Boat Accident Attorneys If you were injured by an accident while on a boat, and it was not your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial settlement. These costs could include physical therapy, medical bills and lost income due to the inability to work. Certain victims may also be eligible for punitive damages if defendant's conduct was inexplicably reckless. These types of awards are designed to penalize the defendant and deter similar misconduct in the future. Personal Injury Boating accidents can result in serious injuries but many are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the main cause of boat-related accidents as well as other reckless choices like operating under the influence, carrying too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The severity of injuries ranges from minor bruises to paralysis due to the brain or spinal cord. Victims of boating accidents are entitled to compensation for medical bills and loss of income or employment during their recovery from injuries. If their injuries are permanent they can also claim costs for long-term care. Unfortunately, estimating the value of a personal injury claim is not an easy task. Insurance companies often make a deal that is less than what victims deserve. An experienced lawyer can to get the highest settlement possible. A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to gather all evidence relevant. This includes the collection of crucial documents, such as police reports and witness statements, boat maintenance records, chemical tests, and photos of the scene of the accident and property damage. Medical records can provide other important information, including detailed reports on the injuries, expenses and the future costs. https://vimeo.com/709633775 can bargain with the party at fault or the insurance company to negotiate 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 job. They are at risk of getting injured not just by cargo or equipment falling as well as accidents on boats caused by the negligence or inattention of other passengers on board the vessel. Seamen have rights that are specific to them under the Jones Act and other federal laws designed to safeguard them from employer negligence. If they sustain injuries as a result of these incidents, they are entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages could include medical expenses, lost wages, cost of living during recuperation along with pain and suffering and other financial benefits. Most often, seamen injured on a supply vessel, tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing boat need more than just workers' compensation to cover their injuries. A New York boat accident attorney can help identify third-party claims seamen may be eligible for, such as allegations of unseaworthiness or the employer's inability to keep the safety of the vessel. Your lawyer will gather important documents and evidence in connection with your claim. This includes medical records, information on insurance policies, police reports and many more. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the defendant's lawyer and insurance company on your behalf. If an acceptable settlement cannot be reached, they will then prepare an argument that is strong enough to be tried on your behalf. Product Defects Although the majority of boat accidents happen due to negligent or reckless actions of the boat owner However, there are many cases where a crash is actually the result of defective equipment. In such cases, the victims can seek compensation from the company that manufactured the defective product by filing a lawsuit. In these cases, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist. Boats and defective equipment can be covered under strict liability, negligence, or warranty law. A warranty claim may be based on a violation of implied or express warranties created by law, like the New Jersey lemon laws for automobiles used for sale or the warranties of merchantability, or quality and fit under Uniform Commercial Code. Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies too. Although some people think an issue is obvious or obvious, courts often require expert testimony by a surveyor or other expert to determine if the mechanical breakdown or another damage resulted from a hidden condition. Some defects are discovered after a boat is sold. These defects are usually considered manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is accountable for them. Other defects are discovered after the vessel is in operation and could be the fault of the owner. One example is when the owner forgets the empty the engine's water and the water freezes and causes damage to the motor during the winter. Insurance Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state with easy access the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. But, as with all recreational activities, they are accompanied by certain risks and liabilities that could impact the lives of participants. When boating accidents happen and people are injured, they can make a personal injury claim or wrongful-death claim for compensation to cover their losses. Medical expenses, lost income, property losses, as well as suffering and pain are all damages. In cases of gross negligence, victims can also seek punitive damages. Insurance companies aren't always easy to work with in a boating dispute especially when their primary goal is to compensate as little as possible. Find a NYC lawyer for a boating accident who will work closely with insurers to hold all parties responsible for their actions. An experienced attorney will go over all evidence available including police reports as well as medical records. They will also examine witnesses' testimony. They will then engage in discussions with both the at-fault person and their insurance company in order to reach an acceptable settlement. If they are unable come to an agreement Our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are experienced in providing evidence to support your claim and securing the highest amount of financial compensation.