Boat Accident Attorneys If you've been injured as a result of a boating accident that wasn't your fault, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. These expenses could include physical therapy, medical bills, and loss of income because of your inability to work. Some victims can be awarded punitive damages, if the defendant's conduct was reckless and indecent. These kinds of awards are crafted to punish the perpetrator and deter similar actions in the future. Personal Injury Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, but they are often preventable. Boat accidents are often caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, and other careless choices like driving under the under the influence of alcohol, transporting too many passengers, or reckless behavior. https://vimeo.com/709746536 could be anything from bruising and cuts to permanent paralysis due to injuries to the head or spinal cord. Victims who suffer injuries in a boating accident can be compensated for medical expenses as well as lost income or job while they recuperate. They can also claim the costs of long-term medical care when their injuries are permanent. Insurance companies frequently try to settle for less money than the victims deserve when estimating a claim's value. A skilled attorney can help you to fight for the most lucrative settlement you can get. A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the accident to gather all evidence relevant. This includes the collection of crucial documents, such as police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance records, chemical tests, and photographs of the scene of the accident and the property damage. Other important information can be obtained from medical records, including detailed reports of the injuries suffered, the expenses incurred, as well as estimates of future costs. The lawyer can then negotiate with the at-fault party or the insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement. Maritime Workers' Compensation Maritime workers working on workboats and other vessels, like supply ships, are exposed to dangerous conditions during their employment. They are at risk of being injured not only from cargo or equipment falling and cargo, but also due to accidents on boats caused by the negligence or inattention of other passengers on the vessel. Seamen are entitled to certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws designed to safeguard them from employer negligence. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages can include medical expenses loss of wages, cost of living during recovery in the event of pain and suffering and other financial benefits. Many times, injured seamen on supply vessels tugboats, dredgers, oil tanks, barges cruise or sightseeing boats require more than workers' compensation to compensate for their expenses. A New York boat accident attorney will be able to identify third-party claims a seaman may be entitled to, such as allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or an employer's negligence in maintaining the safety of the vessel. Your attorney will gather important documents and evidence related to your claim, including medical records and insurance policy information as well as police reports and other. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the lawyer of the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If the settlement is not fair reached, they will draft a strong case for trial on your behalf. Product Defects Although the majority of boat accidents happen due to reckless or negligent behavior on the part of the boat's owner There are also instances when a crash actually caused by faulty equipment. In these cases, victims may sue the company that manufactured the defective product to claim compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these cases. Defective boats and equipment may be covered by claims based on negligence or strict liability law. A warranty claim may be the result of a breach implied or express warranties that are created by law, for example the New Jersey used car lemon laws or the warranties of merchantability and fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code. Latent defects are often covered by insurance policies too. Although some consumers may claim that the issue is obvious or clear but courts typically require expert testimony from an expert surveyor or other qualified professional to determine whether the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or resulted from an unnoticed problem. A few defects are discovered when a boat is sold. These defects are usually considered manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is responsible for these. Some are discovered after the boat is owned and operated and could be the responsibility of the owner. A good example is the case of a boat owner who forgets to drain the water out of the engine, and that water freezes in winter and causes damage to the engine. Insurance Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state that has easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. As with all recreational activities, there are risks and responsibilities involved. Individuals who have been injured can file a personal injuries claim or wrongful-death suit to recover damages. Medical expenses as well as lost income, property loss, and pain and suffering are all considered damages. Victims may also seek punitive damages when they are the result of gross negligence or reckless behaviour by the at-fault party. Insurance companies can be difficult to work with in a boating case especially when their primary goal is to settle the lowest amount they can. Choose a NYC lawyer who will work closely with insurers to hold all parties responsible for their actions. An experienced lawyer will look over all evidence that is available including police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. Then, they'll enter into discussions with the at-fault party and their insurance company to negotiate an acceptable settlement. If they cannot come to an agreement then our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are experienced in providing evidence to support your claim and obtaining the maximum financial award.