Boat Accident Attorneys If you've been injured as a result of an accident on the water which was not your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These expenses can include physical therapy, medical bills as well as loss of income due to an inability to work. Some victims can also be awarded punitive damages in cases where the conduct of the defendant was egregious and reckless. These kinds of awards are designed to punish the defendant and discourage similar behavior in the future. Personal Injury Boating accidents can cause serious injuries, but a majority are avoidable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are the main cause of boat accidents, along with other reckless choices, such as driving under the influence, transporting too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The severity of injuries can range from bruising and lacerations to permanent paralysis resulting from injuries to the head or spinal cord. Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for medical bills as well as the loss of income or employment while recovering from their injuries. They can also claim the costs of long-term medical care for injuries that are permanent. Unfortunately finding out the value of an injury claim isn't a simple task and insurance companies often try to offer less than what victims are entitled to. An experienced lawyer can fight for the maximum settlement that is feasible. A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident in order to gather all evidence relevant. This includes collecting important documents, including police reports and witness statements along with logs of vessel maintenance chemical tests, photographs of the accident scene and property damage. Medical records can provide crucial information, for example, detailed reports of the injuries, expenses, and the cost of future expenses. Lawyers can negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person at fault and/or insurance company. Maritime Workers' Compensation Maritime workers working on workboats and other vessels, including supply ships, are subject to hazardous conditions during their work. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo, they are also at risk for boat accidents caused by negligent or reckless conduct of other people onboard the vessel. Seamen have specific rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that are designed to protect them from negligence by employers. If they suffer injuries due to 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 loss of wages, cost of living during the recovery process in the event of pain and suffering and other monetary benefits. Many times, injured seamen on a supply vessel tugboats, dredgers, oil tanks, barges cruise boats, or sightseeing vessels require more than workers' compensation in order to compensate for their expenses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can identify other third-party claims that a seamen could be eligible to recover compensation, for instance, allegations of insecurities and the employer's failure to maintain a safe vessel. Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence regarding your claim, including medical records and insurance policy details and 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 settlement is not reached, they will then prepare a strong case for trial on your behalf. Product Defects While the majority of boat crashes occur because of reckless or negligent behaviour on the part of the boat operator However, there are many instances when a crash actually caused by faulty equipment. In these cases, victims may sue the manufacturer that made the defective product in order to recover compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these cases. Defective equipment and boats can be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. A warranty claim can be based on a breach of implied or express warranties made by law such as the New Jersey used car lemon laws or the warranties of the merchantability and fit and finishing under the Uniform Commercial Code. Latent defects are often covered by insurance policies too. Although some people think an issue is obvious or obvious, courtrooms often require expert testimony from a surveyor or another qualified professional to determine whether an issue with a mechanical component or any other damage was caused by a hidden condition. Some defects are discovered after a boat has been sold. https://vimeo.com/709692624 are typically considered manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is responsible for the defects. Others are discovered after a boat has been operated and owned and may be the responsibility of the owner. One instance is when the owner fails to emptying of the engine of water and the water gets frozen and damages the motor in the winter. Insurance In a state like New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes and waterways, boating and other water recreational activities are commonplace for residents. However, as with most recreation activities, they come with certain risks and liabilities that could affect the lives of those who participate. Injured individuals may file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation. Medical expenses and lost income, as well as property losses and suffering and pain are all considered damages. In cases of gross negligence, victims could also seek punitive damages. Insurance companies involved in a maritime accident case can be difficult to deal with, especially since their primary goal is to pay you as little as is possible. Employ an NYC boating accident attorney who will work closely with insurers to hold them accountable for their actions. An experienced attorney will examine all evidence available including police reports, medical records and witness testimony. Then, they'll enter into discussions with the party at fault and their insurance company to negotiate an equitable settlement. If they cannot agree on the amount of settlement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are proficient in presenting evidence in support of your claim and obtaining the highest amount of money.