Boat Accident AttorneysIf you've suffered injuries in a boating accident which was not your fault, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. These expenses may include medical bills, physical therapies and income loss because of your inability to work.
Some victims can also be awarded punitive damages in the event that the defendant's behavior was reckless and indecent. These types of awards are intended to punish the perpetrator and discourage similar behavior in the future.
Personal Injury
Boating accidents can cause serious injuries, but they are often preventable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are a common cause of boat-related accidents as well as other reckless choices like operating under the influence, bringing too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The severity of injuries ranges from minor bruises to paralysis caused by the brain or spinal cord.
Victims injured in a boating accident may be compensated for medical expenses as well as lost earnings or work while they recuperate. They can also recover the cost of long-term treatment if their injuries are permanent. Insurance companies frequently try to settle for less than the victims should receive when estimating claims' value. A knowledgeable attorney can help you fight for the highest amount of compensation possible.
A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the incident in order to gather all evidence relevant. This includes the collection of crucial documents, such as police reports, witness statements, vessel maintenance documents, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of the accident and property damage. Other important information can be gathered from medical records including detailed accounts of the injuries sustained, expenses incurred, and estimated future costs. The lawyer may then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the at-fault person or insurance company.
Maritime Workers' Compensation
Workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are typically exposed to dangers in the course of their work. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo in the course of their work, they are also at risk for boat accidents caused by negligence or reckless conduct by other crew members on the vessel.
Seamen have specific rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that are designed to protect them from the negligence of employers. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages can include medical expenses loss of wages, cost of living during the recovery process along with pain and suffering and other monetary benefits.
Many times, seamen who are injured on a supply vessel tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing boat require more than workers' compensation to compensate their expenses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can identify other third-party claims for which a seaman might be entitled to compensation, for instance, allegations of unreliability and the failure of the employer to maintain a safe vessel.
Your attorney will collect important documents and evidence that relate to your claim. These include medical records, information regarding insurance policies, police reports, and many more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the defendant's attorney and the insurance company that you represent. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached then they will prepare for trial and present a strong case in court on behalf of you.
Product Defects
While the majority of boat crashes occur because of reckless or negligent behavior on the part of the boat's owner However, there are a number of instances where a crash was actually the result of defective equipment. In these cases, victims could sue the firm that manufactured the defective product to obtain compensation. In these instances, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.
Defective boats and equipment may be covered by claims that are based on negligence, strict liability or warranty law. A warranty claim can be based on a violation of implied or express guarantees created by law, for example the New Jersey lemon laws for used cars or the warranties of merchantability, or the fit and finish of the Uniform Commercial Code.
Latent defects are often covered by insurance policies, too. While some individuals may assert that a problem is evident or obvious and obvious, courts typically require expert testimony from an expert surveyor or other qualified professional to determine whether the mechanical breakdown or damage was caused due to a hidden condition.
Some defects are discovered after a
Boat Accident Law Firm has been sold. These are typically regarded as manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is responsible for them. Other defects are discovered after the vessel is in operation and could be the responsibility of the owner. An example is when a boat owner fails to empty water out of the engine, and the water freezes in the winter and causes damage to the engine.
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 among residents. However, like most recreational activities, they carry certain risks and liabilities that could affect the lives of the participants.
If boating accidents happen victims may file a personal injury or wrongful death claim for compensation to pay for their damages. Medical expenses and lost income, as well as property loss, and pain and suffering are all damages. In the event of gross negligence, the victims may also seek punitive damage.
Insurance companies can be difficult to work with in a boating dispute particularly when their main goal is to compensate as little as they can. Hire an NYC lawyer for boating accidents who will work closely with insurance companies to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.
An experienced attorney will go over all evidence available including police reports as well as medical records. They will also review witnesses' testimony. Then, they'll enter into negotiations with the person at fault and their insurance company to secure an acceptable settlement. If they are not able to reach an agreement on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for trial. We are skilled at presenting evidence to support your claim and securing the maximum amount of money.