Boat Accident Attorneys If you've suffered injuries in an accident on the water that was not your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These expenses can include medical bills, physical therapy, and loss of income due to an inability to work. Some victims might also be eligible for punitive damages if defendant's conduct was shocking or reckless. These awards are designed to punish the defendant for their conduct and to discourage future offenses. Personal Injury While boating accidents can lead to serious injuries, many of them can be avoided. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the most common cause of boat accidents, as are other reckless choices like operating under the influence, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The injuries could be anything from bruising and cuts to permanent paralysis from spinal cord or head injury. Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for their medical bills as well as the loss of work or income while they recover from injuries. They may also be able to recover the costs of long-term care if their injuries are permanent. Unfortunately, estimating the value of an injury claim isn't a simple task and insurance companies often try to make a deal that is less than what victims need to receive. An experienced lawyer can help fight for the maximum settlement that is feasible. A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes obtaining important documents, such as witness statements and police reports along with logs of vessel maintenance as well as chemical tests and photos of the scene of an accident and the property damage. Other important information can be gathered from medical records, which include detailed reports of the injuries suffered as well as the expenses incurred and estimated future costs. The lawyer may then bargain with the party at fault and/or the insurance company for a fair settlement. Maritime Workers' Compensation Workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are frequently exposed to hazardous conditions in the course of their employment. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment and equipment, they also are at risk of being involved in boat accidents caused by negligence or reckless conduct of other parties on board the vessel. The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages can include medical expenses as well as lost wages, the cost of living during recovery in the event of pain and suffering and other financial benefits. Many times, injured seamen on supply vessels tugboats, dredgers and tugboats barges, oil tanks cruise or sightseeing boats require more than workers' compensation to cover their losses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third-party claims where a seaman could be eligible to recover compensation, for instance, allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or the employer's inability to maintain a safe vessel. Your attorney will collect crucial documents and evidence regarding your claim, like medical records and insurance policy details and police reports, among others. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the lawyer of the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If a fair agreement cannot be reached then they will prepare for trial to present a strong case in court on your behalf. Product Defects While the majority of boat crashes occur due to negligent or reckless actions of the boat owner, there are also many instances where a crash was actually caused by defective equipment. In these cases, victims may sue the company that manufactured the defective product to obtain compensation. In these instances, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist. Defective boats and equipment may be covered by claims that are based on negligence or strict liability law. A warranty claim may be based on a breach of express or implied guarantees provided by law, such as the New Jersey lemon laws for used cars or the warranties of merchantability or the fit and finish of the Uniform Commercial Code. Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies as well. Although some consumers may claim that a problem is obvious or clear but courts typically require expert testimony from an engineer or other qualified professional to determine if the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or was caused due to an unnoticed condition. https://vimeo.com/709746338 are discovered after a boat is sold. These are generally deemed manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is accountable for these. They are often discovered after the boat has been owned and operated, and may be the fault of the owner. One example is when a boat owner fails to emptying of the engine of water and the water freezes and affects the motor in winter. Insurance Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. As with all recreational activities, there are risks and responsibilities involved. Individuals who have been injured can file a personal injury claim or wrongful death suit to seek compensation. Medical expenses, lost income, property losses, as well as pain and suffering are all examples of damages. In cases of gross negligence, victims can also seek punitive damages. Insurance companies involved in a boating accident case can be difficult to work with, especially when their primary goal is to compensate you as little as is possible. Level the playing field by hiring a NYC lawyer for boating injuries who will collaborate with insurers to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions. An experienced attorney will review all evidence available, including police reports and medical records. They will also investigate witness testimony. Then, they'll enter into discussions with the party at fault and their insurance company to obtain an equitable settlement. If they are unable come to an agreement the attorneys of our firm will prepare for trial. We are proficient in presenting evidence in support of your claim and obtaining the highest amount of money.