Boat Accident Attorneys If you've suffered injuries as a result of an accident in the boating industry and it wasn't your fault you may be entitled to a substantial payout. This could include physical therapy, medical bills, and loss of income because of your inability to work. Certain victims could also be eligible for punitive damages in the event that the defendant's conduct was inexplicably reckless. These types of awards are intended to punish the perpetrator and deter similar actions in the future. Personal Injury Boating accidents can cause serious injuries, but a majority are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the most common cause of boat accidents, along with other reckless choices, such as driving under the influence, bringing too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The severity of injuries ranges from minor bruises to paralysis resulting from brain injury or a spinal cord injury. https://vimeo.com/709631423 of boating accidents are entitled to compensation for their medical bills as well as the loss of income or work while they recover from injuries. They may also be able to recover the expenses of long-term care when their injuries are permanent. Unfortunately the process of estimating the value of an injury claim is not an easy task, and insurance companies often try to settle for less than victims deserve. An experienced attorney will help you to fight for the most lucrative settlement you can get. A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the accident in order to collect all relevant evidence. This includes the gathering of important documents such as police reports, witness statements, vessel maintenance records, chemical tests, and photographs of the site of the accident as well as property damage. Other crucial information can be gathered from medical records, which include detailed reports of the injuries suffered along with the costs incurred as well as estimates of future costs. The lawyer may then negotiate with the at-fault party or the insurance company for an equitable settlement. Maritime Workers' Compensation Maritime workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are often exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of their employment. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo and equipment, they also are at risk of boat accidents caused by negligent or reckless actions of other people onboard the vessel. Seamen have certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that are designed to safeguard them from employer negligence. If they are injured in such incidents, they're entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages could include medical expenses, lost income, cost of living during recovery from injuries, pain and suffering and other financial benefits. Many times, injured seamen on supply vessels such as tugboats or dredgers barges, oil tanks cruise or sightseeing vessels need more than workers' compensation in order to pay for their losses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer will be able to identify any other third-party claims that a seamen may be able to claim compensation, including allegations of unreliability and the employer's failure to keep a safe vessel. Your attorney will collect crucial documents and evidence related to your claim, like medical records and insurance policy information or police reports, among others. They will then engage in settlement negotiations with the lawyer of the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair and reasonable settlement cannot be reached then they will prepare for trial to argue a convincing case in court on behalf of you. Product Defects While most boat accidents occur due to reckless or negligent behaviour on the part of the boat owner However, there are many cases where a crash is actually caused by defective equipment. In these instances, victims may seek compensation from the company that made the defective product by filing a lawsuit. In these instances, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help. Boats and defective equipment can be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. A warranty claim may be based on a violation of express or implied guarantees created by law, such as the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles, or the guarantees of merchantability or quality and fit under Uniform Commercial Code. Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies too. While some consumers may suggest that an issue is obvious or obvious, courts often require expert testimony from a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if the mechanical breakdown or another damage was caused by a concealed condition. Some defects are discovered after a boat is sold. These are typically regarded as manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is accountable for them. They are often discovered after the boat has been operated and owned, and may be the fault of the owner. One example is when a boat owner doesn't emptying of the engine's water and the water freezes, which damages the motor during winter. Insurance In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes, boating and similar water recreational activities are commonplace among residents. However, like all recreational activities, they are accompanied by certain risks and liabilities that can impact the lives of participants. Injured individuals may file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation. Damages may include medical costs, loss of income, property losses, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other expenses. Victims may also demand punitive damages in the event of reckless or gross negligence behaviour by the at-fault party. Insurance companies can be difficult to negotiate with in a boating case particularly when their primary goal is to settle the lowest amount they can. Bring the game level by hiring a NYC attorney for boating injuries who will collaborate with insurers to ensure that all parties are accountable for their actions. An experienced attorney will review all evidence available, including police reports and medical records. They will also look into witnesses' testimony. Then, they'll engage in negotiations with the person at fault and their insurance company to obtain a fair settlement. If they are unable agree on a settlement Our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are skilled at the presentation of evidence to support your claim and obtaining the maximum financial award.