Boat Accident Attorneys If you were injured in an accident on the water that was not your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These expenses can include physical therapy, medical bills, and loss of income due to inability to work. Some victims might also be eligible for punitive damages if the defendant's conduct was shocking or reckless. These kinds of awards are designed 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. Boat accidents are usually caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, and other reckless decisions like driving under the effects of alcohol, carrying many passengers, and reckless behavior. The injuries could range from lacerations and bruises to permanent paralysis from neck or spinal cord injuries. Victims of boating accidents are entitled to compensation for their medical bills and loss in income or employment as they recover from their injuries. They also have the right to recover cost of long-term treatment if their injuries are permanent. Unfortunately finding out the value of a personal injury claim is not an easy task. Insurance companies frequently try to make a deal that is less than what victims are entitled to. 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 that all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes the gathering of crucial documents, such as police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance reports, chemical tests and photos of the site of the accident as well as property damage. Medical records can offer important information, including detailed reports on the injuries, expenses and the future costs. The lawyer will then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person who was at fault or the insurance company. Maritime Workers' Compensation Workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are typically exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of their job. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment in the course of their work, they are also at risk of boat accidents caused by the negligent or reckless conduct of other passengers on the vessel. The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages can be a result of medical expenses, lost wages, cost of living during recovery in the event of pain and suffering and other monetary benefits. Many times, injured seamen on supply vessels tugboats, dredgers and tugboats oil tanks, barges cruise boats, or sightseeing vessels require more than workers' compensation to compensate for their losses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third-party claims for which a seaman may be able to claim compensation, including claims of a lack of seaworthiness or the employer's failure to keep a safe vessel. Your lawyer will gather important documents and evidence that relate to your claim. These include medical records, information about insurance policies, police reports, and many more. They will then engage in settlement discussions with the lawyer of the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If the settlement is not fair reached, they will prepare an effective case for trial on your behalf. Product Defects Many boat accidents are caused by defective equipment. However, the majority of accidents on boats result from the negligent or reckless actions of the boat operator. In those cases, victims may seek compensation from the company that manufactured the defective product in a lawsuit. In these cases, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist. Defective equipment and boats can be covered under strict liability, negligence, or warranty law. A warranty claim could be caused by a breach of express or implied warranties created by law such as the New Jersey used car lemon laws or the warranties of quality and fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code. Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies, too. Although some people believe that a problem is clear or obvious, courts often require an expert witness from a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or any other damage was caused by a concealed condition. There are some defects that are discovered after a boat is sold. These are typically regarded as manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is accountable for them. Other defects are discovered after the vessel is in operation and could be the responsibility of the owner. An example of this is when a boat owner forgets to drain the water out of the engine, and the water freezes in the winter months and causes damage to the motor. Insurance In a state like New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes such as boating, water sports and similar recreation activities are common among residents. Like all recreational activities, there are risks and liabilities to be considered. Individuals who have been injured may file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation. The damages include medical expenses loss of income, property loss along with pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement, and other expenses. Victims may also seek punitive damages when they are the result of gross negligence or reckless actions by the responsible party. Insurance companies can be difficult to work with in a boating dispute, especially when their main objective is to pay as little as possible. Set the bar higher by hiring a NYC lawyer for injuries sustained in boating who will work with insurance companies to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions. An experienced attorney will go through all evidence available that is available, including police reports medical records, and witness testimony. Then they will engage in discussions with the party at fault and their insurance company to obtain a fair settlement. If https://vimeo.com/709551492 are unable reach a settlement then our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are experienced in the presentation of evidence in support of your claim and securing the maximum financial award.