Boat Accident Attorneys If you've suffered injuries as a result of a boating accident and it wasn't your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation This could include physical therapy, medical bills, and lost income because of inability to work Some victims can also be awarded punitive damages in cases where the conduct of the defendant was reckless and egregious These awards are intended to punish the defendant for their misconduct and to prevent future incidents Personal Injury Although boating accidents may cause serious injuries, a majority of them are preventable Inexperienced and untrained boaters are the most common cause of boat-related accidents as well as other careless choices such as driving under the influence, carrying too many passengers, and reckless behavior Injuries may vary from lacerations and bruising to permanent paralysis due to spinal cord or head injury The victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for medical bills as well as the loss of earnings or work as they recover from their injuries They can also recover the costs of long-term medical care for injuries that are permanent Insurance companies frequently try to settle for less money than the victims have earned when estimating a claim's value A skilled attorney can help you to fight for the highest settlement possible A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident in order to gather all evidence relevant This includes gathering important documents, including police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance logs, chemical tests and photographs of the scene of an accident and the property damage Medical records can provide other essential information, such as detailed reports of the injuries, expenses and the future costs The lawyer can then negotiate an acceptable settlement with the person responsible for the accident or insurance company Maritime Workers' Compensation Workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are typically exposed to hazardous conditions in the course of their work They are at risk of getting injured not only by falling equipment or cargo but also from accidents on boats caused by the negligence or recklessness of others aboard the vessel Seamen have specific rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that are designed to protect them from the negligence of employers If they suffer injuries due to such incidents, they're entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act LHWCA These damages can include medical expenses and lost income, as well as the cost of living during recovery as well as 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 in order to cover their losses A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can identify other third-party claims for which a seaman might be entitled to compensation, including allegations of unseaworthiness and the employer's inability to maintain the safety of the vessel Your attorney will collect important documents and evidence pertaining to your claim This includes medical records, information about insurance policies, police reports and much more They will then engage in settlement negotiations with the lawyer for the defendant and insurance company on your behalf If an acceptable settlement cannot be reached, they will then prepare a strong case for trial on your behalf Product Defects While most boat accidents occur due to reckless or negligent behaviour on the part of the boat's operator However, there are many instances when a crash actually the result of defective equipment In these cases, victims may sue the manufacturer that manufactured the defective product to obtain compensation In https//vimeocom/709838810 , a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist Defective boats and equipment may be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law A warranty claim may be due to a breach of implied or express warranties imposed by law, for example the New Jersey used car lemon laws as well as the warranties of quality and fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code Latent defects are often covered by insurance policies, too Although some people believe that a problem is clear or obvious, courts typically require an expert witness from a surveyor or another certified professional to determine if a mechanical breakdown or other damage was caused by a concealed condition Some defects are discovered after the boat is sold These are typically considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer Some are discovered after the boat has been owned and operated and could be the owner's fault A good example is the case of a boat owner who forgets to drain the water from the engine, and the water freezes in winter and causes damage to the engine 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 among residents Like any other recreational activity there are risks and liabilities involved Injured persons may file a personal injury claim or wrongful death suit to seek compensation The damages include medical expenses loss of income, property losses in addition to pain and suffering diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement, and other costs Victims may also pursue punitive damages in instances of reckless or gross negligence behavior by the at-fault party Insurance companies involved in a maritime accident case can be difficult to work with, particularly since their primary goal is to settle the case as little as is possible Make sure you are level playing field by hiring an NYC lawyer for boating injuries who will work with insurance companies to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions An experienced attorney will go over all evidence available such as police reports and medical records They will also review witness testimony They will then engage in negotiations with the person at fault and their insurance company to obtain an equitable settlement If they are not able to reach an agreement on the amount of settlement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial We are proficient in providing evidence to support your claim and winning the maximum financial award