Boat Accident Attorneys If you've been injured as a result of an accident while on a boat that was not your fault, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. These expenses could include medical bills, physical therapy as well as loss of income because of your inability to work. Certain victims may be awarded punitive damages, in the event that the defendant's behavior was reckless and egregious. These awards are intended to penalize the defendant for their misconduct and to discourage future offenses. Personal Injury Boating accidents can cause serious injuries but many are preventable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are the main cause of boat accidents, as are other careless choices such as driving under the influence, bringing too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The injuries could vary from lacerations and bruising to permanent paralysis caused by head injuries or a spinal cord injury. Victims of boating accidents are entitled to compensation for their medical bills and loss of income or employment during their recovery from injuries. They may also be able to recover the costs of long-term medical care for injuries that are permanent. Unfortunately finding out the value of a personal injury claim isn't an easy task. Insurance firms often attempt to make a deal that is less than what victims deserve. An experienced lawyer can help in negotiating the best settlement possible. A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to gather all evidence relevant. This includes gathering important documents, such as police reports and witness statements as well as logs of maintenance for the vessel, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of an accident and the property damage. Medical records can also provide important information, including detailed reports of the injuries, expenses and the future costs. The lawyer can then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the at-fault person or the insurance company. Maritime Workers' Compensation Maritime workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are typically exposed to dangers in the course of working. They are at risk of getting injured not just from cargo or equipment falling and cargo, but also due to boat accidents caused by negligence or recklessness of others aboard the vessel. The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. 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, pain and suffering, and other financial benefits. 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 cover their losses. A New York boat accident attorney will be able to identify third-party claims the seaman could be entitled to including claims of unsafeness or the employer's failure maintain an appropriate vessel. Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence related to your claim, such as medical records and insurance policy details, police reports and more. They will then engage in settlement negotiations with the defendant's lawyer and insurance company on your behalf. If a fair agreement cannot be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial and make a convincing argument in court on your behalf. Product Defects While most boat accidents occur due to negligent or reckless behavior on the part of the boat operator There are also instances where a crash is actually the result of defective equipment. In these instances, the victims may sue the company responsible for the product in order to recover compensation. In these instances, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help. Defective equipment and boats could be covered by claims based on negligence or strict liability law. A warranty claim can be based on a violation of express or implied guarantees made by law, like the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles, or the guarantees of merchantability, or fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code. https://vimeo.com/709767463 cover latent problems as well. While some people may argue that the issue is evident or obvious and obvious, courts typically require expert testimony from a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if the mechanical breakdown or damage was caused due to an unnoticed problem. A few defects are discovered when the boat is sold. These are usually considered to be manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Some are discovered after the boat is owned and operated and may be the responsibility of the owner. One example is when a boat owner does not emptying of the engine's water and the water then freezes and damages the motor during winter. Insurance Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. But, as with all recreational activities, they are accompanied by certain risks and liabilities that could affect the lives of those who participate. When boating accidents occur and people are injured, they can make a personal injury claim or wrongful death claim to compensate for their losses. Medical expenses as well as lost income, property losses, as well as suffering and pain are all damages. Victims can also pursue punitive damages in instances of gross negligence or reckless behavior by the at-fault party. Insurance companies involved in a boating collision case can be difficult to deal with, especially when their primary objective is to pay you as little as they can. Choose a NYC lawyer for a boating accident who will work closely with insurance companies to hold them accountable for their actions. An experienced attorney will go over all evidence available such as police reports and medical records. They will also look into witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the at-fault person and their insurance company in order to reach an acceptable settlement. If they cannot agree on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for trial. We are adept at presenting evidence to support your claim and winning the maximum financial award.