Boating Accidents Lawyers
If you or someone close to you was injured in a boating incident you may have the right to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties. These claims can help you obtain compensation for the damages you suffered, including medical expenses and related expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
A skilled lawyer can conduct a full investigation into your case. This can include collecting witnesses' testimony, medical records, and other evidence to strengthen your case.
The causes of boating accidents
Accidents on boats can cause serious injuries or even death. These injuries can result in significant loss to the victims and their families. This includes income loss medical expenses, loss of income, and rehabilitation costs.
Boating accidents can be caused by a number of causes, ranging from environmental factors to operator mistakes. Many of these accidents could have been prevented if the person who was injured had worn a personal flotation device, or PFD prior to going out on the water.
1. Operator Inattention is a leading reason for boating accidents in the United States. Boat operators tend to miss objects or conditions in the water when they are focused on their navigational tasks. This can lead to an accident involving a rollover or collision which can result in severe injuries and even death.
2. Incorrect Lookout: This could happen when the boat owner has no other person to be responsible for watching for any hazardous objects or conditions on the water. This can be a particularly common issue on holidays and weekend vacations when thousands of boats are on the water at the same time.
3. Hazardous Waters - These waters can be contaminated by stones, currents, shallow water and other hazards that are difficult to identify, even for experienced boaters. Inexperienced operators are especially vulnerable to these hazards since they might not be aware of how to navigate around them or how to avoid them.
4. Equipment Failure - Just like any vehicle, a boat has to be maintained regularly. Regular inspections are necessary to ensure that everything is functioning efficiently. The malfunctioning equipment could lead to serious problems, like a damaged engine or steering mechanism that can result in a crash.
5. Alcohol & Drug Use – In addition to being illegal and extremely risky, operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal. Alcohol can lead to impairment in decision-making, alcoholism and accidents.
6. Speeding - Though there are no speed limit signs posted on the water, speeding can be an issue when it comes to boating. Excessive speed can result in collisions or a rollover, and it can be very difficult to stop a boat quickly when driving at high speeds.
Injuries caused by boating accidents
Boating is a popular activity for recreation, but it's a task with a risk. While the number of boating accidents that cause deaths and injuries has declined drastically over the last few years, it's still important to take your safety and that of your loved ones seriously.
When accidents occur the victims could suffer serious physical injuries, which can result in substantial medical bills and a loss of time at work. Before submitting a claim for compensation, it's recommended to speak with a Miami lawyer who handles boating injuries. This will assist you to pay for medical expenses and losses.
Boating accidents can cause various types of neck and back injuries, as well as trauma to the brain. These injuries can cause permanent pain nerve damage and herniated disks, depending on their severity.
Burns are a frequent injury from boating accidents. Fires on boats can be a result of fuel leaks as well as electrical short circuits maintenance mistakes, and many more. The chance of burning passengers on a boat is greater than in a car because fires can get into the wiring or the engine.
Lacerations can also be a frequent boating injury. They occur when the sharp propeller of a boat strikes the skin of an individual, causing deep cuts that can affect the muscles and nerves beneath the cut.
These injuries can be painful and debilitating experience for the victims, who often require skin transplant surgeries and months of rehabilitation to heal. They can also result in permanent disfigurement and scarring.
Spinal cord injuries are a major concern for victims of boat accidents. The spinal cord may be injured by hyperextension, blunt trauma or even pinching. This can cause severe vertebral and neck injuries, which can affect mobility.
The damage to the nerve and the impairments that result could result in chronic discomfort, impaired mobility and even the possibility of amputation. A person suffering from the condition may also experience depression and feeling helpless.
Drowning is the most frequently reported fatal boating accident in Florida. Even though a victim may be saved from drowning if they are quick to act, the situation can still be frightening and cause lasting effects.
Damages caused by boating accidents
If you've suffered injuries or lost a loved one in an accident on the water, you may be entitled to compensation. The damages you could recover include the cost of the medical treatment you received and any property damage your injuries have caused. Additionally, you can claim compensation for the emotional pain and suffering you suffered as a result of your injuries.
Most boating accidents happen due to falling overboard capsizing, or collisions with other vessels or fixed objects. These accidents can result in severe and fatal injuries for passengers who aren't wearing life vests or aren't properly trained to swim.
The risk of falling overboard is a significant risk for anyone who gets on a boat for fun regardless of whether they're a seasoned sailor or a novice. It's also a serious danger for those intoxicated by alcohol or other drugs, or aren't accustomed to water conditions.
Capsizing is boat accident lawyer new orleans when the vessel is tossed or flipped by strong waves. When this happens, all people on board and their operators may suffer injuries ranging from mild to severe.
Boating accidents are often caused by collisions with other boats particularly during summer, when people enjoy the water as a means of recreation. Inattention of the operator, malfunctioning equipment, and excessive speed are all factors that can cause collisions between vessels that can cause serious injuries or even death.
If you or a loved one is injured in a boating accident it is important to seek legal representation right away. An experienced attorney for boating accidents can help you navigate the claims process and claim compensation for your losses and injuries.
These kinds of injuries can be commonplace, but the most severe can have a lasting effect on the victim's mental and physical health. Injury to the spinal cord and brain injuries, as well as disfigurement can have a significant impact on victims' lives.
In boating accidents, spinal cord injuries are among the most serious. Hyperextension or bruising can sever the spinal cord and cause nerve damage. This can cause limitations in mobility, the inability to control body functions, or even paralysis.
Suits Against the Federal Government
If you've been injured in a boating accident because of the negligence of an employee or agency of the government or employee, you might be able to file an action against them. The process of suing the government could be complicated. You should seek the advice of an experienced lawyer.
Depending on the circumstances you might be able 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 legislation for government.
The FTCA is the law that governs personal injury lawsuits against the government. The FTCA limits the amount of money that can be paid and prohibits punitive damages. Some states also have damage caps which limit the amount you can recover.
You may also make 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 that do not directly relate to ships or vessels that are public vessels.
These claims fall subject to the jurisdiction of United States. This means that you can sue the government for injuries to you or another person in navigable waters or in high seas. The SIAA and PVA also give you a two-year statute of limitations to bring a suit against the government.
It's important to remember that the agency has to respond to your claim within six months. If you fail to submit your claim by time this period expires, your case will likely be dismissed and you'll lose the ability to claim any damages.
A man was left alone on the water after his boat sank for six hours. He was able get $875,000 in compensation from the government as a consent judgement after filing an negligence suit against the Coast Guard for its failure to rescue the man.