Boat Accident Attorneys If you've suffered injuries in an accident on the water that was not your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. https://vimeo.com/709625660 could include medical bills, physical therapies and income loss because of your inability to work. Certain victims may also be eligible for punitive damages if defendant's behavior was egregious or reckless. These awards are designed to penalize the defendant for their blunders and to discourage future offenses. Personal Injury Although boating accidents may cause serious injuries, the majority of them are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are a common cause of boat accidents along with other careless choices such as driving under the influence, bringing too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The severity of the injuries vary from minor bruising to paralysis due to brain injury or a spinal cord injury. The victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for their medical bills as well as the loss of work or income while recovering from their injuries. If their injuries are permanent they may also be able to recover costs for long-term treatment. Unfortunately, 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. An experienced attorney can help in negotiating the best settlement that is possible. A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to collect all relevant evidence. This includes gathering important documents, including police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance logs, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of an accident and the property damage. Other essential information may be obtained from medical records including detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained as well as the expenses incurred and estimated future costs. The lawyer will then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the at-fault person and/or insurance company. Maritime Workers' Compensation Maritime workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are often exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of their job. They are at risk of being injured not just from falling equipment or cargo and cargo, but also due to boat accidents caused by the negligence or recklessness of others aboard the vessel. The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages can include medical expenses as well as lost income, the cost of living while recovering as well as pain and suffering and other monetary benefits. A lot of times, injured seamen on supply vessels tugboats, dredgers, oil tanks, barges, cruise or sightseeing boats need more than workers' compensation to cover their losses. A New York boat accident attorney will be able to identify third-party claims seamen may be entitled to like claims of a lack of seaworthiness or an employer's negligence in maintaining an appropriate vessel. Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence related to your claim, like medical records and insurance policy details as well as police reports and other. They will then negotiate a settlement with the attorney of the defendant and insurance company in your name. If a fair and reasonable settlement cannot be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial so that they can present a strong case in court on behalf of you. Product Defects Many accidents on boats result from defective equipment. Most accidents on boats are caused by the reckless or negligent behavior of the boat's owner. In these instances, victims may seek compensation from the company that made the defective product by filing a lawsuit. In these instances, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help. Defective boats and equipment may be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. A warranty claim could be based on a breach of express or implied warranties created by law, such as the New Jersey used car lemon laws as well as the warranties of quality and fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code. Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies, too. While some consumers may suggest that a problem is clear or obvious, courts typically require an expert witness by a surveyor or other certified professional to determine if an engine failure or other damage resulted from a hidden condition. Some defects are found after a boat has been sold. They are usually regarded as manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Some are discovered after the vessel is in operation and may be the responsibility of the owner. One example is when a boat owner forgets to drain water from the engine, and the 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 and waterways, boating and other water recreational activities are commonplace for residents. However, like most recreational activities, they carry certain risks and liabilities that could affect the lives of the participants. In the event of boating accidents the injured can make a personal injury claim or wrongful death claim to compensate for their losses. Medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering are all examples of damages. Victims can also seek punitive damages in cases of reckless or gross negligence behavior by the party at fault. Insurance companies involved in a boating collision case are often difficult to deal with, especially since their primary goal is to compensate you as little as is possible. Hire a NYC boating accident attorney who will work closely with insurance companies to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions. An experienced lawyer will go through all evidence available that is 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 a fair settlement. If they cannot agree on an agreement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are adept at providing evidence to support your claim and winning the highest amount of money.