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 costs could include medical bills, physical therapy and loss of income because of your inability to work. Certain victims may be awarded punitive damages in the event that the defendant's behavior was reckless and egregious. These awards are intended to penalize the defendant for their conduct and to deter future incidents. Personal Injury Although boating accidents can cause serious injuries, a majority of them can be avoided. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are the main cause of boat accidents, along with other careless choices such as driving under the influence, carrying too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The injuries can range from minor bruises to paralysis caused by brain or spinal cord injuries. Victims of injuries sustained in a boating accident can get compensation for their medical bills and lost earnings or work while they recuperate. If their injuries last for a long time, they can also recover expenses for long-term care. Unfortunately the process of estimating the value of an injury claim isn't a simple task and insurance firms often attempt to make a deal that is less than what victims need to receive. An experienced lawyer can help in negotiating the best settlement that is possible. A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the incident to collect all relevant evidence. This includes the gathering of crucial documents such as police reports, witness statements, vessel maintenance reports, chemical tests and photos of the scene of the accident and the property damage. Other crucial information can be obtained from medical records including detailed accounts of the injuries sustained along with the costs incurred as well as estimated future costs. Lawyers can negotiate an acceptable settlement with the at-fault person or the insurance company. Maritime Workers' Compensation Workers on workboats as well as other vessels, like supply ships, are subject to hazardous conditions throughout their employment. They are at risk of being injured not just from falling equipment or cargo but also from boat accidents resulting from the negligence or inattention of other passengers on board the vessel. The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. If they are injured in these kinds of incidents, they are entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages could include medical expenses and lost wages, as well as the cost of living during recovery as well as pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money. In many cases, injured seamen on supply vessels such as tugboats or dredgers oil tanks, barges cruise or sightseeing boats require more than workers' compensation in order to pay for their expenses. A New York boat accident attorney can help identify third-party claims the seaman could be eligible for including claims of unseaworthiness or the employer's failure maintain a safe vessel. Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence that pertain to your claim, like medical records and insurance policy details and police reports, among others. They will then enter into settlement discussions with the lawyer of the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement cannot be reached then they will prepare for trial to make a convincing argument in court on your behalf. Product Defects While most boat accidents occur because of reckless or negligent behavior of the boat's owner However, there are many cases where a crash is actually the result of faulty equipment. In these instances, the victims may sue the company responsible for the product to claim compensation. In these instances, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help. https://vimeo.com/709609313 and boats may be covered by claims based on negligence, strict liability or warranty law. A warranty claim could be based on a violation of express or implied guarantees that are imposed by law, such as 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 problems as well. Although some consumers might claim that a problem is evident or obvious but courts typically require expert testimony from an expert surveyor or other qualified professional to determine whether the mechanical breakdown or damage resulted from a hidden condition. Some defects are discovered after a boat is sold. They are usually regarded as manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Some are discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and could be the fault of the owner. An example of this is the case of a boat owner who forgets to drain the water from the engine, and the water freezes in winter months and causes damage to the motor. 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. Like all recreational activities, there are risks and responsibilities associated with it. Injured persons may file a personal injury claim or wrongful death suit to recover damages. Medical expenses, lost income, property losses, as well as suffering and pain are all examples of damages. Victims may also seek punitive damages in cases of reckless or gross negligence behavior by the party at fault. Insurance companies involved in a boating injury case can be difficult to deal with, particularly when their main goal is to compensate you as little as is possible. Employ an NYC lawyer who will work closely with insurance companies to hold them accountable for their actions. An experienced attorney will review all evidence available including police reports and medical records. They will also review witness testimony. Then, they'll engage in discussions with the party at fault and their insurance company to obtain an acceptable settlement. If they can't agree on the amount of settlement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are experts at providing evidence to support your claim and securing maximum amount of financial compensation.