Boat Accident Attorneys If you've been injured in an accident on the water, and it was not your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. This could include medical bills, physical therapy, and loss of income due to an inability to work. Certain victims may also be eligible for punitive damages if the defendant's actions were egregious or reckless. These types of awards are crafted to punish the defendant and deter similar misconduct in the future. Personal Injury While boating accidents may cause serious injuries, many of them are preventable. Boat accidents are usually caused by inexperienced and untrained boaters, in addition to other reckless choices such as driving under the influence of alcohol, carrying many passengers, and reckless behavior. The severity of the injuries vary from minor bruises to paralysis due to the brain or spinal cord. Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for their medical expenses and loss of earnings or work during their recovery from injuries. If their injuries last for a long time they may also recover costs for long-term treatment. Insurance companies frequently try to settle for less money than the victims should receive when estimating claims' value. A knowledgeable attorney can in negotiating the best settlement possible. A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the incident to collect all relevant evidence. This includes the gathering of crucial documents such as police reports and witness statements, boat maintenance records, chemical tests and photos of the site of the accident as well as the damage to property. Medical records can also provide important information, including detailed reports of the injuries, expenses and the cost of future expenses. The lawyer will then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person at fault and/or insurance company. Maritime Workers' Compensation Workers on workboats as well as other vessels, such as supply ships, are subject to dangerous conditions during their work. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment in the course of their work, they are also at risk for boat accidents caused by the negligent or reckless actions of other people onboard the vessel. Seamen have certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws designed to protect them from the negligence of employers. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, cost of living during the recovery process in the event of pain and suffering and other financial benefits. A lot of seamen injured on a supply ship tugboat, dredger barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing vessel require more than just workers' compensation in order to cover their injuries. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims that a seaman may be able to claim compensation, such as allegations of unseaworthiness and the employer's failure to keep an appropriate vessel. Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence regarding your claim, such as medical records and insurance policy details or police reports, among others. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney representing the defendant as well as an the insurance company you have named. If the settlement is not fair reached, they will then prepare a strong case for trial on your behalf. Product Defects Many boat accidents result from defective equipment. Most boat accidents result from the negligent or reckless behavior of the boat operator. In these instances, the victims may sue the manufacturer that made the defective product to obtain compensation. In these cases, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist. Defective boats and equipment may be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. A warranty claim may be based on a violation of implied or express guarantees that are imposed by law, like the New Jersey lemon laws for used cars or the warranties of merchantability or quality and fit under Uniform Commercial Code. Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies as well. While some individuals may assert that the issue is evident or obvious, courts often require expert testimony by a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine whether the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or was caused due to 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. Other defects are discovered after the boat is owned and operated and may be the responsibility of the owner. One example is when the owner fails to empty the water from the engine and the water gets frozen and damages the motor in the winter. Insurance Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state with easy access to Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. Like any other recreational activity there are risks and responsibilities associated with it. When boating accidents occur, injured individuals may make a personal injury claim or wrongful-death claim for compensation to cover their damages. Damages may include medical costs, loss of income, property losses, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other expenses. Victims may also seek punitive damages in cases of reckless or gross negligence behaviour by the at-fault party. Insurance companies involved in a boating accident case can be difficult to work with, especially since their main goal is to settle the case the least amount they can. Level the playing field by hiring a NYC lawyer for injuries sustained in boating who will work with insurance companies to ensure all parties involved are held accountable for their actions. A seasoned attorney will look over all evidence available such as police reports and medical records. They will also review witnesses' testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the responsible person and their insurance company in order to negotiate an acceptable settlement. If https://vimeo.com/709631030 are unable reach an agreement Our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are skilled at presenting evidence to support your claim and securing the maximum amount of financial compensation.