Boat Accident Attorneys
If you've been injured in an accident in the boating industry, and it was not your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial payout. These expenses could include medical bills, physical therapy, and loss of income because of your inability to work.
Certain victims could also be eligible for punitive damages when the defendant's actions were egregious or reckless. These awards are designed to penalize the defendant for their conduct and to deter future incidents.
Personal Injury
Although boating accidents may cause serious injuries, a lot of them are preventable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are the main cause of boat accident compensation accidents along with other careless choices such as driving under the influence, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The severity of injuries ranges from minor bruises to paralysis caused by spinal cord or brain injury.
Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for medical expenses and loss of income or work during their recovery from injuries. If their injuries are severe, they can also recover costs for long-term treatment. Insurance companies often try and settle for less money than the victims should receive when estimating claims' value. An experienced lawyer can ensure that you receive the highest settlement that is feasible.
A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes the gathering of crucial documents like police reports, witness statements, vessel maintenance records, chemical tests and photographs of the site of the accident as well as the property damage. Other vital information can be obtained from medical records that include detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained along with the costs incurred as well as estimates of future costs. The lawyer can then negotiate a fair settlement with the person who was at fault or the insurance company.
Maritime Workers' Compensation
Maritime workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are frequently exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of their work. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment, they are also at risk of accidents caused by the negligent or reckless actions of other parties on board the vessel.
Seamen have rights that are specific to them under the Jones Act and other federal laws that protect them from negligence by employers. If they are injured in these kinds of incidents, they are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). The damages could include medical expenses, lost income, cost of living while recovering the injury, pain and suffering, and other monetary benefits.
A lot of seamen injured on a supply vessel tugboat, dredger or tugboat barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing vessel need more than just workers' compensation to pay for their expenses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third-party claims for which a seaman could be eligible for compensation, including claims of unseaworthiness and the employer's failure to maintain an appropriate vessel.
Your lawyer will collect crucial documents and evidence related to your claim. This includes medical records, details about insurance policies, police reports, and much more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney of the defendant and the insurance company you have named. If a fair settlement cannot be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial to present a strong case in court on behalf of you.
Product Defects
Many accidents on boats result from defective equipment. However, the majority of boat accidents are caused by the negligent or reckless actions of the boat's operator. In those instances, victims can seek compensation from the company that made the defective product by filing a lawsuit. In these cases, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.
Boats and defective equipment can be covered under strict liability, boat accident lawyer negligence or warranty law. Warranty claims can be based on a violation of implied or express warranties made by law, like the New Jersey lemon laws for automobiles used for sale or the warranties of merchantability or fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.
Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies, too. Although some people think an issue is obvious or obvious, courtrooms frequently require expert testimony from a surveyor, or any other certified professional to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or any other damage resulted from a hidden condition.
There are some defects that are discovered after a boat is sold. These are generally deemed manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is accountable for Boat Accident Lawyer the defects. They are often discovered after the boat has been owned and operated and may be the fault of the owner. An example of this is when a boat accident case owner forgets to drain water from the engine, and the water freezes in winter, causing damage to the motor.
Insurance
In a state like New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes and waterways, boating and other water recreation activities are common among residents. As with all recreational activities there are risks and responsibilities that are involved.
Injured people 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 in addition to pain and suffering diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement, and other expenses. Victims may also demand punitive damages in the event of gross negligence or reckless behavior by the party at fault.
Insurance companies aren't easy to work with in a case involving boats particularly when their main goal is to compensate the lowest amount they can. Choose an NYC lawyer for boating accidents who will work closely with insurance companies to hold everyone accountable for their actions.
An experienced attorney will examine all evidence available such as police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. They will then engage in discussions with the at-fault party and their insurance company to obtain a fair settlement. If they are unable to reach an agreement Our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are adept at providing evidence to support your claim and obtaining the maximum financial award.