Boating Accidents Lawyers
If you or someone you care about was injured in an accident on the water, you may be eligible to make a claim against the responsible parties. These claims can help you obtain compensation for any damages, which could include medical expenses and other related costs, lost wages and suffering and pain.
A skilled lawyer can conduct an extensive investigation into your case. This can include gathering testimony from witnesses and medical records, as well as other evidence that can help to prove your case.
Boating Accidents Causes and Prevention
Accidents on boats can cause serious injuries, or even death. These injuries can cause substantial losses for victims and their families, including the loss of income, medical expenses, and rehabilitative costs.
Boating accidents can be caused by a variety of causes, ranging from environmental factors to operator mistakes. boat accident lawyers of these accidents could have been avoided if the person who was injured had worn a personal flotation device, or PFD, before getting on the water.
1. Operator Inattention is a leading reason for boating accidents in the United States. Boat operators often miss objects or conditions in the water when they are focused on their navigational needs. This can lead to collision with another vessel or to a rollover crash which can cause severe injuries and even death.
2. Incorrect Lookout: This could be the case if the boat operator doesn't have a second person who is responsible for monitoring dangerous objects or conditions on the water. This is a common issue during holidays and weekends when there are many boats on the water.
3. Hazardous Waters Even experienced boaters may struggle to recognize dangers like rocks, currents, or shallow water. People who aren't experienced are more vulnerable to these dangers, as they may not know how to navigate around them or how to avoid them.
4. Equipment Failure Boats, like all vehicles, has to be maintained regularly. Regular inspections are essential to ensure that everything functions smoothly. A malfunctioning equipment could lead to major issues, such as an unreliable steering mechanism or an engine that is not working properly, which could result in a crash or catastrophic 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 impairment in decision-making and intoxication, which can cause accidents or deaths.
6. Speeding - While there are no speed limit signs on the water, speeding remains a concern when it comes to boating. In excess speed, you could cause a rollover or collision, and it's difficult to stop the boat quickly when driving at high speeds.
Injuries resulting from boating accidents
Boating is a very popular recreational activity however it's not without risk. While the number of accidents involving boats that cause deaths and injuries has declined significantly in the past few years, it's still important to take your safety and the safety of your loved ones very seriously.
Accidents can result in serious injuries that could result in expensive medical bills and missed work time. It is advisable to discuss your case with an experienced Miami lawyer after a boating accident before filing a claim, because obtaining the proper compensation will help you recover from your loss and medical expenses.
In addition to traumatic brain injuries and head trauma, boating accidents may cause broken bones and a variety of kinds of neck and back injuries. Based on the severity, these injuries may cause permanent pain and nerve damage, herniated discs as well as other health issues that can last for a lifetime.
Burns are the most frequent injuries from boating accidents. Fires on boats can be the result of fuel leaks and electrical short circuits maintenance errors and more. The passengers on boats are more susceptible of burning than those in a car, as the fire could spread from the engine or through the wiring.
Lacerations can also be a frequent boating injury. They can happen when the propeller of a boat hits an individual's skin, causing deep cuts which can cause pain and damage to the muscles and nerves beneath the cut.
These injuries can be debilitating and painful for those who suffer. They usually require a long period of rehabilitation and skin graft surgery to heal. Additionally, they can result in permanent scarring or disfigurement.
Another major concern for the victims of boating accidents is the risk of spinal cord injuries. Trauma to the spine that is not severe and hyperextension or pinching of spinal cord, can result in severe neck and vertebral injuries, which could impair mobility and the capacity to regulate body functions.
The nerve damage and impairments that result could lead to chronic discomfort, diminished mobility and even an amputation. A patient may be depressed and feel feelings of helplessness.
The most fatal boating accident reported in Florida is drowning. Although a person can avert drowning if they get prompt rescue, it's a terrifying situation that can result in long-lasting consequences.
Damages resulting from boating accidents
You could be entitled to compensation if injured in a boating incident or if you've lost a loved one. The damages you can claim include the cost of your medical treatment as well as any property damage your injuries have caused. You may also be eligible to claim compensation for emotional pain and suffering that you endured as consequence of your injuries.
The majority of boating accidents are due to falling overboard, capsizing, or collisions with other vessels or fixed objects. These accidents can cause severe and fatal injuries for those who are not wearing a life vest or who are not properly trained to swim.
Anyone who is on a boat to enjoy themselves regardless of whether they are a seasoned sailor or novice, runs an increased risk of falling overboard. It's also a serious risk for those intoxicated by alcohol or other drugs, or are not familiar with water conditions.
Capsizing could be fatal if the vessel is tossed or flipped by strong waves. All passengers and the operators could be affected by mild to severe injuries.
Boating accidents are usually caused by collisions with other boats, especially during the summer when people are on the water for a day of recreation. Operator inattention, faulty equipment and excessive speed are all reasons that could lead to collisions between vessels that can cause serious injuries or fatalities.
If you or someone you love was injured in a boating accident You should immediately seek legal assistance. A lawyer experienced in boating accidents can assist you through the claims process and help you claim compensation for your losses and injuries.
These types of injuries may be common but the most serious can have a lasting impact on a person's mental and physical well-being. Injuries like spinal cord injuries and brain damage, as well as disfigurement can have a significant impact on victims' lives.
In boating accidents, spinal injuries are the most severe. Hyperextension and Blunt trauma can result in a severing or pinching of the spinal cord, which may lead to injuries to the nerve, mobility impairments and a loss of control over bodily functions.
Suits Against the Federal Government
You could bring a lawsuit against a government employee or agency if you've been injured in a boating incident because of their negligence. The process of suing the government could be difficult. It is recommended to consult an experienced lawyer.
Depending on your circumstances depending on your situation, you may be able to sue the government. These include the Federal Tort Claims Act, state tort laws, and the local immunity law for the government.
The FTCA is the primary law that governs personal injury lawsuits against the government. The FTCA limits the amount of money that can be obtained and does not allow punitive damages. Additionally, certain states have damage caps that limit the much you can recover.
You can also submit a claim against a government agency in accordance with the Suits in Admiralty Act (SIAA) or the Public Vessels Act. The SIAA and PVA permit you to sue the government for maritime claims which do not directly involve public vessels or ships.
These claims fall under the jurisdiction of the United States, which means that you can sue the federal government in federal court for injury to yourself or another on the high seas or navigable waters. The SIAA and PVA allow you to have two years to bring an action.
When you're bringing a claim against the government, you must keep in mind that the agency must respond to your claim within six months. If you fail to file your claim within the timeframe the claim is likely to be dismissed and you'll lose your right to recover damages.
A case against the government that we filed recently involved an individual who was with no water access for six hours after his boat fell. He was awarded $875,000 from government in the form of a consent judgment after filing an negligence suit against the Coast Guard.