Boat Accident Attorneys If you were injured in a boating accident that 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 because of your inability to work. Certain victims may also be eligible for punitive damages in the event that the defendant's conduct was inexplicably reckless. These awards are intended to punish the defendant for their conduct and to deter future incidents. Personal Injury While boating accidents can result in serious injuries, the majority of them are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are a common cause of boat accidents, along with other reckless choices, such as driving under the influence, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. Injuries may range from bruising and lacerations to permanent paralysis due to head injuries or a spinal cord injury. Victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for medical bills as well as the loss of earnings or work during their recovery from injuries. They can also recover the costs of long-term care if their injuries are permanent. Unfortunately finding out the value of an injury claim is not an easy task, and insurance companies often try to accept less than the victims are entitled to. A knowledgeable attorney can assist you in negotiating for the highest settlement possible. A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure all relevant evidence is collected. This includes obtaining important documents, like witness statements and police reports along with logs of vessel maintenance, chemical tests and photographs of the accident scene and the property damage. Medical records can also provide important information, including 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 Maritime workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are typically exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of working. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment, they are also at risk of being involved in boat accidents caused by negligence or reckless actions of other parties on board the vessel. The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages could include medical expenses and lost income, as well as the cost of living while recovering as well as pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money. Often, seamen who are injured on a supply ship tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing boat require more than just workers' compensation to pay for their loss. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third-party claims for which a seaman could be eligible to recover compensation, including allegations of insecurities and the employer's failure to keep the safety of the vessel. Your lawyer will gather important documents and evidence pertaining to your claim. This includes medical records, information about insurance policies, police reports and more. They will then negotiate a settlement with the attorney for the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair agreement cannot be reached then they will prepare for trial in order to argue your case in the court on behalf of you. Product Defects Many accidents on boats result from defective equipment. The majority of boat accidents result from the negligent or reckless actions of the boat operator. In these instances, victims are able to seek compensation from the manufacturer of the defective product through a lawsuit. In https://vimeo.com/709597025 , an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist. Defective equipment and boats can be covered under strict liability, negligence, or warranty law. A warranty claim may be based on a violation of express or implied guarantees made by law, for example 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 often covered by insurance policies, too. While some consumers may suggest that an issue is obvious or obvious, courtrooms frequently require expert testimony from a surveyor, or any other qualified professional to determine if a mechanical breakdown or other damage was caused by a hidden condition. Some defects are discovered after a boat is sold. These are usually considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Other defects are discovered after the boat is operated and owned and could be the responsibility of the owner. One example is the case of a boat owner who forgets to drain the water from the engine, and the water freezes in winter, causing 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 recreational activities are commonplace for residents. Like any other recreational activity, there are risks and responsibilities associated with it. Injured individuals can file a personal injuries claim or wrongful-death suit to recover damages. Medical expenses and lost income, as well as property loss, and suffering and pain are all examples of damages. In the event of gross negligence, victims may also pursue punitive damages. Insurance companies involved in a boating collision case can be difficult to deal with, especially since their main goal is to pay you as little as is possible. Bring the game level by hiring a NYC boating injury attorney who will work with insurance companies to ensure all parties involved are accountable for their actions. A seasoned attorney will go through all evidence available including police reports, medical records and witness testimony. Then, they'll engage in discussions with the at-fault party and their insurance company in order to reach an equitable settlement. If they are unable to come to an agreement, our attorneys will prepare for trial. We are adept at the presentation of evidence to support your claim and obtaining the highest amount of money.