Boat Accident Attorneys If you were injured by a boating accident, and it was not your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial payout. These costs could include medical bills, physical therapies as well as lost income because of your inability to work. Certain victims could also be eligible for punitive damages when the defendant's conduct was inexplicably reckless. These types of awards are crafted to punish the offender and deter similar actions in the future. Personal Injury While boating accidents can result in serious injuries, a majority of them are preventable. Boat accidents are often caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, as well as other reckless choices such as driving under the under the influence of alcohol, transporting too many people, and reckless behavior. The severity of injuries ranges from minor bruises to paralysis due to spinal cord or brain injury. Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for medical bills as well as the loss of income or employment as they recover from their injuries. If their injuries last for a long time they may also recover costs for long-term care. Unfortunately, estimating the value of an injury claim isn't an easy task. Insurance companies frequently try to make a deal that is less than what victims are entitled to. An experienced lawyer can to get the highest settlement that is feasible. A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to collect all relevant evidence. This includes the collection of crucial documents like police reports and witness statements, boat maintenance reports, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of the accident and the damage to property. Other crucial information can be gathered from medical records, which include detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained as well as the expenses incurred and estimated future costs. The lawyer can then bargain with the party at fault or the insurance company for an equitable settlement. Maritime Workers' Compensation Maritime workers working on workboats and other vessels, such as supply ships, are exposed to hazardous conditions throughout their work. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo, they are also at risk for boat accidents caused by negligence or reckless actions of other passengers on the vessel. The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. If they sustain injuries as a result of these incidents, they are entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages could include medical expenses as well as lost wages, the cost of living during recuperation in the event of pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money. Many times, injured seamen on a supply vessel such as tugboats or dredgers oil tanks, barges cruise or sightseeing boats need more than workers' compensation in order to compensate for their losses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims for which a seaman could be eligible to recover compensation, for instance, allegations of unreliability and the employer's inability to maintain a safe vessel. Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence regarding your claim, including medical records, insurance policy information and police reports, among others. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney representing the defendant as well as an the insurance company that you represent. If the settlement is not fair reached, they will prepare a compelling case for trial on your behalf. Product Defects Many boat accidents are caused by defective equipment. The majority of accidents on boats result from the reckless or negligent actions of the boat operator. In these cases, victims can sue the company that made the defective product in order to recover compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these instances. Defective equipment and boats may be covered by claims that are based on negligence or strict liability law. A warranty claim could be based on a violation of implied or express guarantees made by law, such as the New Jersey lemon laws for used cars or the warranties of merchantability, or the fit and finish of the Uniform Commercial Code. Insurance policies can cover nebulous defects as well. While some consumers may suggest that a problem is clear or obvious, courtrooms frequently require expert testimony from a surveyor or another expert to determine if the mechanical breakdown or another damage resulted from a hidden problem. Certain defects are discovered after a boat is sold. These are usually considered to be manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Other defects are discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and may be the fault of the owner. An example is when a boat owner fails to drain the water from the engine, and that water freezes during winter, causing damage to the motor. Insurance In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes boats and other water recreation activities are common among residents. Like any other recreational activity, there are risks and responsibilities to be considered. When boating accidents occur and people are injured, they can be able to file a personal injury or wrongful-death claim for compensation to cover their damages. 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 costs. https://vimeo.com/709524278 can also pursue punitive damages in instances of gross negligence or reckless behaviour by the at-fault party. Insurance companies involved in a boating injury case aren't easy to deal with, especially when their main goal is to pay you as little as possible. Level the playing field by hiring a NYC lawyer for injuries sustained in boating who will collaborate with insurers to ensure all parties involved are held accountable for their actions. An experienced attorney will thoroughly look over all evidence that is available such as police reports, medical records and witness testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the at-fault person and their insurance company to negotiate an acceptable settlement. If they are unable reach a settlement the attorneys of our firm will prepare for trial. We are skilled at providing evidence to support your claim and securing maximum financial award.