Boat Accident Attorneys If you've been injured in a boating accident which was not your fault, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. https://vimeo.com/709865340 could include medical bills, physical therapies as well as lost income due to inability to work. Some victims may also qualify for punitive damages if defendant's actions were egregious or reckless. These awards are intended to punish the defendant for their blunders and to discourage future offenses. Personal Injury Boating accidents can cause serious injuries, but they are often avoidable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are the main cause of boat accidents along with other careless choices such as driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, or reckless behavior. Injuries can range from bruising and lacerations to permanent paralysis caused by injuries to the head or spinal cord. Victims of injuries sustained in a boating incident can be compensated for medical expenses and lost income or job while they recuperate. They may also be able to recover the expenses of long-term care in the event that their injuries are irreparable. Unfortunately the process of estimating the value of an injury claim is not an easy task, and insurance companies frequently try to accept less than the victims need to receive. A knowledgeable attorney can assist you in negotiating the most lucrative settlement you can get. A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes gathering important documents, such as police reports and witness statements and logs of maintenance on the vessel, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of the accident as well as the property damage. Medical records can also provide important information, including detailed reports of the injuries, expenses, and the future costs. The lawyer may then negotiate a fair settlement with the person who was at fault or insurance company. Maritime Workers' Compensation Workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are frequently exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of their employment. They are at risk of getting injured not just from cargo or equipment falling as well as accidents on boats caused by the negligence or recklessness of others on board the vessel. The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. When they suffer injuries from these types of incidents, they are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages can include medical expenses as well as lost income, the cost of living during recovery, pain and suffering and other monetary benefits. In many cases, injured seamen on supply vessels such as tugboats or dredgers barges, oil tanks cruise boats, or sightseeing vessels require more than workers' compensation to cover their losses. A New York boat accident attorney can help identify third-party claims a seaman may be entitled to like claims of unsafeness or the employer's inability to maintain a safe vessel. Your attorney will gather important documents and evidence pertaining to your claim, including medical records as well as insurance policy information and police reports, among others. They will then negotiate a settlement with the attorney representing the defendant as well as an the insurance company that you represent. If an acceptable settlement cannot be agreed upon, they will create an effective case for trial on your behalf. Product Defects Many accidents on boats result from defective equipment. While the majority of boat accidents result from the reckless or negligent actions of the boat's owner. In these cases, victims may sue the manufacturer who made the defective product to seek compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these cases. Defective boats and equipment could be covered by claims based on negligence or strict liability law. A warranty claim may be caused by a breach of express or implied warranties created by law, like the New Jersey used car lemon laws, or the warranties of the merchantability and fit and finishing under the Uniform Commercial Code. Insurance policies typically cover hidden problems as well. Although some consumers might claim that a problem is obvious or clear and obvious, courts typically require expert testimony by an expert surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if the mechanical breakdown or damage was caused by a hidden condition. Certain defects are discovered after a boat has been sold. These are generally deemed manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is accountable for them. Others are discovered after a boat is owned and operated and could be the fault of the owner. One example is when the boat owner forgets the emptying of the engine of water and the water freezes, which affects the motor in winter. Insurance Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state with easy access to Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. However, like all sports, they also carry certain risks and liabilities that can have a negative impact on the lives of participants. Individuals who have been injured can file a personal injuries claim or wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages. Damages can include medical expenses, loss of income, property losses along with 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 actions by the responsible party. Insurance companies involved in a maritime accident case can be difficult to deal with, especially when their main goal is to compensate you the least amount they can. Hire an NYC boating accident attorney who will work closely with insurance companies to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions. An experienced attorney will review all evidence available including police reports and medical records. They will also review witness testimony. Then, they'll enter into discussions with the at-fault party and their insurance company to negotiate an acceptable settlement. If they can't agree on the amount of settlement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are experienced in presenting evidence to support your claim and securing highest amount of financial compensation.