Boat Accident Attorneys If you've suffered injuries as a result of a boating accident, and it was not your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial settlement. https://vimeo.com/709686748 could include medical bills, physical therapy, and loss of income due to the inability to work. Some victims may also qualify for punitive damages in the event that the defendant's conduct was shocking or reckless. These awards are designed to penalize the defendant for their blunders and to deter future incidents. Personal Injury While boating accidents can cause serious injuries, many of them can be avoided. Boat accidents are usually caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, as well as other reckless choices such as driving under the effects of alcohol, carrying more than one person, and reckless behavior. The severity of the injuries vary from minor bruising to paralysis due to brain or spinal cord injuries. Victims of injuries sustained in a boating incident can receive compensation for their medical expenses and lost earnings or work while they recover. They can also recover the expenses of long-term care for injuries that are permanent. Unfortunately finding out the value of an injury claim isn't a simple task and insurance companies often try to offer less than what victims have a right to. An experienced lawyer can help fight for the maximum settlement that is possible. A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident in order to gather all evidence relevant. This includes the gathering of crucial documents like police reports and witness statements, boat maintenance records, chemical tests, and photographs of the site of the accident as well as the property damage. Medical records can provide crucial information, for example, detailed reports on the injuries, expenses and any future costs. The lawyer will then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person at fault or the insurance company. Maritime Workers' Compensation Maritime workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are frequently exposed to dangers in the course of their employment. They are at risk of being injured not just from falling equipment or cargo and cargo, but also due to boat accidents caused by negligence or inattention of other passengers on board the vessel. The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages could include medical expenses and lost wages, as well as the cost of living during recuperation in the event of pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money. Often, seamen who are injured on a supply vessel, tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing boat require more than just workers' compensation in order to cover their loss. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third-party claims that seamen may be eligible for like claims of unsafeness or the employer's inability to keep the safety of the vessel. Your attorney will collect important documents and evidence related to your claim. These include medical records, information about insurance policies, police reports, and many more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the defendant's attorney and the insurance company you have named. If a fair agreement cannot be reached then they will prepare for trial so that they can present a strong case in court on behalf of you. Product Defects Although the majority of boat accidents happen because of negligent or reckless actions of the boat owner, there are also many instances when a crash actually caused by defective equipment. In these cases, victims can sue the company that made the defective product to claim compensation. In these instances, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help. Defective equipment and boats can be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. Warranty claims can be based on a breach of implied or express guarantees made by law, like the New Jersey lemon laws for used cars or the warranties of merchantability, or the guarantee of fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code. Insurance policies can cover nebulous defects too. Although some people think the issue is obvious or obvious, courtrooms often require an expert witness by a surveyor or other expert to determine if a mechanical breakdown or other damage resulted from a hidden condition. Some defects are found after a boat has been sold. They are usually regarded as manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Others are discovered after the vessel is in operation and could be the fault of the owner. A good example is when a boater forgets to drain the water out of the engine, and that water freezes during winter and damages the motor. Insurance Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state with easy access the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. However, as with most recreation activities, they come with certain risks and liabilities that could impact the lives of participants. Individuals who have been injured are able to file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages. Damages include medical expenses, loss of income, property losses along with pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement and other expenses. Victims may also seek punitive damages in cases of reckless or gross negligence behavior by the at-fault party. Insurance companies aren't easy to work with in a boating case particularly when their main objective is to pay the lowest amount they can. Employ a NYC lawyer who will work closely with insurers to hold everyone accountable for their actions. An experienced attorney will review all evidence available including police reports and medical records. They will also investigate witness testimony. Then, they'll engage in discussions with the at-fault party and their insurance company to negotiate an acceptable settlement. If they cannot reach an agreement, our attorneys will prepare for trial. We are proficient in presenting evidence in support of your claim and obtaining the maximum financial award.