Boating Accidents Lawyers
If you or someone close to you was injured in a boating accident you may have the right to file an action against the responsible parties. These claims can help you get compensation for damages, including medical expenses and other related expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
An experienced lawyer can run an exhaustive investigation into your case. This may include gathering testimony from witnesses as well as medical records and other evidence to strengthen your case.
The causes of boating accidents
Boating accidents can result in serious injury or even death for victims. These injuries can cause significant losses to victims and their families. This includes loss of income, medical costs, and rehabilitation expenses.
There are a variety of causes of boating accidents, that range from environmental factors to operator error. Many of these accidents would have been avoided had the victim had worn personal flotation devices or PFD prior to embarking on the boat.
1. Operator Inattention Attention of the Operator - This is among the leading causes of boating accidents nationwide. It is normal for a boat operator to be distracted by things or conditions on the water because they are too focused on the task at hand. This could lead to a collision or rollover accident which can result in severe damage and even fatalities.
2. Improper lookout - This can happen when the boat operator does not have a designated person to be the person in charge of looking out for any dangers or objects floating on the water. This is a common problem during holidays and weekends when there are a lot of boats on the water.
3. Risky Waters Even experienced boaters may have difficulty spotting hazards like rocks, currents and shallow water. These risks are more risky for novice boaters, who may not be aware of how to navigate around them or how to avoid them.
4. Equipment Failure A boat, just like all vehicles, has to be maintained regularly. Regular inspections are also necessary to ensure that everything is functioning smoothly. Incorrect equipment can cause major issues, such as the steering mechanism breaking or malfunctioning engine, which can result in a crash and serious injury.
5. Alcohol & Drug Use - In addition to being illegal, operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol is extremely risky. It can cause impaired decision-making and intoxication that can result in accidents and deaths.
6. Speeding - While there are no speed limit signs on the water, speeding remains an issue when it comes to boating. In excess speed, you could cause collisions or a rollover, and it can be difficult to stop the boat quickly when driving at high speeds.
Boating accidents can cause injuries.
Boating is a popular leisure activity, but it's not without risks. While the number of accidents involving boats that cause deaths and injuries has decreased dramatically over the past few years, it's essential to consider your safety and the safety of your loved ones very seriously.
Accidents can cause serious injuries that could result in expensive medical bills and lost work time. It is recommended to discuss your situation with an experienced Miami lawyer after a boating accident before making a claim as getting the right compensation will aid in recovering from your losses and medical expenses.
Boating accidents can also result in different types of back and neck injuries and traumatizing brain injuries. These injuries can result in permanent pain as well as nerve damage and herniated disks, depending on their severity.
Burns are a common hazard caused by boating accidents. Fires on boats can be the result of fuel leaks, electrical short circuits, maintenance mistakes and more. Passengers on boats are at greater risk of burning than those in a car, since fires can originate from the engine or through the wiring.
Lacerations are a typical kind of boating injury. The propellers of vessels can cause deep cuts to the skin, which can cause damage to muscles and nerves.
These injuries can be painful and debilitating experience for the victims who typically require skin graft surgeries and months of rehabilitation to heal. They can also result in permanent disfigurement and scarring.
Another major concern for victims of boating accidents is the risk of spinal cord injuries. Blunt trauma to the spine and hyperextension or pinching of spinal cord, could cause severe neck and vertebral fractures. These can impair mobility and the capacity to control body functions.
The damage to the nerve and the impairments that result may cause chronic discomfort, impaired mobility, and even the possibility of amputation. A person suffering from the condition may be depressed and feel feelings of helplessness.
Drowning is one of the most commonly reported fatal boating accident in Florida. While a person may survive drowning if they receive prompt rescue, it's still an extremely frightening situation that could cause lasting damage.
Damages Caused by Boating Accidents
If you've been injured or lost a loved one in a boating accident you could be entitled to compensation. The damages you can claim include the costs associated with the medical treatment you received and any property damage that your injuries caused. You may also be able to claim compensation for emotional pain and suffering incurred as consequence of your injuries.
The most common causes of boating-related accidents are falling overboard, capsizes or collisions with fixed objects or other boats. These accidents can cause serious and fatal injuries to those who don't wear a life jacket, or who are not properly trained.
Anyone who takes the water to relax regardless of whether they are a seasoned boater or novice, is at an increased risk of falling overboard. It's also a serious danger for those under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or who aren't familiar with the water conditions.
Capsizing, which happens when a vessel overturns or is tossed into the ocean by waves that are powerful, can be equally deadly. All passengers and operators may suffer from moderate to severe injuries.
Collisions with other vessels are another frequent reason for boating accidents particularly during the summers when people go to the water for fun. Operator inattention, faulty maintenance and excessive speed could all play a part in collisions with vessels, which can result in serious injuries and/or fatalities.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident involving boats and you need legal representation right away. A knowledgeable lawyer for boating accidents can help you navigate the claims process and successfully claim compensation for your injuries and losses.
These types of injuries might be commonplace however the most serious will have a lasting impact on a person's mental and physical well-being. The effects of spinal cord injuries and brain damage, as well as disfigurement can have a profound impact on victims' lives.
Spinal cord injuries are often the most serious injuries that victims experience in boating accidents. Hyperextension and trauma that is not severe enough can cut or pinch the spinal cord, which could lead to injury to the nerve, impairments in mobility and a loss of control over bodily functions.
Lawsuits against the Government
If you've suffered injuries in a boating accident due to the negligence of an agency or employee of a government, you may be able to file a suit against them. However the process of suing a government agency is typically complicated, and you should seek out the assistance of an experienced attorney.
Depending on your circumstances depending on your situation, you may be able to sue the government. Some of them include the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), state tort claims acts as well as local government immunity laws.
The FTCA is the main law that governs personal injury lawsuits against the government. The FTCA limits the amount that can be obtained and prohibits punitive damages. In boating accident lawyer , some states have damage caps that limit how you can recover.
You may also file a claim against an agency of the government, under the Suits in Admiralty Act or the Public Vessels Act. The SIAA and PVA permit you to sue the government for maritime claims which do not directly involve ships or vessels that are public vessels.
These claims fall subject to the jurisdiction of United States. This means that you are able to sue the government for an injury to you or another in navigable waters or at high seas. The SIAA and PVA also grant you a two-year statute of limitations to bring a suit against the government.
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 do not file your claim within that time the case will probably be dismissed and you will lose your right to recover damages.
A case against the government that we brought recently involved one man who was stranded in the water for six hours after his boat fell. He was awarded $875,000 by the government as a result of a consent judgment after filing an negligence suit against the Coast Guard.