"Ask Me Anything": Ten Answers To Your Questions About Boat Accident Attorney

Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've suffered injuries as a result of a boating accident, and it was not your fault you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These costs could include medical bills, physical therapies and income loss due to inability to work.

Some victims can be awarded punitive damages in cases where the conduct of the defendant was reckless and egregious. These types of awards are crafted to penalize the defendant and discourage similar behavior in the future.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, however many are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the main cause of boat-related accidents as well as other reckless choices like driving under the influence, carrying too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The injuries could range from bruising and lacerations to permanent paralysis resulting from head injuries or a spinal cord injury.

Victims of injuries sustained in a boating accident may be compensated for medical bills and lost earnings or work while they recover. If their injuries last for a long time they may also recover costs for long-term care. Insurance companies frequently try to settle for less money than the victims should receive when estimating claims' value. An experienced attorney can help to get the highest settlement that is feasible.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the accident in order to gather all evidence relevant. This includes collecting important documents, such as witness statements and police reports, vessel maintenance logs as well as chemical tests and photos of the accident scene and property damage. Medical records can provide essential information, such as detailed reports of the injuries, Boat accident attorneys expenses, and any future costs. The lawyer can then bargain with the party at fault or the insurance company for boat accident attorneys an equitable settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

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

Seamen have certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that protect them from negligence by employers. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages could include medical expenses, lost wages, cost of living during recuperation, pain and suffering, as well as other benefits in the form of money.

Many times, injured seamen on a supply vessel such as tugboats or dredgers oil tanks, barges cruise or sightseeing boats require more than 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 to recover compensation, including allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or the employer's failure to keep an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will gather important documents and evidence pertaining to your claim. These include medical records, information regarding insurance policies, police reports and more. They will then engage in settlement negotiations with the lawyer of the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If a fair and reasonable settlement cannot be reached, they will prepare for trial to argue a convincing case in court on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many boat accident lawsuits accidents result from defective equipment. Most boat accidents result from the reckless or negligent actions of the boat accident lawyers's operator. In those instances, victims are able to seek compensation from the company that produced the defective product by filing a lawsuit. In these instances, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist.

Defective boats and equipment may be covered by claims that are based on negligence, strict liability or warranty law. A warranty claim could be due to a breach of implied or express warranties imposed by law such as the New Jersey used car lemon laws as well as the warranties of fit and finish and merchantability under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies, too. Although some people believe that an issue is evident or obvious, courts often require an expert witness from a surveyor, or any other qualified professional to determine if a mechanical breakdown or other damage resulted from a hidden problem.

A few defects are discovered when the boat is sold. They are usually regarded as manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Others are discovered after the boat is owned and operated and could be the responsibility of the owner. One example is the case of a boat owner who forgets to drain water from the engine, and that water freezes during winter and causes damage to the engine.

Insurance

In a state like New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes boats and other water recreational activities are commonplace among residents. Like any other recreational activity, there are risks and liabilities that are involved.

Individuals who have been injured can file a personal injury claim or wrongful-death suit to recover damages. The damages include medical expenses loss of income, property loss along with pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement, and other costs. In the event of gross negligence, the victims may also seek punitive damage.

Insurance companies can be difficult to work with in a boating dispute, especially when their main goal is to settle the least amount possible. Choose a NYC lawyer who will work closely with insurance companies to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will look over all evidence available, including police reports and medical records. They will also investigate witnesses' testimony. Then, they'll enter into discussions with the party at fault and their insurance company in order to reach an acceptable settlement. If they can't agree on the amount of settlement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are experts in presenting evidence to support your claim and securing highest amount of financial compensation.