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Boat Accident Attorneys

If you’ve been injured in an accident in the boating industry, and it was not your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial payout. These expenses may include physical therapy, medical bills, and lost income because of your inability to work.

Some victims may be awarded punitive damages, in the event that the defendant’s behavior was reckless and egregious. These awards are designed to penalize the defendant for their blunders and to discourage future offenses.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can lead to serious injuries, the majority of them can be avoided. Boat accidents are usually caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, as well as other reckless decisions like driving under the influence of alcohol, carrying too many passengers, or reckless behavior. Injuries can vary from lacerations and bruising to permanent paralysis caused by head injuries or a spinal cord injury.

Victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for medical bills and loss in earnings or work as they recover from their injuries. If their injuries are severe they may also recover costs for long-term care. Unfortunately the process of estimating the value of an injury claim is not an easy task, and insurance companies often settle for less than victims deserve. An experienced lawyer can help in negotiating the best settlement that is possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to ensure all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes collecting important documents like witness statements and police reports, vessel maintenance logs chemical tests, and photographs of the scene of the accident as well as property damage. Other vital information can be obtained from medical records that include detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained, expenses incurred, and estimated future costs. The lawyer can then negotiate with the at-fault party or the insurance company to negotiate an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers’ Compensation

Maritime workers working on workboats as well as other vessels, including supply ships, are subject to hazardous conditions throughout their work. They are at risk of being injured not just by cargo or equipment falling, but also by boat accidents caused by negligence or carelessness of other people 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 can 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.

In many cases, injured seamen on supply vessels tugboats, dredgers and tugboats oil tanks, barges cruise or sightseeing vessels need more than workers’ compensation to pay for their expenses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims where a seaman might be entitled to compensation, including claims of insecurities and the employer’s failure to maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence pertaining to your claim, such as medical records, insurance policy information or police reports, among others. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the defendant’s lawyer and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial and present a strong case in court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

While the majority of boat crashes occur due to negligent or reckless behavior on the part of the boat owner However, there are a number of instances where a crash was actually caused by faulty equipment. In these instances, victims may seek compensation from the company that made the defective product in a lawsuit. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these cases.

Defective equipment and boats can be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. A warranty claim can be caused by a breach of implied or express warranties made by law such as the New Jersey used car lemon laws, or the warranties of fit and finish and merchantability under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies usually cover latent defects as well. While some people may argue that a problem is evident or obvious, courts often require expert testimony from an engineer or other qualified professional to determine whether the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or resulted from an unnoticed problem.

A few defects are discovered when the boat is sold. These are typically regarded as manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is responsible for them. Some are discovered after the boat has been operated and owned, and may be the owner’s fault. An example is when a boat accident lawsuit owner fails to drain the water from the engine, and that water freezes in winter months and causes damage to the motor.

Insurance

In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes boats and other water recreational activities are commonplace for residents. But, as with all recreational activities, they are accompanied by certain risks and liabilities that can impact the lives of participants.

If boating accidents happen victims may file a personal injury or wrongful death claim to pay for their damages. Damages can include medical expenses, loss of income, property losses, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement and other costs. In cases of gross negligence, victims can also seek punitive damages.

Insurance companies can be difficult to work with in a case involving a boat, especially when their main goal is to compensate as little as possible. Make sure you are level playing field by hiring a NYC lawyer for boating injuries who will collaborate with insurers to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will review all available evidence that is available, including police reports medical records, and 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 are not able to reach an agreement on an agreement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are experts at the presentation of evidence in support of your claim and securing maximum amount of financial compensation.