Boat Accident Attorneys
If you’ve suffered injuries in an accident on the water that wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. These costs may include physical therapy, medical bills and lost income because of your inability to work.
Certain victims may also be awarded punitive damages when the conduct of the defendant was egregious and reckless. These types of awards are intended to punish the perpetrator and deter similar misconduct in the future.
Personal Injury
Boating accidents can result in serious injuries but many are avoidable. brunswick boat accident law firm accidents are often caused by inexperienced and untrained boaters, as well as other reckless actions like driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The injuries can range from minor bruising to paralysis due to brain injury or a spinal cord injury.
Victims of injuries sustained in a boating accident may be compensated for medical bills and lost income or work as they recover. If their injuries last for a long time they can also claim costs for long-term medical care. Insurance companies typically try to accept less than the victims are entitled to when estimating a claim’s value. A knowledgeable attorney can help you to fight for the highest amount of compensation possible.
A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes the gathering of crucial documents, such as police reports, witness statements, vessel maintenance documents, chemical tests and photographs of the accident site and the damage to property. Other vital information can be obtained from medical records including detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained as well as the expenses incurred and estimates of future costs. Lawyers can bargain with the party at fault and/or the insurance company for a fair settlement.
Maritime Workers’ Compensation
Workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are typically exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of their employment. In addition to being injured by falling equipment or cargo as well as falling equipment, they are also at risk of accidents that result from the negligence or reckless actions of other people onboard the vessel.
Seamen have specific rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws designed to protect them from employer negligence. 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 recovery along with pain and suffering and other financial benefits.
Often, seamen who are injured while on a supply ship tugboat, dredger or tugboat barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing vessel need more than just workers’ compensation to cover their injuries. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third-party claims that an individual seaman may be eligible for like claims of a lack of seaworthiness or an employer’s inability to maintain an appropriate vessel.
Your attorney will collect important documents and evidence related to your claim. This includes medical records, information regarding insurance policies, police reports, and many more. They will then enter into settlement negotiations with the lawyer for the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not reached, they will then prepare a strong case for trial on your behalf.
Product Defects
While most boat accidents occur due to negligent or reckless actions of the boat owner However, there are many cases where a crash is actually the result of defective equipment. In these instances, victims can seek compensation from the company that made the defective product through a lawsuit. In these instances, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist.
Defective equipment and boats may be covered by claims that are based on negligence or strict liability law. A warranty claim could be due to a breach of implied or express warranties made by law, such as the New Jersey used car lemon laws or the warranties of fit and finish and merchantability under the Uniform Commercial Code.
Insurance policies often cover latent defects, too. While some individuals may assert that a problem is obvious or clear, courts often require expert testimony from an expert surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or damage resulted from an unnoticed issue.
Some defects are discovered after a boat has been sold. These are usually considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. They are often discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and could be the owner’s fault. One example is when the Tucson boat accident lawyer owner forgets the empty the engine of water and the water then freezes and affects the motor in winter.
Insurance
In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes such as boating, water sports and similar recreation activities are common for residents. Like all recreational activities, there are risks and liabilities to be considered.
When boating accidents happen, injured individuals may make a personal injury claim or wrongful death claim to cover their damages. Damages include medical expenses, loss of income, property loss, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement and other costs. In the event of gross negligence, victims may also seek punitive damage.
Insurance companies aren’t always easy to work with in a case involving a boat particularly when their primary objective is to pay as little as possible. Employ an NYC lawyer who will work closely with insurance companies to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.
An experienced lawyer will scrutinize all evidence available including police reports and medical records. They will also look into witness testimony. They will then engage in negotiations with both the at-fault person and their insurance company to reach a fair settlement. If they cannot come to an agreement, our attorneys will prepare for trial. We are experienced in presenting evidence in support of your claim and obtaining the highest amount of money.
