Boating Accidents Lawyers
If you or someone near you was injured in a boating incident then you may be entitled to the right to file an action against the accountable parties. These claims may help you obtain compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and discomfort and pain.
An experienced attorney can conduct a thorough investigation of your case. This could include obtaining medical records, witness testimony and other evidence that will help your case.
Causes of Boating Accidents
Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, or even death for victims. These injuries can cause substantial losses to victims and their families. This includes loss of income as well as medical expenses and rehabilitation costs.
There are a myriad of causes for boating accidents, ranging from environmental factors to operator error. Many of these accidents could have been prevented if the victim had worn a personal flotation device, or PFD prior to going out on the water.
1. Operator Inattention Attention of the Operator - This is among the most common causes of boating accidents across the country. It is not uncommon for a boat operator to miss things or conditions on the water because they are too focused on the navigational tasks at hand. This can lead to the possibility of a rollover collision that can cause serious damage and even fatalities.
2. Incorrect Lookout: This could be the case if the boat operator doesn't have a second person in charge of observing dangerous objects or conditions on the water. This can be a particularly common problem on weekends and holidays when hundreds of boats are in the water at once.
3. Hazardous Waters: Even experienced boaters can be unable to spot hazards such as rocks, currents, and shallow water. The less experienced boaters are particularly susceptible to these dangers, as they may not know how navigate around them or how to avoid them.
4. Equipment Failure - As with any vehicle, a boat also needs to be maintained regularly. It should also have regular inspections to ensure everything is working properly. Incorrect equipment can cause major problems, such as a broken steering mechanism or an engine that is not working properly, which could cause a crash and devastating injuries.
5. Alcohol & Drug Use - In addition to being illegal operating a boat under the influence of alcohol is extremely dangerous. Alcohol can cause intoxication, impaired decision-making and accidents.
6. Speeding - Although there aren't any speed limit signs posted on the water, speeding is a concern when it comes to boating. Excessive speed can result in collisions or a rollover, and it's difficult to stop the boat swiftly when driving at high speeds.
Boating accidents can cause injuries.
Boating is a popular recreational activity but it's not without risk. Although the number of deaths and injuries resulting from boating accidents has declined significantly in recent years, it's still important to take the safety of yourself and your loved ones seriously when you're out on the water.
When accidents do occur and victims suffer severe physical injuries, which could cause significant medical bills and a loss of time at the workplace. It is recommended to discuss your case with a Miami boating accident lawyer before making a claim, since getting the right compensation will assist you in recovering from your injuries and medical expenses.
Aside from traumatic brain injuries and head trauma, boating accidents can result in broken bones and different kinds of neck and back injuries to the neck and back. These injuries can cause long-term pain, nerve damage and herniated disks, based on their severity.
Burns are another common injury that is triggered by boating accidents. Fires can occur on boats due to fuel leaks or electrical short circuits. The passengers on boats are more at risk of burning than those in a vehicle, because a fire could be spread from the engine or through the wiring.
Lacerations can also be a common injury from boating. They can occur when the sharp propeller of a vessel strikes the skin of a person, causing deep cuts which can cause pain and damage to the muscles and nerves underneath the cut.
These injuries can be painful and debilitating for those who suffer who typically require skin transplant surgeries and months of rehabilitation to heal. They can also cause permanent disfigurement and scarring.
Another issue that is a major concern for victims of boating accidents is spinal cord injuries. The spinal cord can be injured by hyperextension, blunt trauma or even pinching. This can cause severe vertebral and neck injuries, which can affect mobility.
The damaged nerves and impairments that result can result in chronic pain, impaired mobility and even an amputation. The victim could be depressed and feel feelings of helplessness.
Drowning is the most commonly reported fatal boating accident in Florida. Although a person may survive drowning with prompt rescue however, the scenario can be frightening and leave lasting effects.
Damages from Boating Accidents
You could be entitled to compensation if you've been injured in a boating incident or if you have lost a loved on. You may be able to recover damages for medical expenses as well as property damage resulting from your injuries. In addition, you can claim compensation for the emotional pain and suffering that you endured as a result of your injuries.
Most boating injuries are due to falling overboard capsizing, and collisions with other vessels or fixed objects. These accidents can cause severe and fatal injuries for passengers who aren't wearing a life jacket or do not have the proper training to swim.
Falling overboard is a major risk for anyone who goes on a boat for fun regardless of whether they're an avid navigator or novice. It is also a major risk for those who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or who are not familiar with water conditions.
Capsizing, which occurs when a vessel flips over or is tossed out by powerful waves, can be equally deadly. If this happens, all passengers and the vessel's operators could suffer injuries ranging from mild to serious.
Boating accidents are often caused by collisions with other vessels particularly in the summer when people are on the water for a way of recreation. Operator inattention, faulty maintenance and excessive speed could all be a factor in collisions between vessels, which usually result in serious injuries or deaths.
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident while on a boat, you should seek legal representation immediately. An experienced lawyer in boating accidents can help you navigate the claims process and secure compensation for your injuries and losses.
Although these types of injuries are quite frequent, the more severe ones can cause lasting damage on the victim's physical and mental well-being. For example, spinal cord injuries, disfigurement and brain damage can have a significant impact on victims' lives.
In boating accidents, spinal cord injuries are among the most serious. Blunt trauma or hyperextension may cut the spinal cord and result in nerve damage. This could lead to limitations in mobility, inability control body functions, or even paralysis.
boat accident lawyers against the Government
If you've suffered injuries in an accident on the water due to the negligence of an agency or employee of a government or employee, you might be able to bring an action against them. However, the procedure of suing a government agency is usually complex, so you should seek the advice of an experienced attorney.
Depending on your situation, you might be able sue the government. These include the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) and state tort claims acts as well as local government immunity acts.
The FTCA is the law that governs personal injury lawsuits against the government. The FTCA determines the amount of punitive damages and sets limits on the amount of money that can be recovered in these suits. Additionally, certain states have damage caps that limit the much you can recover.
You can also make a claim against a government entity under the Suits in Admiralty Act (SIAA) or the Public Vessels Act. The SIAA and PVA permits you to sue government agencies for maritime disputes which do not directly concern ships or public vessels.
These claims are under the jurisdiction of the United States, which means that you are able to sue the government in federal court for an injury to yourself or another person on the high seas or navigable waters. The SIAA and PVA provide you with two years to bring a claim.
If you're bringing a case against the government, you must remember that the agency will have to respond to your claim within six months. If you don't file your claim by time this period expires your claim will likely be dismissed and you'll lose the right to recover any damages.
One case against the government we brought recently involved the man who was alone in the water for six hours after his boat sank. He won $875,000 from the government as a result of a consent judgement following the filing of an negligence suit against the Coast Guard.