Boat Accident Attorneys If you've been injured in a boating accident and it wasn't your fault, you may be entitled to a substantial settlement. This could include physical therapy, medical bills, and lost income due to inability to work. Certain victims could also be eligible for punitive damages if defendant's conduct was shocking or reckless. These kinds of awards are designed to punish the defendant and discourage similar behavior in the future. Personal Injury Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries, but they are often preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the main cause of boat accidents, along with other reckless choices like operating under the influence, carrying too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The severity of injuries can range from lacerations and bruises to permanent paralysis resulting from neck or spinal cord injuries. Victims of injuries sustained in a boating incident can receive compensation for their medical bills and lost income or work as they recover. They also have the right to recover costs of long-term medical care in the event that their injuries are irreparable. Unfortunately, estimating the value of a personal injury claim is not a simple task and insurance companies often try to settle for less than victims have a right to. An experienced lawyer can help ensure that you receive the highest settlement that is possible. A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes the collection of important documents such as police reports, witness statements, vessel maintenance documents, chemical tests and photographs of the site of the accident as well as the property damage. Medical records can provide other important information, including detailed reports on the injuries, expenses and any future costs. The lawyer may then negotiate with the at-fault party or the insurance company for an equitable settlement. Maritime Workers' Compensation Workers on workboats as well as other vessels, including supply ships, are subject to dangerous conditions during their work. They are at risk of being injured not only from falling equipment or cargo, but also by accidents on boats caused by the negligence or recklessness of others on board the vessel. Seamen have certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that are designed to protect them from the negligence of employers. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages may include medical expenses loss of income, cost of living while recovering, pain and suffering and other benefits monetary. Many times, seamen who are injured while on a supply ship tugboat, dredger barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing vessel require more than just workers' compensation to compensate their losses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer will be able to identify any other third-party claims where a seaman could be eligible to recover compensation, including allegations of unseaworthiness and the employer's inability to maintain an appropriate vessel. Your lawyer will collect crucial documents and evidence that relate to your claim. This includes medical records, details about insurance policies, police reports, and more. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the lawyer for the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached, they will prepare for trial and present a strong case in court on your behalf. Product Defects While most boat accidents occur because of reckless or negligent behaviour on the part of the boat's operator However, there are many instances where a crash was actually the result of faulty equipment. In these instances, the victims may sue the company responsible for the product to obtain compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these cases. Defective boats and equipment may be covered by claims based on negligence or strict liability law. A warranty claim may be based on a violation of implied or express guarantees provided by law, like the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles, or the guarantees of merchantability or fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code. Latent defects are often covered by insurance policies, too. While some consumers suggest an issue is obvious or obvious, courtrooms frequently require expert testimony from a surveyor or another expert to determine if the mechanical breakdown or another damage was caused by a concealed condition. There are some defects that are discovered after a boat is sold. These are typically regarded as manufacturing defects and the manufacturer is responsible for these. Others are discovered after the vessel is in operation and could be the fault of the owner. One example is when a boat owner does not empty the engine's water and the water gets frozen and causes damage to the motor during the winter. Insurance Boating and other water sports are popular in New York, a state with easy access to Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. However, as with most recreational activities, they carry certain risks and liabilities that can affect the lives of those who participate. Injured people can file a personal injuries claim or wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation. Damages can include medical expenses, loss of income, property losses along with pain and suffering, diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement, and other costs. In cases of gross negligence, victims may also seek punitive damage. Insurance companies involved in a boating collision case can be difficult to work with, especially when their main objective is to pay you as little as possible. Choose a NYC boating accident attorney who will work closely with insurance companies to hold them accountable for their actions. A seasoned attorney will look over all evidence available such as police reports and medical records. They will also examine witness testimony. They will then engage in discussions with the party at fault and their insurance company to negotiate an equitable settlement. If they are not able to reach an agreement on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for trial. We are experienced in providing evidence to support your claim and securing the maximum amount of money.