Boat Accident Attorneys If you've suffered injuries in an accident with a boat that wasn't your fault, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. This could include physical therapy, medical bills and lost income because of your inability to work. Some victims may be awarded punitive damages in the event that the defendant's behavior was egregious and reckless. These awards are designed to punish the defendant for their conduct and also to deter further incidents. Personal Injury Boating accidents can cause serious injuries but many are preventable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are a common cause of boat accidents along with other careless choices such as operating under the influence, transporting too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The injuries could vary from lacerations and bruising to permanent paralysis resulting from spinal cord or head injury. Victims who are injured in a boating accident may receive compensation for their medical bills and lost income or job while they recuperate. If their injuries last for a long time they may also recover costs for long-term treatment. Unfortunately finding out the value of a personal injury claim is not a simple task and insurance firms often attempt to make a deal that is less than what victims have a right to. An experienced attorney will assist you in negotiating the most lucrative settlement you can get. A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the incident in order to collect all relevant evidence. This includes collecting important documents, such as witness statements and police reports along with logs of vessel maintenance, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of the accident as well as the property damage. Medical records can also provide crucial information, for example, detailed reports of the injuries, expenses and the future costs. The lawyer may then bargain with the party at fault or the insurance company for a fair settlement. Maritime Workers' Compensation Workers on workboats as well as other vessels, such as supply ships, are exposed to hazardous conditions during their employment. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment in the course of their work, they are also at risk of boat accidents caused by the negligent or reckless behavior by other crew members on the vessel. The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The damages may include medical expenses and lost wages, as well as the cost of living during recovery in the event of pain and suffering and other monetary benefits. Often, seamen who are injured on supply vessels such as tugboats or dredgers barges, oil tanks cruise or sightseeing boats need more than workers' compensation in order to pay for their losses. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third-party claims that the seaman could be entitled to including claims of a lack of seaworthiness or an employer's failure maintain the safety of the vessel. Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence pertaining to your claim, such as medical records, insurance policy information and police reports, among others. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the lawyer of the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If an acceptable settlement cannot be reached, they will then prepare a strong case for trial on your behalf. Product Defects Many boat accidents are caused by defective equipment. However, the majority of boat accidents are caused by the negligent or reckless actions of the boat operator. In https://vimeo.com/709629786 , victims may sue the company that made the defective product to claim compensation. In these situations, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist. Defective equipment and boats can be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. Warranty claims can be the result of a breach implied or express warranties made by law, such as the New Jersey used car lemon laws, or the warranties of fit and finish and merchantability under the Uniform Commercial Code. Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies, too. Although some consumers might claim that a problem is evident or obvious and obvious, courts typically require expert testimony by a surveyor or other certified professional to determine if the mechanical breakdown or damage was caused by an unnoticed issue. There are some defects that are discovered after a boat has been sold. These are typically regarded as manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is responsible for these. Other defects are discovered after the vessel is in operation and may be the responsibility of the owner. An example is the case of a boat owner who forgets to empty water out of the engine, and the water freezes in winter and causes damage to the engine. Insurance In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes and waterways, boating and other water recreational activities are commonplace among residents. Like any other recreational activity there are risks and responsibilities associated with it. Injured persons may file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages. Medical expenses loss of income, property losses, as well as suffering and pain are all damages. Victims can also seek punitive damages when they are the result of gross negligence or reckless behaviour by the at-fault party. Insurance companies involved in a boating injury case can be difficult to work with, especially since their primary goal is to settle the case as little as they can. Find an NYC boating accident attorney who will work closely with insurance companies to hold all parties responsible for their actions. An experienced lawyer will go through all evidence available such as police reports, medical records and witness testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the responsible person and their insurance company to reach an equitable settlement. If they fail to come to an agreement then our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are experts in presenting evidence to support your claim and securing the maximum amount of financial compensation.