The Reason The Biggest "Myths" About Boat Accident Attorney …

Boat Accident Attorneys

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

Certain victims may also be eligible for punitive damages when the defendant's behavior was egregious or reckless. These types of awards are intended to punish the offender and discourage similar behavior in the future.

Personal Injury

While boating accidents can cause serious injuries, a lot of them are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are common causes of boat accidents, along with other careless choices such as driving under the influence, transporting too many passengers, or reckless behavior. Injuries can vary from lacerations and bruising to permanent paralysis due to injuries to the head or spinal cord.

Victims of injuries sustained in a boating accident can be compensated for medical expenses and lost income or work while they recuperate. They can also claim the costs of long-term medical care when their injuries are permanent. Insurance companies frequently try to settle for less money than the victims are entitled to when estimating a claim's value. An experienced lawyer can assist you in negotiating the most lucrative settlement you can get.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the accident in order to gather all evidence relevant. This includes obtaining important documents, like police reports and witness statements along with logs of vessel maintenance as well as chemical tests and photos of the scene of an accident and property damage. Other crucial information can be gathered from medical records that include detailed accounts of the injuries sustained as well as the expenses incurred and estimates of future costs. The lawyer can then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person responsible for the accident and/or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers working on workboats and other vessels, such as supply ships, are exposed to dangerous conditions during their work. They are at risk of being injured not just by falling equipment or cargo and cargo, but also due to boat accidents caused by negligence or inattention of other passengers aboard the vessel.

Seamen have specific rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws designed to protect them from negligence by employers. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages can be a result of medical expenses as well as lost wages, the cost of living during the recovery process, pain and suffering, and other financial benefits.

A lot of seamen injured on a supply boat tugboat, dredger or tugboat barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing boat need more than just workers' compensation in order to cover their losses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third party claims for which a seaman could be eligible for compensation, for instance, allegations of unreliability and the employer's failure to maintain the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence pertaining to your claim, including medical records as well as insurance policy information, police reports and more. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the lawyer of the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached then they will prepare for trial and argue a convincing case in court on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats are caused by defective equipment. Most boat accidents result from the reckless or negligent behavior of the boat operator. In these instances, victims are able to seek compensation from the manufacturer of the defective product through a lawsuit. In these situations, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist.

Boats and defective equipment can be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. A warranty claim could be based on a breach of implied or express guarantees that are imposed by law, for example the New Jersey lemon laws for automobiles used for sale or the warranties of merchantability, or quality and fit under Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are often covered by insurance policies too. Although some consumers may claim that the issue is obvious or clear but courts typically require expert testimony from an engineer or other expert to determine if a mechanical breakdown or damage resulted from an unnoticed condition.

A few defects are discovered when the boat is sold. These are typically considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Others are discovered after the vessel is in operation and could be the responsibility of the owner. One example is when the boat owner fails to emptying of the engine's 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 and waterways, boating and other water recreational activities are commonplace for residents. However, like most sports, they also carry certain risks and liabilities that could impact the lives of participants.

Injured persons can file a personal injuries claim or wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages. Damages include medical expenses, loss of income, property loss in addition to pain and suffering diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other expenses. Victims may also seek punitive damages when they are the result of gross negligence or reckless behaviour by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies can be difficult to work with in a boating case, especially when their main goal is to compensate the lowest amount they can. Level the playing field by hiring an NYC attorney for boating injuries who will work with insurers to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will look over all evidence available such as police reports and medical records. They will also investigate witness testimony. They will then enter into discussions with both the at-fault person and their insurance company in order to reach an acceptable settlement. If they fail to reach a settlement, our attorneys will prepare for trial. We are experts in providing evidence to support your claim and securing the maximum amount of financial compensation.