Boat Accident Attorneys If you've been injured in an accident with a boat that was not your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These expenses could include medical bills, physical therapy as well as loss of income due to inability to work. Certain victims may be awarded punitive damages, in the event that the defendant's behavior was reckless and egregious. These kinds of awards are crafted to penalize the defendant and deter similar misconduct in the future. Personal Injury While boating accidents can result in serious injuries, many of them can be avoided. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are common causes of boat-related accidents as well as other reckless choices like operating under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The injuries can range from minor bruises to paralysis caused by the brain or spinal cord. The victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for medical bills as well as the loss of income or work while they recover from injuries. If their injuries are permanent, they can also recover costs for long-term care. Insurance companies frequently try to offer less money than the victims are entitled to when estimating a claim's value. An experienced lawyer can fight for the maximum settlement that is possible. A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the incident to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected. This includes the collection of crucial documents such as police reports, witness statements, vessel maintenance reports, chemical tests and photographs of the site of the accident as well as the damage to property. Medical records can offer crucial information, for example, detailed reports on the injuries, expenses and any future costs. The lawyer will then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the at-fault person or insurance company. Maritime Workers' Compensation Workers on workboats and other vessels, including supply ships, are exposed to hazardous conditions throughout their work. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo, they are also at risk of boat accidents that result from the negligence or reckless actions of other people onboard the vessel. The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. When they suffer injuries from such incidents, they're entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages can be a result of medical expenses, lost wages, cost of living during recovery along with pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money. A lot of seamen injured on a supply vessel tugboat, dredger barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing boat require more than workers' compensation in order to cover their expenses. A New York boat accident attorney can help identify third-party claims a seaman may be entitled to including claims of unsafeness or the employer's inability to keep the safety of the vessel. Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence pertaining to your claim, including medical records, insurance policy information as well as police reports and other. They will then negotiate a settlement with the attorney of the defendant and the insurance company that you represent. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached, they will prepare for trial in order to make a convincing argument in court on your behalf. Product Defects While most boat accidents occur due to negligent or reckless behavior on the part of the boat operator, there are also many instances where a crash was actually the result of faulty equipment. In these instances, victims can seek compensation from company that produced the defective product through a lawsuit. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these instances. Defective boats and equipment could be covered by claims based on negligence, strict liability or warranty law. A warranty claim can be based on a breach of implied or express warranties provided by law, such as the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles or the warranties of merchantability, or fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code. Latent defects are often covered by insurance policies, too. While some consumers may suggest that an issue is evident or obvious, courtrooms frequently require an expert witness from a surveyor, or any other certified professional to determine if a mechanical breakdown or other damage was caused by a hidden problem. Some defects are discovered after the boat is sold. These defects are usually considered manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is accountable for these. Some are discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and could be the fault of the owner. One example is the case of a boat owner who forgets to drain the water from the engine, and the water freezes during 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 such as boating, water sports and similar recreational activities are commonplace for residents. But, as with https://vimeo.com/709669311 , they are accompanied by certain risks and liabilities that can affect the lives of the participants. Injured individuals may file a personal injury claim or wrongful-death suit to seek compensation. Medical expenses and lost income, as well as property loss, and suffering and pain are all damages. Victims can also seek punitive damages when they are the result of gross negligence or reckless behavior by the at-fault party. Insurance companies can be difficult to work with in a boating case particularly when their primary goal is to compensate as little as they can. Bring the game level by hiring a NYC attorney for boating injuries who will work with insurance companies to ensure that all parties are accountable for their actions. A seasoned attorney will look over all evidence available including police reports as well as medical records. They will also examine witnesses' testimony. They will then engage in discussions with the party at fault and their insurance company to obtain an equitable settlement. If they cannot agree on the amount of settlement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are adept at the presentation of evidence to support your claim and obtaining the highest amount of money.