Boating Accidents Lawyers
If you or someone near you was injured in a boating accident then you may be entitled to the right to file an action against the accountable parties. These claims can help you obtain compensation for any damages, which could include medical expenses and related costs, lost wages and suffering and pain.
An experienced lawyer can conduct an extensive investigation into your case. This may include gathering testimony from witnesses and medical records, as well as other evidence to strengthen your case.
Boating Accidents Causes and Prevention
Boating accidents can result in serious injuries or even death to victims. These injuries could result in substantial losses for victims and their families, including the loss of income, medical expenses, and rehabilitative costs.
There are many causes for boating accidents, which range from environmental causes to operator error. A lot of these accidents could have been avoided if a victim had worn personal flotation device or PFD prior to embarking on the boat.
1. Operator Inattention Attention of the Operator - This is among the most common causes of boating accidents across the country. Boat operators frequently miss objects or conditions in the water when they are focused on their navigational tasks. This could lead to a collision with another vessel or to a rollover accident that could cause serious injuries and even death.
2. Improper Lookout - This can happen when the boat operator isn't able to find another person to be the watchman for any hazardous conditions or other objects on the water. This can be a particularly frequent issue during holidays and weekend vacations when hundreds of boats are on the water at the same time.
3. Hazardous Waters They can be contaminated by rocks, currents and shallow water, and other hazards that are difficult to spot even by experienced boaters. These dangers are especially dangerous for inexperienced boaters, who may not know how to navigate around or avoid them.
4. Equipment Failure - Much like a vehicle, a boat needs to be regularly maintained. It should also undergo regular inspections to make sure that everything is in order. A malfunctioning equipment could lead to serious issues, like an unreliable steering mechanism or malfunctioning engine, which can cause a collision and catastrophic injury.
5. Alcohol & Drug Use – In addition to being dangerous and illegal, operating a vessel while under the influence is illegal. It could lead to impaired decision-making and alcoholism, which could cause accidents or deaths.
6. Speeding - While there aren't any speed limit signs on the water, speeding can be a concern when it comes to boating. Excessive speed can result in a rollover or collision, and it can be difficult to stop the boat swiftly when driving at high speeds.
Injuries caused by boating accidents
Boating is a popular sport for recreation, but it comes with risks. While the number of accidents involving boats that cause deaths and injuries has declined significantly over the last few years, it is nonetheless important to take your safety and that of your loved ones very seriously.
When accidents happen, victims may sustain serious physical injuries that can cause significant medical bills and a loss of time at work. It is best to discuss your case with an experienced Miami lawyer for boating accidents prior to filing a claim, as obtaining the proper compensation can assist you in recovering from your injuries and medical expenses.
In addition to traumatic brain injuries and head trauma, boating accidents may cause broken bones and various types of back and neck injuries. Depending on the severity of the injury, these injuries can cause permanent pain nerve damage, herniated discs and other long-term health concerns.
Burns are a frequent injury caused by boating accidents. Fires can occur on boats due to fuel leaks or electrical short circuits. Passengers on a boat are more susceptible of being burned than passengers in a car, as fires can spread from the engine or through the wiring.
Lacerations are also a common injury from boating. The propeller of a vessel can cause deep cuts to the skin that can affect muscles and nerves.
These injuries can be painful and debilitating for victims. They usually require months of rehabilitation and skin surgical grafts to heal. Additionally, they can lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement.
Another issue that is a major concern for victims of boating accidents is the risk of spinal cord injuries. Trauma to the spine that is not severe, as well as excessive extension or pinching of spinal cord, can result in severe neck and vertebral fractures that can alter mobility and reduce the ability to control body functions.
The results of nerve damage and impairments can cause chronic pain, diminished mobility and even an amputation. The victim might also suffer from depression and a feeling of insanity.
Drowning is the most commonly reported fatal boating accident in Florida. While a person may survive drowning if they receive prompt rescue, it's a terrifying situation that can have lasting consequences.
Damages resulting from boating accidents
You could be entitled to compensation if 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 caused by your injuries. You may also be able to claim compensation for emotional pain and suffering incurred as the result of your injuries.
The most common causes of boating accidents are falling overboard, capsizes and collisions with fixed objects or other vessels. These accidents can cause serious and fatal injuries to passengers who aren't wearing a life jacket or are not properly trained to swim.
Anyone who takes the water to enjoy themselves regardless of whether they are a seasoned navigator or a novice, has the risk of falling overboard. This is a serious risk for anyone impaired by drugs or alcohol, or does not know how to navigate in water.
Capsizing, which occurs when a vessel flips over or is tossed overboard by waves that are powerful, can be equally dangerous. In the event of this, all passengers and the vessel's operators could be harmed, ranging from minor to serious.
Collisions with other vessels are another common cause of boating accidents particularly in summer, when people are taking to the water to relax. Operator negligence, defective equipment, and speeding are all factors that can lead to collisions between vessels, which can result in fatal injuries or deaths.
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a boating incident and you are concerned about the consequences, you should seek legal representation. boating accident attorneys in boating accidents can assist you through the claims process and obtain compensation for your losses and injuries.
These kinds of injuries can be common but the most severe will have a lasting impact on the victim's mental and physical health. For example, spinal cord injuries, disfigurement and brain damage can have a profound impact on the lives of victims.
In boating accidents, spinal cord injuries are among the most serious. Hyperextension or blunt trauma can sever the spinal cord and cause nerve damage. This can result in mobility impairments, inability to control body functions, or even paralysis.
Suits Against the Government
If you've been injured in an accident while boating due to the negligence of an agency or employee of a government or employee, you might be able to bring a suit against them. However, the procedure of suing the government is typically complex, and you should seek the advice from an experienced attorney.
Depending on the circumstances it is possible to bring a lawsuit against the government under various laws. These include the Federal Tort Claims Act, state tort claims laws, and the local immunity law for the government.
The FTCA is the law that governs personal injury lawsuits against the government. The FTCA restricts the amount of money that can be awarded and does not allow punitive damages. In addition, some states have damage caps that limit the you can recover.
You may also make a claim against a government agency under the Suits in Admiralty Act (SIAA) or the Public Vessels Act. The SIAA and PVA allows you to sue government agencies for maritime claims that do not directly affect vessels that are public vessels or.
These claims are subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, which means that you are able to sue the federal government in federal court to remedy an injury to yourself or a person on the high seas or navigable waters. The SIAA and PVA also provide two years of time to bring a claim against the government.
It's important to keep in mind that the agency has to respond to your claim within six months. If you fail to file your claim within that time your case will probably be dismissed and you will lose the right to claim damages.
One instance of a lawsuit against the government we brought recently involved the man who was stranded in the water for six hours after his boat sank. He received $875,000 from the government through a consent judgement after filing an negligence suit against the Coast Guard.