Boat Accident Attorneys If you've been injured in an accident in the boating industry, and it was not your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial settlement. These expenses can include medical bills, physical therapy, and loss of income due to an inability to work. Certain victims may be awarded punitive damages, in the event that the defendant's behavior was reckless and egregious. These awards are intended to penalize the defendant for their misconduct and to discourage future offenses. Personal Injury Although boating accidents may cause serious injuries, a majority of them are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the most common cause of boat-related accidents as well as other naive choices like driving under the influence, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. Injuries may be anything from bruising and cuts to permanent paralysis due to head injuries or a spinal cord injury. Victims injured in a boating accident can get compensation for their medical expenses and lost income or work as they recover. If their injuries are irreparable, they can also recover expenses for long-term care. Unfortunately it is difficult to estimate the value of an injury claim isn't an easy task, and insurance companies often try to settle for less than victims have a right to. An experienced attorney will assist you in negotiating for the highest settlement possible. A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the accident in order to gather all evidence relevant. This includes the gathering of crucial documents, such as police reports as well as witness statements, vessel maintenance records, chemical tests and photos of the scene of the accident and property damage. Other crucial information can be gathered from medical records, including detailed accounts of the injuries sustained, the expenses incurred, as well as estimated future costs. The lawyer can then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person at fault and/or insurance company. Maritime Workers' Compensation Workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are often exposed to dangers in the course of working. They are at risk of being injured not only by falling equipment or cargo and cargo, but also due to boat accidents caused by negligence or inattention of other passengers aboard the vessel. Seamen are entitled to certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that safeguard them from employer negligence. When they suffer injuries from these incidents, they are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages can be a result of medical expenses loss of wages, cost of living during the recovery process along with pain and suffering and other monetary benefits. A lot of times, injured seamen on supply vessels such as tugboats or dredgers oil tanks, barges cruise or sightseeing boats require more than workers' compensation to pay for their expenses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can identify other third-party claims that a seaman may be able to claim compensation, such as allegations of unseaworthiness and the employer's inability to maintain the safety of the vessel. Your attorney will collect important documents and evidence in connection with your claim. These include medical records, information about insurance policies, police reports and much more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney of the defendant and the insurance company you have named. If there is no fair settlement agreed upon, they will create a compelling case for trial on your behalf. Product Defects Many boat accidents result from defective equipment. Most accidents on boats are caused by the reckless or negligent actions of the boat's owner. In these cases, victims may sue the manufacturer who made the defective product in order to recover compensation. In these situations, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist. Defective equipment and boats can be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. Warranty claims can be based on a violation of implied or express guarantees made 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. Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies, too. Although some consumers might claim that a problem is evident or obvious but courts typically require expert testimony by a surveyor or another qualified professional to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or damage was caused due to an unnoticed problem. Certain defects are discovered after the boat is sold. These defects are usually considered manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is accountable for the defects. They are often discovered after the boat has been operated and owned, and may be the owner's fault. A good example is when a boat owner fails to drain water from the engine, and the water freezes in winter and damages the motor. 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 recreation activities are common for residents. But, as with all recreation activities, they come with certain risks and liabilities that can impact the lives of participants. Individuals who have been injured are able to 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 examples of damages. In cases of gross negligence, the victims may also seek punitive damage. Insurance companies involved in a boating accident case can be difficult to work with, especially when their main goal is to pay you as little as is possible. Employ an NYC lawyer for a boating accident who will work closely with insurance companies to hold all parties responsible for their actions. An experienced attorney will review all available evidence including police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. Then, they'll enter into discussions with the party at fault and their insurance company to secure a fair settlement. If they are unable come to an agreement Our lawyers will prepare for trial. https://vimeo.com/709565752 are skilled at the presentation of evidence in support of your claim and securing highest amount of financial compensation.