Boating Accidents Lawyers
If you or someone you care about was injured in an accident on a boat then you might be eligible to file a claim against the responsible parties. These claims can help you obtain compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and discomfort.
An experienced attorney can conduct a thorough investigation into your case. This could include obtaining the testimony of witnesses, medical records and other evidence that could help strengthen your case.
Boating Accidents Causes and Prevention
Accidents on boats can cause serious injuries or even death. boat accident attorney near me could cause huge losses to victims and their families. This includes loss of income medical expenses, loss of income, and rehabilitation costs.
There are a variety of causes of boating accidents, ranging from environmental factors to operator error. Many of these accidents could have been prevented in the event that the victim had worn a personal flotation device, also known as a PFD, prior to stepping onto the water.
1. Operator Inattention Operator Inattention - This is among the most common causes of boating accidents across the country. It is typical for boat operators to ignore objects or conditions on the water since they are too focused on the task at hand. This could lead to a collision with another vessel or a rollover collision that can cause severe damage and fatalities.
2. Improper Lookout: This could occur when the operator of the boat is not accompanied by a person in charge of observing any hazardous objects or conditions on the water. This can be a particularly frequent problem during holidays and weekend vacations when hundreds of boats are on the water at once.
3. Hazardous Waters They can be contaminated with stones, currents, shallow water, and other hazards that are difficult to detect, even for experienced boaters. Unexperienced boaters are particularly vulnerable to these hazards, since they might not know how to navigate around them or how to avoid them.
4. Equipment Failure - As with any vehicle, a boat needs to be maintained regularly. Regular inspections are also required to ensure that everything is functioning properly. Faulty equipment may cause major problems such as an engine that is not working or a steering mechanism, which could cause crashes.
5. Alcohol & Drug Use - In addition to being illegal operating a boat under the influence of alcohol is extremely dangerous. It can result in impaired decision-making and alcoholism, which could result in accidents or deaths.
6. Speeding - Though there are no speed limit signs on the water, speeding can be an issue when it comes to boating. Speeding can cause a vessel to roll over or collision. It is also difficult to stop a boat swiftly when it is moving at high speeds.
Injuries resulting from boating accidents
Boating is a popular leisure activity however it's not without risk. While the number of boating accidents that result in injuries and deaths has decreased significantly in the past few years, it is nonetheless important to take your safety and that of your loved ones very seriously.
In the event of an accident and victims suffer severe physical injuries that can result in significant medical expenses as well as lost time at work. It is best to discuss your situation with a Miami lawyer who handles boating accidents prior to making a claim, since getting the right compensation will aid in recovering from your loss 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 nerve damage, herniated disks, based on their severity.
Burns are the most frequent injuries caused by boating accidents. Boat fires can result from fuel leaks, electrical short circuits, maintenance mistakes and more. Passengers on a boat are more susceptible of being burned than people in a car, as the fire could originate from the engine or through the wiring.
Lacerations are also a common boating injury. They occur when the propeller of a boat hits the skin of an individual, creating deep cuts that may cause pain and damage to the muscles and nerves underneath the cut.
These injuries can be extremely painful and debilitating for the sufferers. They typically require months of rehabilitation as well as skin transplant surgery to heal. They can also result in 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 and the spinal cord, as well as hyperextension or pinching of spinal cord, can cause severe neck and vertebral fractures that can hinder mobility and the ability to control body functions.
The damage to the nerve and the impairments that result can cause chronic pain, reduced mobility and even the possibility of amputation. A person suffering from the condition may also experience depression and feeling helpless.
The most frequently fatal boating crash reported in Florida is drowning. Although a victim might be able to swim away from drowning with a swift rescue however, the experience can be terrifying and have lasting consequences.
Damages resulting from boating accidents
If you've been injured or lost a loved one in an accident on the water, you may be entitled to compensation. The damages you are able to recover comprise the cost of the medical treatment you received and any property damage that your injuries have caused. You may also be able to claim compensation for emotional pain and suffering that you endured as from your injuries.
The most frequent causes of boating-related accidents are falling overboard, capsizes or collisions with fixed objects or other boats. These accidents can result in severe and fatal injuries to passengers who are not wearing life vests or do not have the proper training to swim.
Anyone who takes an inflatable boat to have fun regardless of whether they are a seasoned navigator or a novice, has a high risk of falling overboard. It's also a serious risk for those who are intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, or who are not 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 be afflicted with mild to severe injuries.
Boating accidents are often caused by collisions with other boats particularly during summer, when people take to the water as a form of recreation. Operator negligence, improper maintenance, and excessive speed can all play a role in vessel collisions, which often result in serious injuries or deaths.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a boating accident, you should seek legal representation immediately. A boating accident lawyer can assist you in the claims process to successfully get compensation for your losses and injuries.
While these types of injuries are relatively common, the most serious ones can cause lasting damage on the victim's physical and mental health. Injuries like spinal cord injuries, disfigurement and brain damage can have a profound impact on victims' lives.
In boating accidents, spinal injuries are the most severe. Hyperextension or bruising can cause spinal cord injury and cause nerve damage. This could lead to limitations in mobility, the inability to control body functions, or even paralysis.
Suits Against the Government
You could be able to claim a civil suit against a government worker or agency if been injured in a boating incident due to their negligence. However, the process of suing the government is usually difficult, and you should seek the help of a seasoned attorney.
Depending on the circumstances depending on the situation, you could be able to sue the government under different laws. These include the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) and state tort claims acts, and local government immunity acts.
The FTCA is the main law that governs personal injuries 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. In addition, some states have damage caps that limit the much you can recover.
You can 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 that do not directly concern vessels or vessels owned by the public.
These claims are under the jurisdiction of the United States, which means that you are able to sue the federal government in federal court for an injury to yourself or another person on the high seas or navigable waters. The SIAA and PVA allow you to have two years to bring a claim.
It's important to remember that the agency has to respond to your claim with six months. If you don't submit your claim within that time the claim will likely be dismissed and you'll lose your right to recover damages.
A man was in the water stranded after his boat capsized for six hours. He received $875,000 from the government through an agreement to settle after filing a negligence suit against the Coast Guard.