Boat Accident Attorneys If you've been injured as a result of an accident while on a boat that wasn't your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These expenses may include physical therapy, medical bills, and lost income because of inability to work. Some victims may also qualify for punitive damages if defendant's conduct was shocking or reckless. These awards are intended to punish the defendant for their blunders and to discourage future offenses. Personal Injury Although boating accidents may cause serious injuries, a lot of them are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are a common cause of boat accidents along with other naive choices like driving under the influence, carrying too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The severity of the injuries vary from minor bruises to paralysis due to brain or spinal cord injuries. https://vimeo.com/709832579 of injuries sustained in a boating incident can be compensated for medical expenses and loss of earnings or work while they recuperate. They also have the right to recover costs of long-term medical care for injuries that are permanent. Unfortunately the process of estimating the value of a personal injury claim is not an easy task. Insurance companies frequently try to offer less than what victims deserve. A knowledgeable attorney can to get the highest settlement that is possible. A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the accident to collect all relevant evidence. This includes the collection of important documents such as police reports, witness statements, vessel maintenance reports, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of the accident and the property damage. Other essential information may be gathered from medical records, including detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained, the expenses incurred, as well as estimates of future costs. The lawyer can then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person at fault and/or insurance company. Maritime Workers' Compensation Workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are typically exposed to dangers in the course of their work. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo and equipment, they also are at risk of being involved in boat accidents caused by the negligent or reckless behavior of other parties on board the vessel. Seamen have certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws designed to safeguard them from employer negligence. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, cost of living during the recovery process in the event of pain and suffering and other monetary benefits. Most often, seamen injured on a supply vessel tugboat, dredger or tugboat barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing vessel require more than just workers' compensation to compensate their losses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third-party claims that a seamen could be eligible to recover compensation, such as allegations of unseaworthiness and the employer's inability to maintain an appropriate vessel. Your attorney will gather important documents and evidence related to your claim, including medical records and insurance policy details and police reports, among others. They will then negotiate a settlement with the defendant's attorney and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, they will prepare for trial and argue your case in court on your behalf. Product Defects While most boat accidents occur due to reckless or negligent behavior of the boat owner However, there are many instances when a crash actually caused by defective equipment. In those instances, victims can seek compensation from the company that made the defective product in a lawsuit. In these situations, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist. Defective boats and equipment may be covered under strict liability, negligence, or warranty law. A warranty claim could be based on a breach of implied or express warranties provided by law, such as the New Jersey lemon laws for automobiles used for sale or the warranties of merchantability, or the guarantee of fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code. Insurance policies usually cover latent defects too. Although some consumers may claim that a problem is obvious or clear, courts often require expert testimony by an engineer or other qualified professional to determine if the mechanical breakdown or damage resulted from an unnoticed condition. Some defects are discovered after a boat has been sold. These are usually considered to be manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Some are discovered after the boat has been operated and owned, and may be the owner's fault. One example is when a boat owner forgets to empty water out of the engine, and that water freezes in the winter, causing 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. But, as with all recreational activities, they carry certain risks and liabilities that can impact the lives of participants. Injured people may file a personal injury claim or wrongful-death suit to recover damages. Medical expenses, lost income, property losses, as well as pain and suffering are all considered damages. In the event of gross negligence, victims could also seek punitive damages. Insurance companies involved in a boating accident case can be difficult to deal with, particularly since their primary goal is to pay you as little as they can. Hire an NYC boating accident attorney who will work closely with insurers to hold all parties responsible for their actions. An experienced attorney will go over all evidence available including police reports and medical records. They will also look into witnesses' testimony. Then they will engage in negotiations with the at-fault party and their insurance company to obtain an acceptable settlement. If they cannot agree on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for trial. We are skilled at the presentation of evidence in support of your claim and securing highest amount of financial compensation.