Boat Accident Attorneys If you've been injured as a result of an accident in the boating industry and it wasn't your fault you may be entitled a substantial compensation. These expenses could include physical therapy, medical bills and income loss due to an inability to work. Some victims may also be awarded punitive damages, if the defendant's conduct was reckless and indecent. These kinds of awards are designed to punish the offender and discourage similar behavior in the future. Personal Injury Although boating accidents can cause serious injuries, a lot of them can be avoided. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are a common cause of boat accidents, along with other reckless choices like operating under the influence, carrying too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The severity of injuries can range from lacerations and bruises to permanent paralysis caused by neck or spinal cord injuries. Victims of boating accidents are entitled to compensation for medical expenses and loss of income or employment while recovering from their injuries. They also have the right to recover costs of long-term care in the event that their injuries are irreparable. Unfortunately the process of estimating the value of a personal injury claim is not an easy task. Insurance firms often attempt to make a deal that is less than what victims deserve. A knowledgeable attorney can ensure that you receive the highest settlement that is 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 obtaining important documents like witness statements and police reports, vessel maintenance logs chemical tests, photographs of the scene of the accident as well as the property damage. Other crucial information can be obtained from medical records, including detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained along with the costs incurred as well as estimated future costs. The lawyer will then negotiate a fair settlement with the person who was at fault or the insurance company. Maritime Workers' Compensation Maritime workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are typically exposed to hazardous conditions during the course of their employment. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment, they are also at risk for boat accidents caused by negligence or reckless actions of other passengers on the vessel. Seamen have rights that are specific to them under the Jones Act and other federal laws that safeguard them from employer negligence. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages may include medical expenses and lost income, as well as the cost of living while recovering from injuries, pain and suffering and other benefits monetary. Often, seamen who are injured on a supply vessel, tugboats, dredgers, barges, oil tanks cruise or sightseeing boats need more than workers' compensation in order to compensate for their expenses. A New York boat accident attorney can help identify third-party claims an individual seaman may be eligible for like claims of unreliability or the employer's inability to keep a safe vessel. Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence related to your claim, such as medical records and insurance policy details or police reports, among others. https://vimeo.com/709640076 will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney for the defendant and insurance company in your name. If a fair and reasonable settlement cannot be reached then they will prepare for trial in order to argue your case in court on your behalf. Product Defects Many accidents on boats are caused by defective equipment. The majority of accidents on boats result from the reckless or negligent behavior of the boat's owner. In such cases, the victims can seek compensation from the company that produced the defective product in a lawsuit. In these cases, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help. Boats and defective equipment can be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. Warranty claims can be based on a breach of implied or express warranties provided by law, for example the New Jersey lemon laws for used cars or the warranties of merchantability, or fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code. Insurance policies often cover latent problems as well. Although some people believe that the issue is obvious or obvious, courtrooms frequently require expert testimony from a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if an engine failure or other damage was caused by a concealed problem. Certain defects are discovered after a boat is sold. These are generally deemed manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is responsible for these. Others are discovered after the boat is owned and operated and may be the fault of the owner. An example of this is when a boat owner fails to empty water out of the engine, and the water freezes in winter months and causes damage to the motor. Insurance In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes and waterways, boating and other water recreation activities are common for residents. Like all recreational activities, there are risks and liabilities involved. If boating accidents happen, injured individuals may make a personal injury claim or wrongful-death claim for compensation to pay for their damages. Damages include medical expenses, loss of income, property losses as well as pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement, and other expenses. In the event of gross negligence, victims can also seek punitive damages. Insurance companies involved in a boating collision case aren't easy to deal with, especially when their primary goal is to pay you the least amount they can. Level the playing field by hiring an NYC attorney for boating injuries who will work with insurance companies to ensure that all parties are accountable for their actions. An experienced attorney will thoroughly review all available evidence 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 acceptable settlement. If they are unable agree on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare for trial. We are skilled at presenting evidence in support of your claim and securing maximum financial award.