Boat Accident Attorneys If you've been injured in an accident while on a boat and it wasn't your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These expenses can include physical therapy, medical bills as well as loss of income due to inability to work. Certain victims may be awarded punitive damages in the event that the defendant's behavior was egregious and reckless. These types of awards are intended to punish the defendant and discourage similar conduct in the future. Personal Injury Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, but they are often avoidable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the most common cause of boat accidents, along with other naive choices like operating under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. https://vimeo.com/709548258 of the injuries vary from minor bruises to paralysis resulting from spinal cord or brain injury. Victims of injuries sustained in a boating accident may be compensated for medical expenses as well as lost income or job while they recover. If their injuries are permanent they may also be able to recover expenses for long-term care. Unfortunately finding out the value of a personal injury claim is not an easy task. Insurance companies often accept less than the victims need to receive. An experienced attorney will help you fight for the highest amount of compensation possible. A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to ensure all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes gathering important documents, including police reports and witness statements along with logs of vessel maintenance chemical tests, photographs of the scene of the accident as well as the property damage. Medical records can provide vital information, like detailed reports of the injuries, expenses and the future costs. Lawyers can bargain with the party at fault or the insurance company for a fair settlement. Maritime Workers' Compensation Workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are frequently exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of their employment. They are at risk of getting injured not only by cargo or equipment falling and cargo, but also due to boat accidents resulting from the negligence or recklessness of other parties aboard the vessel. The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The damages could include medical expenses loss of income, cost of living while recovering the injury, pain and suffering, and other benefits monetary. Many times, seamen who are injured on a supply vessel tugboat, dredger barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing boat require more than just workers' compensation to pay for their expenses. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third party claims that an individual seaman may be entitled to like claims of a lack of seaworthiness or an employer's failure maintain a safe vessel. Your lawyer will collect crucial documents and evidence that relate to your claim. These include medical records, information regarding insurance policies, police reports, and more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the defendant's attorney and the insurance company on your behalf. If an acceptable settlement cannot be agreed upon, they will create a compelling case for trial on your behalf. Product Defects While the majority of boat crashes occur because of negligent or reckless actions of the boat owner, there are also many instances when a crash actually the result of faulty equipment. In these instances, the victims could sue the firm that manufactured the defective product to claim compensation. In these instances, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist. Defective boats and equipment may be covered under strict liability, negligence, or warranty law. Warranty claims can be based on a violation of express or implied guarantees provided by law, for example the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles or the warranties of merchantability or quality and fit under Uniform Commercial Code. Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies as well. Although some consumers might claim that a problem is evident or obvious however, courts usually require expert testimony from a surveyor or another expert to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or damage was caused by an unnoticed issue. There are some defects that are discovered after a boat is sold. These are usually considered to be manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Some are discovered after the boat has been operated and owned, and may be the owner's fault. A good example is when a boater forgets to empty water out of the engine, and that water freezes during winter and damages the motor. Insurance In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes boats and other water recreational activities are commonplace for residents. Like any other recreational activity, there are risks and liabilities associated with it. Individuals who have been injured can file a personal injuries claim or wrongful-death suit to recover damages. Medical expenses and lost income, as well as property losses, as well as pain and suffering are all considered damages. In cases of gross negligence, the victims may also pursue punitive damages. Insurance companies aren't easy to work with in a case involving a boat especially when their primary goal is to settle the lowest amount they can. Make sure you are level playing field by hiring a NYC lawyer for injuries sustained in boating who will work with insurance companies to ensure that all parties are accountable for their actions. A seasoned attorney will look over all evidence available including police reports and medical records. They will also investigate witnesses' testimony. Then they will engage in negotiations with the at-fault party and their insurance company to secure an equitable settlement. If they can't agree on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for trial. We are skilled at providing evidence to support your claim and securing the highest amount of financial compensation.