This Week s Top Stories About Boat Accident Attorney Boat Accident Attorney

Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of an accident while on a boat, and it was not your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These expenses may include physical therapy, medical bills and lost income because of your inability to work.

Certain victims may also be awarded punitive damages if the defendant's conduct was reckless and indecent. These awards are intended to penalize the defendant for their blunders and also to deter further incidents.

Personal Injury

Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries, however many are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are a common cause of boat accidents, as are other careless choices such as driving under the influence, transporting too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The injuries could be anything from bruising and cuts to permanent paralysis caused by spinal cord or head injury.

Victims of boating accidents are entitled to compensation for medical bills and loss of income or employment during their recovery from injuries. They can also recover the costs of long-term care in the event that their injuries are irreparable. Unfortunately it is difficult to estimate the value of a personal injury claim isn't an easy task. Insurance companies often try to offer less than what victims are entitled to. An experienced attorney can help to get the highest settlement that is possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to ensure all relevant evidence is collected. This includes obtaining important documents, including witness statements and police reports along with logs of vessel maintenance chemical tests, and photographs of the scene of the accident as well as the property damage. Medical records can offer important information, including detailed reports of the injuries, expenses, and any future costs. The lawyer can then negotiate with the at-fault party and/or the insurance company for an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are typically exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of their job. They are at risk of being injured not only from cargo or equipment falling but also from boat accidents caused by negligence or carelessness of other people on 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 include medical expenses and lost wages, as well as the cost of living during the recovery process along with pain and suffering and other financial benefits.

Often, seamen who are injured on a supply vessel tugboats, dredgers, oil tanks, barges cruise boats, or sightseeing vessels require more than workers' compensation in order to compensate for their losses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can identify other third-party claims that a seamen might be entitled to compensation, including allegations of insecurities and the employer's failure to keep an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will collect crucial documents and evidence that relate to your claim. These include medical records, information regarding insurance policies, police reports and much more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the defendant's attorney and insurance company in your name. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, they will prepare for trial and make a convincing argument in the court on your behalf.

Product Defects

Although the majority of boat accident law firms accidents happen because of reckless or negligent actions of the boat's operator, there are also many instances where a crash was actually the result of faulty equipment. In those cases, victims can seek compensation from the manufacturer of the defective product through a lawsuit. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these instances.

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

Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies as well. Although some people believe that a problem is clear or obvious, courts typically require an expert witness from a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if the mechanical breakdown or another damage was caused by a concealed condition.

Some defects are found after a boat has been sold. These are generally deemed manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is responsible for these. They are often discovered after the boat has been owned and operated and may be the fault of the owner. One example is when a boat accident law firms owner doesn't empty the engine of water and the water gets frozen and affects the motor in winter.

Insurance

In a state like New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes boats and other water recreation activities are common among residents. However, like all recreational activities, they carry certain risks and liabilities that could affect the lives of the participants.

When boating accidents occur the injured can file a personal injury or wrongful-death claim for compensation to pay for their damages. Damages include medical expenses, loss of income, property loss as well as pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement, and other expenses. In cases of gross negligence, victims may also pursue punitive damages.

Insurance companies involved in a boating injury case are often difficult to deal with, especially since their main goal is to settle the case as little as they can. Make sure you are level playing field by hiring a NYC attorney for boating injuries who will work with insurance companies to ensure all parties involved are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will scrutinize all evidence available such as police reports and medical records. They will also review witnesses' testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the responsible person and their insurance company in order to negotiate an equitable settlement. If they cannot agree on the amount of settlement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are skilled at presenting evidence in support of your claim and securing maximum financial award.