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 settlement. This could include medical bills, physical therapies and income loss because of your inability to work. Certain victims may also be eligible for punitive damages if defendant's actions were egregious or reckless. These awards are intended to punish the defendant for their blunders and to discourage future offenses. Personal Injury Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries but many are avoidable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are the most common cause of boat accidents, as are other reckless choices like operating under the influence, transporting too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The severity of injuries can be anything from bruising and cuts to permanent paralysis caused by head injuries or a spinal cord injury. Victims of injuries sustained in a boating accident may get compensation for their medical expenses and lost earnings or work while they recuperate. They can also claim the cost of long-term treatment in the event that their injuries are irreparable. Unfortunately, estimating the value of an injury claim is not a simple task and insurance companies frequently try to accept less than the victims need to receive. An experienced lawyer can fight for the maximum settlement possible. 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 collecting important documents like witness statements and police reports along with logs of vessel maintenance, chemical tests and photographs of the accident scene and the property damage. Medical records can also provide essential information, such as detailed reports on the injuries, expenses, and the future costs. The lawyer will then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person responsible for the accident or the insurance company. Maritime Workers' Compensation Maritime workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are often exposed to hazardous conditions during the course of their job. In https://vimeo.com/709626743 to being injured by falling equipment or cargo and equipment, they also are at risk of accidents caused by the negligent or reckless behavior by other crew members on the vessel. The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. When they suffer injuries from these types of incidents, they are entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages can be a result of medical expenses and lost wages, as well as the cost of living during recuperation as well as pain and suffering and other financial benefits. Often, seamen who are injured on a supply vessel tugboats, dredgers, oil tanks, barges, cruise or sightseeing vessels need more than workers' compensation to cover their losses. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third-party claims that a seaman may be entitled to like claims of a lack of seaworthiness or an employer's failure maintain the safety of the vessel. Your attorney will gather important documents and evidence pertaining to your claim, such as medical records and insurance policy details, police reports and more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney for the defendant and the insurance company you have named. If an acceptable settlement cannot be agreed upon, they will create an argument that is strong enough to be tried on your behalf. Product Defects While the majority of boat crashes occur because of reckless or negligent behavior on the part of the boat operator However, there are a number of instances where a crash was actually the result of faulty equipment. In these cases, victims may sue the manufacturer that manufactured the defective product in order to recover compensation. In these situations, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist. Defective boats and equipment could be covered by claims that are based on negligence, strict liability or warranty law. Warranty claims can be based on a breach of express or implied guarantees provided by law, for example the New Jersey lemon laws for used cars or the warranties of merchantability, or quality and fit under Uniform Commercial Code. Latent defects are often covered by insurance policies too. Although some consumers may claim that the issue is obvious or clear however, courts usually require expert testimony by an engineer or other expert to determine if the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or was caused by a hidden condition. Some defects are discovered after a boat has been sold. These are usually considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Others are discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and may be the responsibility of the owner. One example is when the owner forgets the emptying of the engine's water and the water freezes and damages the motor in the winter. 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 most recreational activities, they are accompanied by certain risks and liabilities that could impact the lives of participants. Individuals who have been injured can file a personal injuries claim or wrongful death suit to seek compensation. Medical expenses as well as lost income, property losses, as well as pain and suffering are all damages. In cases of gross negligence, the victims can also seek punitive damages. Insurance companies aren't easy to work with in a case involving boats, especially when their main goal is to settle as little as possible. Bring the game level by hiring an NYC attorney for boating injuries who will collaborate with insurers to ensure all parties involved are held accountable for their actions. An experienced attorney will examine all evidence available such as police reports, medical records and witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the at fault person and their insurance company to negotiate an equitable settlement. If they are unable to reach an agreement Our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are experienced in the presentation of evidence in support of your claim and securing maximum amount of financial compensation.