Boat Accident Attorneys If you've been injured in an accident while on a boat and it wasn't your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. This could include medical bills, physical therapy and loss of income due to the inability to work. Some victims may also qualify for punitive damages if defendant's actions were egregious or reckless. These awards are intended to penalize the defendant for their misconduct and also to deter further incidents. Personal Injury Although boating accidents may cause serious injuries, a lot of them can be avoided. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are a common cause of boat accidents along with other reckless choices, such as driving under the influence, carrying too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The injuries can range from minor bruises to paralysis caused by the brain or spinal cord. Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for their medical bills as well as the loss of income or work while they recover from injuries. If their injuries are permanent they can also claim costs for long-term care. Insurance companies typically try to accept less than the victims are entitled to when estimating a claim's value. An experienced attorney can help to get the highest settlement possible. A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the incident to collect all relevant evidence. This includes gathering important documents, like police reports and witness statements along with logs of vessel maintenance as well as chemical tests and photos of the accident scene and property damage. Other crucial information can be obtained from medical records, including detailed accounts of the injuries sustained, expenses incurred, and estimates of future costs. The lawyer will then negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault person and/or insurance company. Maritime Workers' Compensation Workers on workboats and other vessels, like supply ships, are subject to hazardous conditions during their work. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo, they are also at risk of accidents that result from the negligence or reckless conduct of other parties on board the vessel. The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages could include medical expenses as well as lost income, the cost of living during recovery, pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money. A lot of times, injured seamen on supply vessels, tugboats, dredgers, oil tanks, barges, cruise or sightseeing boats need more than workers' compensation in order to pay for their expenses. A New York boat accident attorney can help identify third-party claims the seaman could be entitled to including claims of a lack of seaworthiness or an employer's inability to keep a safe vessel. Your attorney will collect crucial documents and evidence that pertain to your claim, such as medical records as well as insurance policy information and police reports, among others. They will then negotiate a settlement with the attorney of the defendant and the insurance company that you represent. If a fair and reasonable settlement cannot be reached then they will prepare for trial so that they can make a convincing argument in court on behalf of you. Product Defects While the majority of boat crashes occur due to negligent or reckless behavior on the part of the boat's owner However, there are many instances where a crash was actually the result of faulty equipment. In those cases, victims can seek compensation from the company that manufactured the defective product by filing a lawsuit. In these instances, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help. Defective equipment and boats can be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. Warranty claims can be due to a breach of express or implied warranties created by law such as the New Jersey used car lemon laws or the guarantees of fit and finish and merchantability under the Uniform Commercial Code. Latent defects are often covered by insurance policies as well. While some consumers suggest an issue is obvious or obvious, courtrooms frequently require an expert witness from a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if a mechanical breakdown or other damage was caused by a concealed condition. Certain defects are discovered after a boat is sold. These defects are usually considered manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is responsible for them. Some are discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and could be the owner's fault. One example is when the boat owner forgets the empty the engine's water and the water then freezes and causes damage to the motor during the winter. Insurance In a state like New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes such as boating, water sports and similar recreation activities are common among residents. Like any other recreational activity, there are risks and liabilities to be considered. Injured individuals can file a personal injury claim or wrongful death suit to seek compensation. Medical expenses loss of income, property loss, and pain and suffering are all damages. In cases of gross negligence, victims may also seek punitive damage. Insurance companies involved in a boating collision case aren't easy to deal with, particularly when their primary goal is to pay you the least amount they can. Level the playing field by hiring an NYC lawyer for injuries sustained in boating who will work with insurers to ensure all parties involved are accountable for their actions. An experienced attorney will go through all evidence available that is available, including police reports medical records and witness testimony. They will then engage in discussions with the at-fault party and their insurance company to secure a fair settlement. If they are unable to come to an agreement, our attorneys will prepare for trial. https://vimeo.com/709747538 are experts at providing evidence to support your claim and securing highest amount of financial compensation.