Boat Accident Attorneys If you've been injured as a result of an accident while on a boat which was not your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. This could include medical bills, physical therapy as well as loss of income due to the inability to work. Certain victims may be awarded punitive damages, when the conduct of the defendant was egregious and reckless. These awards are designed to penalize the defendant for their conduct and to prevent future incidents. Personal Injury Boating accidents can cause serious injuries, however many are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are a common cause of boat accidents along with other naive choices like operating under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. https://vimeo.com/709558291 can vary from lacerations and bruising to permanent paralysis due to neck or spinal cord injuries. Victims injured by a boating accident could get compensation for their medical expenses and lost income or job while they recover. If their injuries are permanent they may also be able to recover costs for long-term care. Unfortunately the process of estimating the value of an injury claim isn't an easy task. Insurance companies often make a deal that is less than what victims are entitled to. An experienced attorney will assist you in negotiating for the most lucrative settlement you can get. A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to gather all evidence relevant. This includes the collection of important documents such as police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance records, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of the accident and property damage. Other important information can be gathered 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 a fair settlement with the at-fault person or insurance company. Maritime Workers' Compensation Workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are often exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of working. They are at risk of being injured not only by cargo or equipment falling and cargo, but also due to boat accidents resulting from the negligence or carelessness of other people on board the vessel. Seamen are entitled to certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that protect them from employer negligence. 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 as well as pain and suffering and other financial benefits. In many cases, injured seamen on a supply vessel tugboats, dredgers, oil tanks, barges, cruise or sightseeing vessels need more than workers' compensation in order to cover their expenses. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third party claims that a seaman may be entitled to, such as allegations of unreliability or the employer's negligence in maintaining a safe vessel. Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence related to your claim, including medical records as well as insurance policy information, police reports and more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney representing the defendant as well as an the insurance company on your behalf. If there is no fair settlement reached, they will draft an effective case for trial on your behalf. Product Defects Many boat accidents result from defective equipment. However, the majority of accidents on boats result from the reckless or negligent actions of the boat operator. In such cases, the victims can seek compensation from company that produced the defective product in a lawsuit. In these cases, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist. Defective equipment and boats may be covered under strict liability, negligence, or warranty law. Warranty claims can be caused by a breach of implied or express warranties made by law, for example the New Jersey used car lemon laws, or the warranties of the merchantability and fit and finishing under the Uniform Commercial Code. Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies too. Although some people think an issue is obvious or obvious, courtrooms often require an expert witness from a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine whether a mechanical breakdown or other damage was caused by a concealed problem. There are some defects that are discovered after a boat has been sold. These are typically regarded as manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is accountable for them. Some are discovered after the boat was operated and owned and could be the fault of the owner. One example is when a boat owner forgets the emptying of the water from the engine and the water freezes and damages the motor during winter. 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 for residents. Like any other recreational activity there are risks and liabilities involved. When boating accidents occur the injured can file a personal injury or wrongful death claim to cover their damages. Damages include medical expenses, loss of income, property losses along with pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement, and other costs. In the event of gross negligence, victims may also pursue punitive damages. Insurance companies involved in a boating accident case can be difficult to work with, especially since their primary goal is to pay you as little as is possible. 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 available evidence, including police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the at fault person and their insurance company to reach an equitable settlement. If they are unable to agree on an agreement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are proficient in providing evidence to support your claim and winning the highest amount of money.