Boating Accidents Lawyers
If you or someone you care about was injured in an accident on the water and you are unable to prove it, you may be able to file a claim against the responsible parties. These claims can help you obtain compensation for damages, such as medical expenses and other related expenses, lost wages, and suffering and pain.
An experienced attorney can conduct a thorough investigation into your case. This could include gathering medical records, witness testimony, and other evidence that will help your case.
The causes of boating accidents
Boating accidents can cause serious injury or even death to victims. These injuries can result in significant losses for victims and their families, such as the loss of income, medical expenses, and rehabilitation costs.
There are a variety of causes of boating accidents, which range from environmental causes 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 nationwide. Boat operators tend to miss objects or conditions in the water when they are focused on their navigational tasks. This can result in the possibility of a rollover collision that could cause severe damage, and even death.
2. Improper lookout - This can be the case if the boat operator doesn't have someone else designated to be the lookout for any potentially dangerous conditions or other objects on the water. This is a common problem on weekends and holidays where a lot of boats are on the water at once.
3. Dangerous Waters These waters could be contaminated by sediments, currents, shallow water, and other hazards that are difficult to spot even by experienced boaters. People who aren't experienced are more vulnerable to these dangers, as they might not be aware of how to navigate around them or avoid them.
4. Equipment Failure Boats, like any other vehicle, needs to be maintained regularly. Regular inspections are also necessary to ensure that everything is operating properly. Incorrect equipment can cause major problems like a damaged engine or steering mechanism that could cause a crash.
5. Alcohol & Drug Use - In addition to being illegal, operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol is extremely dangerous. It can result in impaired decision-making and intoxication which could cause accidents or deaths.
6. Speeding - Although there aren't any speed limit signs posted on the water, speeding remains a problem when it comes to boating. Speeding can cause a boat to tip over or hit. It is also difficult to stop a vessel quickly at high speeds.
Injuries resulting from boating accidents
Boating is an activity that is popular for recreation, but it comes with a risk. Although the number of deaths and injuries resulting from boating accidents has decreased significantly in recent years, it's vital to take the safety of yourself and your loved ones seriously when you're out on the water.
Accidents can cause serious injuries that could result in costly medical bills and lost time at work. It is recommended to discuss your situation with an experienced Miami lawyer who handles boating accidents prior to making a claim, since obtaining the proper compensation will aid in recovering from your injuries and medical expenses.
Apart from traumatic brain injuries and head injuries, boating accidents can cause broken bones as well as various kinds of neck and back injuries. Based on the severity, these injuries may cause permanent pain and nerve damage, herniated discs and other health issues that last a lifetime.
Burns are a common injury caused by boating accidents. Fires can happen on boats due to fuel leaks, or electrical short circuits. The chance of burning passengers on a boat is higher than on a car since a fire could spread through the wiring or even the engine.
Lacerations are also a common kind of boating injury. They occur when the propeller blade of a boat hits an individual's skin, 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 victims. They usually require a long period of rehabilitation and skin repair surgery using grafts. In addition, they may lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement.
Another major concern for the victims of boating accidents is spinal cord injuries. Trauma to the spine that is not severe and the spinal cord, as well as hyperextension, or pinching of the spinal cord, could lead to severe neck and vertebral fractures, which can hinder mobility and the ability to control body functions.
The damaged nerves and impairments that result could result in chronic pain, limited mobility and even an amputation. A patient could also suffer from depression and a feeling of insanity.
The most frequently fatal boating accident reported in Florida is drowning. Although a victim might be able to swim away from drowning with a swift rescue however, the scenario can be frightening and cause lasting consequences.
Damages caused by boating accidents
You could be entitled to compensation if you have been injured in a boating incident or if you've lost a loved on. The damages you can claim comprise the cost of your medical treatment as well as any property damage that your injuries caused. In addition, you could claim compensation for the emotional pain and suffering that you endured as a result your injuries.
The most frequent causes of boating accidents are falling overboard, capsizes, and collisions with fixed objects or other vessels. These accidents can cause severe and fatal injuries to passengers who do not wear life vests or aren't properly trained to swim.
Being swept overboard is a huge risk for anyone who gets on a boat to enjoy regardless of whether they're an avid water-sports enthusiast or novice. This is a significant risk for anyone impaired by alcohol or drugs or doesn't know how to navigate in water.
Capsizing, which happens when a vessel flips over or is thrown overboard by powerful waves, could be equally fatal. All passengers and the operators could suffer from moderate to severe injuries.
Boating accidents are usually caused by collisions with other vessels particularly during summer, when people take to the water as a means of recreation. Operator negligence, improper maintenance, and speeding can all be a factor in collisions between vessels, which usually result in serious injuries or deaths.
If you or someone close to you has been hurt in a boating accident it is important to seek legal assistance immediately. An experienced lawyer in boating accidents will assist you in navigating the claims process and successfully secure compensation for your losses and injuries.
Although these types of injuries are quite frequent, the more severe ones can have lasting impacts on the victim's physical as well as mental health. For example, spinal cord injuries or brain damage, disfigurement, and disfigurement can have a profound impact on victims' lives.
Spinal cord injuries are typically the most severe injuries victims experience in boating accidents. Blunt trauma or hyperextension may sever the spinal cord and result in nerve damage. This could lead to mobility impairments, inability to control body functions, and even paralysis.
Legal action against the government
If you've been injured in a boating accident because of the negligence of an employee or agency of the government and you are injured, you may be able to bring an action against them. The process of suing the government could be complicated. It is best to speak with an experienced lawyer.
Based on your particular situation it is possible to sue the government. Some of them include the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) as well as state tort claims laws, and local government immunity acts.
The FTCA is the main law that governs personal injury lawsuits against the government. The FTCA regulates punitive damages as well as sets limits on the amount of money that can be recovered in these lawsuits. Certain states also have damage caps which restrict the amount you can recover.
You may also bring a lawsuit against a government agency under the Suits in Admiralty Act (SIAA) or the Public Vessels Act. The SIAA and PVA allow you to sue the government for maritime claims that do not directly relate to public vessels or ships.
These claims are subject to the jurisdiction of United States. This means that you can sue the government in the event of injury to you or another in navigable waters or on the high seas. The SIAA and PVA also give you the benefit of a two-year time limit to bring a lawsuit against the government.
It is important to remember that the agency must respond to your claim within six months. If you don't submit your claim within that time your claim is likely to be dismissed and you'll lose the right to collect damages.
A man was left alone on the water after his boat sank for six hours. boat accident lawyer received $875,000 from the government in the form of a consent judgment after filing an action for negligence against the Coast Guard.