Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries in an accident with a boat that wasn't your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These expenses can include medical bills, physical therapy 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 reckless and indecent. These awards are designed to penalize the defendant for their conduct and to prevent future incidents.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can cause serious injuries, but a majority are avoidable. Harriman boat accident lawyer accidents are often caused by inexperienced and untrained boaters, and other reckless choices such as driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing many passengers, and reckless behavior. The severity of injuries ranges from minor bruises to paralysis due to the brain or spinal cord.

Victims of injuries sustained in a boating accident can get compensation for their medical expenses as well as lost income or work while they recuperate. They can also recover the cost of long-term treatment when their injuries are permanent. Insurance companies usually try to accept less than the victims should receive when estimating claims' value. An experienced lawyer can to get the highest settlement that is feasible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the incident to ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes gathering 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. Other crucial information can be obtained from medical records including detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained as well as the expenses incurred and estimates of future costs. The lawyer will then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person responsible for the accident or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

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 only by falling equipment or cargo as well as boat accidents caused by negligence or inattention of other passengers aboard 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. The damages may include medical expenses as well as lost wages, the cost of living during the recovery process along with pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money.

Many times, injured seamen on supply vessels such as tugboats or dredgers oil tanks, barges cruise or sightseeing boats need more than workers' compensation in order to cover their losses. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third party claims that a seaman may be eligible for like claims of unreliability or the employer's inability to maintain a safe vessel.

Your lawyer will gather important documents and evidence that relate to your claim. This includes medical records, information on insurance policies, police reports and much more. They will then negotiate a settlement with the defendant's attorney and the insurance company that you represent. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial so that they can make a convincing argument in court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats are caused by defective equipment. The majority of accidents on boats are caused by the reckless or negligent actions of the boat operator. In these cases, victims may sue the company that made the defective product in order to recover compensation. In these cases, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

Defective boats and equipment may be covered under strict liability, negligence, or warranty law. Warranty claims can be based on a breach of implied or express warranties provided by law, like the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles or the warranties of merchantability or fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies usually cover latent problems as well. While some consumers suggest the issue is obvious or obvious, courtrooms frequently require an expert witness from a surveyor or other expert to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or attorneys any other damage was caused by a concealed condition.

A few defects are discovered when a boat is sold. These are usually considered to be manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Some are discovered after the plattsburgh boat accident lawyer is operated and owned and may be the owner's fault. One instance is when the owner fails to 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 and waterways, boating and other water recreational activities are commonplace among residents. Like any other recreational activity there are risks and responsibilities to be considered.

In the event of boating accidents victims may pursue a personal injury wrongful death claim for compensation to cover their damages. Medical expenses, lost income, property losses, as well as suffering and pain are all considered damages. Victims can also seek punitive damages when they are the result of gross negligence or reckless behavior by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies involved in a maritime accident case can be difficult to work with, especially since their main objective is to pay you as little as is possible. Find an NYC lawyer for a boating accident who will work closely with insurance companies to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will thoroughly examine all evidence 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 in order to reach an acceptable settlement. If they are unable to agree on the amount of settlement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are skilled at providing evidence to support your claim and obtaining the maximum financial award.