills and loss in earnings or work while they recover from injuries. They can also claim the costs of long-term medical care if their injuries are permanent. Unfortunately it is difficult to estimate the value of an injury claim isn't an easy task. Insurance firms often attempt to settle for less than victims have a right to. An experienced lawyer can help ensure that you receive the highest settlement possible.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to gather all evidence relevant. This includes collecting important documents, such as police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance logs, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of the accident and the property damage. Medical records can also provide important information, including detailed reports of the injuries, expenses, and any future costs. Lawyers can negotiate an acceptable settlement with the at-fault person and/or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers working on workboats and other vessels, including supply ships, are exposed to dangerous conditions during their employment. They are at risk of getting injured not just from cargo or equipment falling as well as Boat Accident Law Firms accidents caused by negligence or inattention of other passengers aboard the vessel.

Seamen are entitled to certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws designed to protect them from employer negligence. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The damages may include medical expenses and lost wages, as well as the cost of living during recovery along with pain and suffering and other financial benefits.

Many times, seamen who are injured while on a supply ship, tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing boat require more than workers' compensation in order to cover their losses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims for which a seaman may be able to claim compensation, for instance, allegations of unreliability and the employer's failure to maintain a safe vessel.

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence that pertain to your claim, like medical records, insurance policy information and police reports, among others. They will then engage in settlement discussions with the lawyer of the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial in order to make a convincing argument in court on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats are caused by defective equipment. Most boat accidents are caused by the reckless or negligent actions of the boat's owner. In these instances, the victims may sue the manufacturer who made the defective product in order to recover compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these instances.

Boats and defective equipment can be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. A warranty claim could be based on a violation of express or implied guarantees that are imposed by law, such as the New Jersey lemon laws for boat accident law firms used cars or the warranties of merchantability or quality and Boat Accident Law Firms fit under Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies, too. While some consumers may suggest that an issue is obvious or obvious, courts typically require expert testimony from a surveyor, or any other qualified professional to determine if the mechanical breakdown or another damage was caused by a hidden problem.

Certain defects are discovered after a boat accident attorney has been sold. These defects are usually considered manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is responsible for these. Some are discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and could be the owner's fault. An example of this is when a boat owner forgets to drain the water out of the engine, and that water freezes in the winter and damages the motor.

Insurance

In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes boats and other water recreational activities are commonplace among residents. Like all recreational activities, there are risks and liabilities involved.

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

Insurance companies involved in a boating accident case aren't easy to deal with, particularly when their main goal is to pay you as little as they can. Find an NYC lawyer for a boating accident who will work closely with insurance companies to hold all parties responsible for their actions.

An experienced attorney will go over all evidence available, including police reports and medical records. They will also examine 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 unable agree on a settlement Our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are adept at presenting evidence to support your claim and winning the maximum financial award.