Boat Accident Attorneys If you've suffered injuries in an accident while on a boat that was not 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 inability to work. Some victims can also be awarded punitive damages when the conduct of the defendant was reckless and indecent. These types of awards are designed to punish the perpetrator and discourage similar conduct in the future. Personal Injury Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries but many are avoidable. Boat accidents are often caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, as well as other reckless decisions like driving under the effects of alcohol, carrying more than one person, and reckless behavior. Injuries can be anything from bruising and cuts to permanent paralysis from head injuries or a spinal cord injury. Victims of boating accidents are entitled to compensation for their medical expenses and loss of income or employment while recovering from their injuries. They can also claim the costs of long-term care when their injuries are permanent. Insurance companies frequently try to accept less than the victims deserve when estimating a claim's value. An experienced attorney will help you fight for the highest settlement possible. A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the accident to gather all evidence relevant. This includes collecting important documents, such as witness statements and police reports and logs of maintenance on the vessel chemical tests, photographs of the scene of the accident as well as property damage. Other vital information can be gathered from medical records that include detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained, the expenses incurred, as well as estimated future costs. The lawyer may then negotiate with the at-fault party or the insurance company to negotiate 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. They are at risk of being injured not only by falling equipment or cargo but also from boat accidents resulting from the negligence or recklessness of other parties aboard the vessel. Seamen have rights that are specific to them under the Jones Act and other federal laws that protect them from negligence by employers. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The damages could include medical expenses, lost income, cost of living while recovering, pain and suffering and other benefits monetary. In https://vimeo.com/709524278 , injured seamen on a supply vessel tugboats, dredgers, oil tanks, barges cruise or sightseeing boats require more than workers' compensation in order to compensate for their expenses. A New York boat accident attorney can help identify third-party claims seamen may be entitled to, such as allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or an employer's negligence in maintaining a safe vessel. Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence in connection with your claim. These include medical records, information regarding insurance policies, police reports and more. They will then engage in settlement negotiations with the lawyer of the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not reached, they will draft an effective case for trial on your behalf. Product Defects Although the majority of boat accidents happen due to negligent or reckless actions of the boat's owner However, there are a number of instances when a crash actually caused by defective equipment. In such cases, the victims can seek compensation from manufacturer of the defective product in a lawsuit. In these cases, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist. Defective boats and equipment may be covered by claims that are based on negligence or strict liability law. A warranty claim can be the result of a breach implied or express warranties imposed by law such as 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 usually covered by insurance policies as well. Although some people think a problem is clear or obvious, courtrooms frequently require expert testimony from a surveyor, or any other qualified professional to determine if a mechanical breakdown or other damage resulted from a hidden condition. There are some defects that are discovered after the boat is sold. They are usually regarded as manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. They are often discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and could be the owner's fault. One example is when the boat owner does not emptying of the engine of water and the water gets frozen and causes damage to the motor during the winter. Insurance Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state with easy access to Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. But, as with all sports, they also carry certain risks and liabilities that could impact the lives of participants. When boating accidents occur the injured can pursue a personal injury wrongful death claim to cover their damages. The damages include medical expenses loss of income, property loss along with 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 can be difficult to work with in a boating case particularly when their main goal is to settle the lowest amount they can. Employ a NYC lawyer for a boating accident who will work closely with insurers to hold everyone accountable for their actions. An experienced lawyer will scrutinize all evidence available including police reports and medical records. They will also examine witnesses' 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 are unable to reach a settlement then our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are adept at presenting evidence to support your claim and winning the highest amount of money.