Boat Accident Attorneys If you've suffered injuries in a boating accident that was not your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These costs could include medical bills, physical therapies and income loss because of inability to work. Some victims may be awarded punitive damages, in cases where the conduct of the defendant was reckless and indecent. These kinds of awards are crafted to punish the perpetrator and discourage similar conduct in the future. Personal Injury Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, but a majority are preventable. Boat accidents are often caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, as well as other reckless actions like driving under the influence of alcohol, carrying too many people, and reckless behavior. Injuries can be anything from bruising and cuts to permanent paralysis caused by injuries to the head or spinal cord. Victims who suffer injuries by a boating accident could get compensation for their medical expenses as well as lost earnings or work while they recover. https://vimeo.com/709775431 may also be able to recover the cost of long-term treatment if their injuries are permanent. Unfortunately finding out the value of an injury claim isn't a simple task and insurance companies frequently try to make a deal that is less than what victims need to receive. An experienced attorney will assist you in negotiating the highest possible settlement. 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 obtaining important documents, like witness statements and police reports along with logs of vessel maintenance chemical tests, and photographs of the scene of the accident as well as the property damage. Other vital information can be obtained from medical records, which include detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained along with the costs incurred as well as estimated future costs. Lawyers can negotiate an acceptable settlement with the at-fault person or the insurance company. Maritime Workers' Compensation Workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are frequently exposed to hazardous conditions during the course of their employment. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo, they are also at risk for boat accidents caused by negligence or reckless conduct of other parties on board the vessel. Seamen have rights that are specific to them under the Jones Act and other federal laws designed to protect them from negligence by employers. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The damages may include medical expenses loss of wages, cost of living during recovery along with pain and suffering and other monetary benefits. Many times, injured seamen on a supply vessel, tugboats, dredgers, barges, oil tanks, cruise or sightseeing boats need more than workers' compensation in order to compensate for their expenses. A New York boat accident attorney can help identify third-party claims seamen may be eligible for like claims of unsafeness or the employer's inability to keep the safety of the vessel. Your lawyer will gather important documents and evidence related to your claim. This includes medical records, information on insurance policies, police reports and many more. They will then engage in settlement negotiations with the lawyer of the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If an acceptable settlement cannot be agreed upon, they will create a compelling case for trial on your behalf. Product Defects Although the majority of boat accidents happen due to negligent or reckless behavior of the boat's operator However, there are many cases where a crash is actually the result of defective equipment. In these instances, the victims may sue the company that made the defective product to claim compensation. In these situations, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist. Defective equipment and boats may be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. A warranty claim could be based on a breach of implied or express guarantees made by law, like the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles or the warranties of merchantability or the fit and finish of the Uniform Commercial Code. Insurance policies often cover latent defects, too. Although some people think an issue is evident or obvious, courts often require an expert witness from a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if the mechanical breakdown or another damage was caused by a concealed condition. There are some defects that are discovered after the boat is sold. These are generally deemed manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is responsible for the defects. Some are discovered after the boat has been owned and operated and could be the fault of the owner. One example is when a boat owner fails to emptying of the engine of water and the water gets frozen and causes damage to the motor during the winter. Insurance Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state with easy access the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. However, like most recreational activities, they are accompanied by certain risks and liabilities that could affect the lives of those who participate. In the event of boating accidents the injured can file a personal injury or wrongful-death claim for compensation to cover their losses. Damages can include medical expenses, loss of income, property losses as well as pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement and other expenses. In the event of gross negligence, victims could also seek punitive damages. Insurance companies involved in a boating collision case are often difficult to deal with, particularly when their main goal is to compensate you as little as they can. Find an NYC lawyer for boating accidents who will work closely with insurers to hold everyone accountable for their actions. An experienced lawyer will look over all evidence that is available, including police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the at fault person and their insurance company to reach an acceptable settlement. If they are not able to reach an agreement on an agreement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are adept at presenting evidence in support of your claim and winning the highest amount of money.