Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured in a boating accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. These expenses may include physical therapy, medical bills and lost income due to inability to work.

Some victims might also be eligible for punitive damages when the defendant's conduct was shocking or reckless. These awards are intended to penalize the defendant for their actions and also to deter further incidents.

Personal Injury

Although boating accidents can lead to serious injuries, a majority of them are preventable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are common causes of franklin boat accident lawsuit accidents along with other reckless choices like operating under the influence, carrying too many passengers, and reckless behavior. Injuries can range from bruising and lacerations to permanent paralysis from spinal cord or head injury.

Victims who suffer injuries in a boating accident can get compensation for their medical bills and lost income or job while they recuperate. If their injuries are severe they may also recover costs for long-term treatment. Insurance companies usually try to settle for less than the victims have earned when estimating a claim's value. An experienced attorney can help ensure that you receive the highest settlement that is feasible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected. This includes the collection of crucial documents, such as police reports as well as witness statements, vessel maintenance records, chemical tests, and photos of the scene of the accident and property damage. Other essential information may be gathered from medical records including detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained, the expenses incurred, as well as estimates of future costs. The lawyer can then negotiate a fair settlement with the person at fault and/or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are often exposed to hazardous conditions during the course of their work. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment as well as falling equipment, they are also at risk for boat accidents caused by the negligent or reckless conduct of other people onboard the vessel.

Seamen have specific rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws designed to safeguard them from employer negligence. If they suffer injuries due to these incidents, they are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages could include medical expenses as well as lost wages, the cost of living during recuperation in the event of pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money.

Many times, injured seamen on supply vessels tugboats, Vimeo dredgers, oil tanks, barges cruise boats, or sightseeing vessels require more than workers' compensation to compensate for their losses. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third-party claims that a seaman may be entitled to claims, for instance, allegations of unsafeness or the employer's inability to maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence regarding your claim, including medical records and insurance policy information or police reports, among others. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney for the defendant and the insurance company you have named. If a fair settlement is not reached, they will draft a strong case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many boat accidents are caused by defective equipment. However, the majority of boat accidents result from the negligent or reckless actions of the boat's operator. In those instances, victims can seek compensation from the manufacturer of the defective product by filing a lawsuit. In these situations, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

Defective boats and equipment may be covered by claims based on negligence, strict liability 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 guarantees of quality and fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies, too. While some people may argue that a problem is evident or obvious but courts typically require expert testimony by a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or resulted from an unnoticed condition.

There are some defects that are discovered after a boat has been sold. These defects are usually considered manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is responsible for these. They are often discovered after the boat is operated and owned and could be the owner's fault. One example is when the cordele boat accident lawsuit owner fails to emptying of the water from the engine and the water gets frozen and causes damage to the motor during the winter.

Insurance

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

Individuals who have been injured can file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation. Damages may include medical costs, loss of income, property losses, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement and other costs. In cases of gross negligence, the victims may also seek punitive damage.

Insurance companies can be difficult to work with in a case involving boats particularly when their main goal is to compensate as little as possible. Choose a NYC boating accident attorney who will work closely with insurance companies to hold all parties responsible for their actions.

An experienced attorney will go over all evidence available including police reports and medical records. They will also look into witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with the person at fault and their insurance company in order to reach an acceptable settlement. If they fail to reach an agreement the attorneys of our firm will prepare for trial. We are experts at presenting evidence in support of your claim and securing the maximum financial award.