Boat Accident Attorneys
If you've suffered injuries as a result of an accident on the water and it wasn't your fault you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These expenses could include medical bills, physical therapy as well as loss of income due to an inability to work.
Some victims may also qualify for punitive damages if the defendant's behavior was egregious or reckless. These awards are designed to punish the defendant for their actions and also to deter further incidents.
Personal Injury
Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries, but they are often preventable. Boat accidents are often caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, as well as other careless choices like driving under the influence of alcohol, carrying too many people, and reckless behavior. The injuries can range from minor bruises to paralysis due to brain injury or a spinal cord injury.
Victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for medical bills as well as the loss of income or work while they recover from injuries. They can also claim the expenses of long-term care when their injuries are permanent. Unfortunately, estimating the value of an injury claim isn't a simple task and insurance companies often settle for less than victims have a right to. A knowledgeable attorney can help you fight for the highest settlement possible.
A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the incident to gather all evidence relevant. This includes the gathering of crucial documents such as police reports as well as witness statements, vessel maintenance documents, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of the accident and property damage. Other essential information may be gathered from medical records, which include detailed reports of the injuries suffered along with the costs incurred as well as estimated future costs. The lawyer may then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person at fault or the insurance company.
Maritime Workers' Compensation
Workers on workboats as well as other vessels, like supply ships, are subject to hazardous conditions during their employment. They are at risk of getting injured not just by cargo or equipment falling and cargo, but also due to boat accidents caused by negligence or inattention of other passengers on board the vessel.
Seamen have certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws designed to safeguard them from employer negligence. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The damages could include medical expenses, lost income, cost of living during recovery from injuries, pain and suffering and other monetary benefits.
Often, seamen who are injured on a supply
morgantown boat accident law firm tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing vessel require more than workers' compensation in order to cover their loss. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer will be able to identify any other third-party claims that a seamen might be entitled to compensation, including allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or the failure of the employer to maintain an appropriate vessel.
Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence that relate to your claim. This includes medical records, details about insurance policies, police reports, and more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney representing the defendant as well as an the insurance company that you represent. If the settlement is not fair reached, they will then prepare an effective case for trial on your behalf.
Product Defects
Although the majority of boat accidents happen because of reckless or negligent behavior of the
san fernando boat accident lawyer's operator However, there are a number of instances where a crash is actually caused by faulty equipment. In those cases, victims can seek compensation from the manufacturer of the defective product in a lawsuit. 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. Warranty claims can be based on a violation of implied or express warranties created by law, for example the New Jersey lemon laws for used cars or the warranties of merchantability, or fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.
Insurance policies can cover nebulous defects as well. While some individuals may assert that a problem is evident or obvious however, courts usually require expert testimony from a surveyor or another qualified professional to determine whether the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or was caused due to an unnoticed problem.
Some defects are discovered after the boat is sold. These defects are usually considered manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is accountable for these. Some are discovered after the boat is operated and owned and may be the fault of the owner. One example is when the boat owner forgets the empty the water from the engine and the water then freezes and damages the motor in the winter.
Insurance
Boating and other water sports are very popular in New York, a state that has easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. But, as with all sports, they also carry certain risks and liabilities that can affect the lives of the participants.
Injured persons are able to file a personal injury claim or wrongful death
lawsuit to seek compensation. Damages may include medical costs, loss of income, property loss in addition to pain and suffering diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement, and other expenses. Victims may also demand punitive damages in the event of reckless or gross negligence behavior by the party at fault.
Insurance companies can be difficult to work with in a case involving a boat particularly when their main goal is to compensate as little as possible. Hire an NYC lawyer for boating accidents who will work closely 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. Then, they'll enter into discussions with the at-fault party and their insurance company to obtain a fair settlement. If they cannot reach a settlement the attorneys of our firm will prepare for trial. We are experts in the presentation of evidence in support of your claim and securing the maximum amount of financial compensation.