Boating Accidents Lawyers
If you or someone near you was injured in a boating accident you may have the right to file a lawsuit against the liable parties. These claims can help you obtain compensation for the damages you suffered, including medical expenses and other related costs, lost wages and suffering and pain.
An experienced lawyer can conduct an exhaustive investigation into your case. This could include gathering witness testimony or medical records as well as other evidence to strengthen your case.
The causes of boating accidents
Accidents on boats can result in serious injuries or even death. These injuries can cause significant loss to the victims and their families. This includes income loss medical expenses, loss of income, and rehabilitation expenses.
There are a myriad of causes for boating accidents, including environmental factors and operator error. A lot of these accidents could have been avoided if a victim had worn a personal flotation devices, or PFD before embarking on the boat.
1. Operator Inattention - This is one of the top causes of boating accidents in the United States. Boat operators are often distracted by objects or water conditions when they are focused on their tasks of navigation. This could lead to an accident involving a rollover or collision which can result in severe damage and even fatalities.
2. Improper Lookout: This could occur when the boat operator has no other person who is responsible for monitoring any dangers or hazards on the water. This is a common problem on weekends and holidays where a lot of boats are in the water at the same time.
3. Dangerous Waters: Even experienced boaters can have difficulty spotting hazards like rocks, currents, and shallow water. These dangers are especially dangerous for boaters with less experience, who may not be aware of how to navigate around or avoid them.
4. Equipment Failure A boat, just like any other vehicle, needs to be maintained regularly. It also requires regular inspections to ensure everything is in order. The malfunctioning equipment could lead to major issues, such as an engine that is not working or a steering mechanism that can cause crashes.
5. Alcohol & Drug Use – In addition to being illegal and extremely dangerous operating a vessel under the influence is also illegal. Alcohol can lead to impaired decision-making, intoxication and accidents.
6. Speeding - Even though there aren't any speed limit signs posted on the water, speeding remains a problem when it comes to boating. Speeding too fast can lead to an accident or rollover, and it can be difficult to stop the boat swiftly when driving at high speeds.
Injury resulting from boating accidents
Boating is a popular activity for recreation, but it comes with a risk. Although the number of accidents involving boats that cause deaths and injuries has declined significantly over the last few years, it's still vital to take your safety and that of your loved ones seriously.
boat accident lawyer new orleans can result in serious injuries that can result in costly medical bills and lost work time. Before submitting a claim to compensation, it is recommended to consult an Miami lawyer for boating accidents. This will assist you to pay for medical expenses and losses.
Apart from traumatic brain injuries and head trauma, boating accidents can cause broken bones and a variety of types of back and neck injuries to the neck and back. Depending on the severity, these injuries can cause permanent pain and disc herniation, nerve damage and other long-term health concerns.
Burns are another frequent injury that is triggered by boating accidents. On boats, fires can occur due to fuel leaks or electrical short circuits. The passengers on boats are more susceptible of being burned than people in a vehicle, as a fire could spread from the engine or through the wiring.
Lacerations are also a common type of boating accident. These can occur when the sharp propeller of a vessel strikes the skin of an individual, causing deep cuts that could be traumatic to muscles and nerves underneath the cut.
These injuries can be a painful and debilitating for those who suffer who typically require skin graft surgeries and months of rehabilitation to heal. In addition, they may cause permanent scarring and disfigurement.
Another concern for those who are victims of boating accidents is spinal cord injuries. Trauma to the spine that is not severe and the spinal cord, as well as excessive extension or pinching of spinal cord, can cause severe neck and vertebral injuries, which could impair mobility and the capacity to regulate body functions.
The damage to nerves and impairments that result can lead to chronic discomfort, impaired mobility and even the possibility of amputation. A patient may also experience depression and feelings of helplessness.
Drowning is the most commonly reported fatal boating accident in Florida. While a victim could be able to swim away from drowning with a swift rescue however, the experience can be frightening and cause lasting effects.
Damages caused by boating accidents
You could be entitled to compensation if injured in a boating accident or if you have lost a loved on. You can recover damages for medical expenses as well as property damage caused by your injuries. You may also be eligible to claim compensation for emotional pain and suffering as from your injuries.
The majority of boating accidents are due to falling overboard capsizing, and collisions with other vessels or fixed objects. These accidents can result in severe and fatal injuries to those who are not wearing a life vest or who do not have the proper training to swim.
Anyone who is on the water to enjoy themselves, whether an experienced boater or novice, is at the chance of falling off the boat. It's also a serious risk for those who are intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, or do not have a good understanding of the water conditions.
Capsizing, which occurs when a vessel flips over or is tossed into the ocean by strong waves, can be deadly. In the event of this, all people on board and their operators may be injured, ranging from minor to severe.
Collisions with other vessels are a common reason for boating accidents especially in the summer months when people take to the water to relax. Operator negligence, improper maintenance, and speeding can all play a role in collisions with vessels, which can result in serious injuries and/or deaths.
If you or someone close to you was injured in an accident on the water, you should seek legal assistance immediately. A knowledgeable lawyer for boating accidents will assist you in navigating the claims process and get compensation for your losses and injuries.
These types of injuries could be commonplace but the most severe will have a lasting impact on the victim's mental and physical well-being. Injuries like spinal cord injuries and brain damage, as well as disfigurement can have a profound impact on victims' lives.
In boating accidents, spinal injuries are among the most serious. Hyperextension and blunt trauma can result in a severing or pinching of the spinal cord, which may cause injury to the nerve, impairments in mobility and inability to control bodily functions.
Lawsuits against the Government
You could sue a government official or agency if you have been injured in a boating accident because of their negligence. However the process of suing a government entity is usually difficult, and you should seek out the assistance from an experienced attorney.
Depending on your circumstances it is possible to sue the government. These include the Federal Tort Claims Act, state tort claims laws and the local immunity legislation for government.
The FTCA is the main law that governs personal injury lawsuits against the government. The FTCA regulates punitive damages and sets limits on the amount that can be recovered in these lawsuits. Certain states also have damage caps that limit the amount you are able to recover.
You may also file a claim 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 which do not directly involve public vessels or ships.
These claims are subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, which means that you are able to sue the government in federal court if you suffer injury to yourself or another on the high seas or navigable waters. The SIAA and PVA also give you two years to file a claim to bring a suit against the government.
When you file a claim against the government, you should remember that the agency must respond to your claim within six months. If you don't submit your claim within this timeframe then your claim is likely to be dismissed and you'll lose the right to claim damages.
A man was left in the water stranded after his boat sank for six hours. He won $875,000 from the government in the form of a consent judgement after filing a negligence suit against the Coast Guard.