Boat Accident Attorneys If you've been injured in a boating accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. This could include medical bills, physical therapies and income loss due to inability to work. Some victims can be awarded punitive damages, in the event that the defendant's behavior was reckless and egregious. These kinds of awards are intended to punish the defendant and discourage similar behavior in the future. Personal Injury Boating accidents can cause serious injuries, however many are preventable. Boat accidents are often caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, as well as other reckless choices such as driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing many passengers, and reckless behavior. The injuries can range from minor bruising to paralysis due to spinal cord or brain injury. Victims who suffer injuries by a boating accident could be compensated for medical expenses and loss of income or work while they recuperate. If their injuries last for a long time they can also claim costs for long-term care. Unfortunately it is difficult to estimate the value of an injury claim is not an easy task, and insurance firms often attempt to accept less than the victims have a right to. An experienced lawyer can to get the highest settlement that is possible. A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes the gathering of important documents such as police reports as well as witness statements, vessel maintenance records, chemical tests, and photos of the site of the accident as well as the property damage. Medical records can offer vital information, like detailed reports on the injuries, expenses, and any future costs. The lawyer can then bargain with the party at fault or the insurance company for an equitable settlement. Maritime Workers' Compensation Workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are typically exposed to hazardous conditions in the course of their employment. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo as well as falling equipment, they are also at risk of accidents caused by negligent or reckless conduct of other passengers on the vessel. Seamen have specific rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that safeguard them from employer negligence. If they suffer injuries due to these incidents, they are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages can include medical expenses as well as lost wages, the cost of living during recuperation, pain and suffering, and other monetary benefits. A lot of seamen injured on a supply vessel, tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing boat require more than just workers' compensation to compensate their loss. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third party claims that an individual seaman may be entitled to like claims of unreliability or the employer's inability to keep an appropriate vessel. Your attorney will collect crucial documents and evidence that pertain to your claim, like medical records and insurance policy information, police reports and more. They will then enter into settlement discussions with the lawyer of the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If the settlement is not fair agreed upon, they will create an effective case for trial on your behalf. Product Defects Many boat accidents are caused by defective equipment. However, the majority of accidents on boats are caused by the negligent or reckless actions of the boat's operator. In those instances, victims are able to seek compensation from the manufacturer of the defective product in a lawsuit. https://vimeo.com/709669311 , 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 may be based on a violation of express or implied guarantees made by law, such as the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles, or the guarantees of merchantability or the guarantee of fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code. Insurance policies can cover nebulous defects, too. Although some consumers may claim that the issue is obvious or clear however, courts usually require expert testimony from a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine whether an issue with a mechanical component or damage was caused by an unnoticed issue. Some defects are found after a boat has been sold. These are typically considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Some are discovered after the boat is owned and operated and may be the responsibility of the owner. One example is when a boat owner fails to empty water out of the engine, and the water freezes in the 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 recreational activities are commonplace among residents. Like any other recreational activity there are risks and responsibilities that are involved. When boating accidents happen victims may pursue a personal injury wrongful death claim to receive compensation to cover their damages. Damages can include medical expenses, loss of income, property loss, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement, and other expenses. In the event of gross negligence, victims could also seek punitive damages. Insurance companies involved in a boating injury case can be difficult to work with, particularly when their main objective is to pay you as little as possible. Find a NYC lawyer who will work closely with insurance companies to hold all parties responsible for their actions. An experienced attorney will review all evidence available including police reports as well as medical records. They will also investigate witness testimony. They will then enter into discussions with both the at-fault person and their insurance company in order to reach an acceptable settlement. If they can't agree on the amount of settlement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are skilled at presenting evidence to support your claim and obtaining the maximum financial award.