Boat Accident Attorneys If you've been injured in an accident in the boating industry, and it was not your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These costs could include physical therapy, medical bills, and lost income due to the inability to work. Certain victims may also be eligible for punitive damages when the defendant's conduct was shocking or reckless. These awards are intended to penalize the defendant for their misconduct and to discourage future offenses. 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 careless choices like driving under the under the influence of alcohol, transporting more than one person, and reckless behavior. Injuries can range from bruising and lacerations to permanent paralysis resulting from injuries to the head or spinal cord. Victims of boating accidents are entitled to compensation for medical bills and loss in income or employment while they recover from injuries. They can also recover the costs of long-term medical care for injuries that are permanent. Unfortunately it is difficult to estimate the value of an injury claim is not an easy task, and insurance firms often attempt to settle for less than victims need to receive. A knowledgeable attorney can help you to fight for the highest possible settlement. A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected. This includes the collection of important documents such as police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance records, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of the accident and the property damage. Other crucial information can be gathered from medical records, including detailed reports of the injuries suffered, expenses incurred, and estimated future costs. Lawyers can negotiate a fair settlement with the person responsible for the accident and/or insurance company. Maritime Workers' Compensation Workers on workboats and other vessels, like supply ships, are subject to hazardous conditions throughout their employment. They are at risk of being injured not only by falling equipment or cargo, but also by boat accidents resulting from the negligence or carelessness of other people on the vessel. Seamen have rights that are specific to them under the Jones Act and other federal laws that protect them from the negligence of employers. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages may include medical expenses and lost income, as well as the cost of living while recovering as well as pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money. Often, seamen who are injured on a supply boat tugboat, dredger or tugboat barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing boat require more than workers' compensation in order to cover their losses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can identify other third-party claims that a seaman might be entitled to compensation, including allegations of unseaworthiness and the employer's failure to maintain an appropriate vessel. Your lawyer will collect crucial documents and evidence related to your claim. These include medical records, information about insurance policies, police reports, and more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the defendant's attorney and the insurance company that you represent. If the settlement is not fair agreed upon, they will create a strong case for trial on your behalf. Product Defects While the majority of boat crashes occur because of reckless or negligent behavior of the boat owner However, there are many instances when a crash actually the result of defective equipment. In these cases, victims can sue the company that manufactured the defective product in order to recover compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these instances. Defective boats and equipment may be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. Warranty claims can be the result of a breach express or implied warranties created by law such as the New Jersey used car lemon laws as well as the warranties of fit and finish and merchantability under the Uniform Commercial Code. Insurance policies can cover nebulous defects too. While some consumers may suggest that an issue is evident or obvious, courts often require an expert witness from a surveyor, or any other qualified professional to determine whether an issue with a mechanical component or any other damage was caused by a concealed issue. Some defects are discovered after a boat is sold. These are typically considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. They are often discovered after the boat is operated and owned, and may be the owner's fault. An example is when a boat owner forgets to empty water out of the engine, and the water freezes during winter and causes damage to the engine. Insurance Boating and other water sports are popular in New York, a state that has easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. However, like all recreational activities, they are accompanied by certain risks and liabilities that can impact the lives of participants. In https://vimeo.com/709772638 of boating accidents victims may be able to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim for compensation to compensate for their losses. The damages include medical expenses loss of income, property losses as well as pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other costs. Victims may also seek punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or reckless behavior by the party at fault. Insurance companies aren't always easy to work with in a case involving boats especially when their primary goal is to compensate as little as they can. Make sure you are level playing field by hiring an NYC lawyer for injuries sustained in boating who will collaborate with insurers to ensure all parties involved are accountable for their actions. An experienced attorney will go over all evidence available including police reports and medical records. They will also examine witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the responsible person and their insurance company to reach an acceptable settlement. If they are not able to reach an agreement on an agreement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are skilled at the presentation of evidence to support your claim and winning the highest amount of money.