Boating Accidents Lawyers
If you or someone close to you was injured in a boating accident you may have the option of filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties. These claims can allow you to recover compensation for the damages you suffered, including medical expenses and related costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
An experienced lawyer can run an extensive investigation into your case. This could include gathering testimony from witnesses as well as medical records and other evidence to help strengthen your case.
Boating Accidents Causes and Prevention
Boating accidents can cause severe injury or even death to victims. These injuries can cause significant loss to the victims and their families. This includes loss of income as well as medical expenses and rehabilitation costs.
There are a myriad of reasons for boating accidents which range from environmental causes to operator error. Many of these accidents could have been prevented if the person who was injured had worn a personal flotation device, also known as a PFD, prior to stepping onto the water.
1. Operator Inattention - This is one of the leading causes of boating accidents across the country. Boat operators tend to miss objects or water conditions when they are focused on their navigational tasks. This could lead to a collision with another vessel, or a rollover collision which can cause severe damage and death.
2. Unsafe Lookout: This may be the case if the boat operator is not accompanied by a person assigned to watch for any hazardous objects or conditions on the water. This is a frequent problem during holidays and weekend vacations when thousands of boats are in the water at once.
3. Hazardous Waters These waters could be contaminated by sediments, currents, shallow water and other hazards that are difficult to detect, even for experienced boaters. The less experienced boaters are particularly susceptible to these dangers, as they might not be aware of how to navigate around them or how to avoid them.
4. Equipment Failure A boat, just like any vehicle, needs to be maintained regularly. Regular inspections are essential to ensure everything is running properly. Faulty equipment can lead to major problems, such as the steering mechanism breaking or malfunctioning engines that could cause a crash and severe injury.
5. Alcohol & Drug Use - In addition to being illegal, operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol is extremely risky. Alcohol can lead to impairment in decision-making, alcoholism and accidents.
6. Speeding - Although there aren't any speed limitations on the water boating can be risky when you speed. A speed that is too high can cause collisions or a rollover, and it is difficult to stop a boat quickly when driving at high speeds.
Injuries from boating accidents
Boating is a favorite activity for recreation, but it's a task with a risk. Even though the number of deaths and injuries resulting from boating accidents has decreased significantly in recent years, it's vital to ensure your safety and that of your loved ones seriously when on the water.
When accidents happen and victims suffer severe physical injuries that can cause significant medical bills and a loss of time at the workplace. Before filing a claim for compensation, it's recommended to consult a Miami lawyer for boating injuries. This will help you get your medical expenses covered and losses.
Boating accidents can also trigger various types of neck and back injuries, as well as trauma to the brain. Depending on the severity of the injury, these injuries can result in permanent pain nerve damage, herniated discs and other health issues that last a lifetime.
Burns are a common injury from boating accidents. Fires on boats can be the result of fuel leaks, electrical short circuits, maintenance errors, and much more. The danger of burning passengers on a boat is greater than on a car because a fire can spread through the wiring or the engine.
Lacerations are another common type of boating injury. The propeller of a boat can cause deep cuts to the skin, which can cause damage to nerves and muscles.
These injuries can be a painful and debilitating experience for the victims, who often require skin graft surgeries as well as months of rehabilitation to heal. Additionally, they can lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement.
boat accident lawyer new orleans that is a major concern for victims of boating accidents is spinal cord injuries. Trauma to the spine that is not severe and spinal cord, along with hyperextension or pinching of the spinal cord, can result in severe neck or vertebral injuries, which could impair mobility and the capacity to regulate body functions.
The resultant nerve damage and impairments can lead to chronic pain, diminished mobility, and even the possibility of amputation. A person suffering from the condition may also be suffering from depression and a sense of helplessness.
The most common fatal boating crash reported in Florida is drowning. Although a victim might survive drowning if rescue is swift however, the experience can be frightening and cause lasting consequences.
Damages resulting from 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 the medical treatment you received and any property damage that your injuries caused. Additionally, you may claim compensation for the emotional pain and suffering that you suffered as a result of your injuries.
Most boating injuries are due to falling overboard capsizing, or collisions with other vessels or fixed objects. These accidents can cause serious and fatal injuries for passengers who do not wear a life jacket or aren't properly trained to swim.
A fall overboard is a serious risk for anyone who gets aboard a vessel for pleasure, whether they're an avid navigator or novice. It's also a significant risk for those who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or who are not familiar with the water conditions.
Capsizing is a risk when a vessel is thrown or flipped by strong waves. Everyone on board and passengers could suffer from moderate to severe injuries.
Collisions with other vessels are a common reason for boating accidents, especially in the summer months when people go to the water for recreation. Inattention of the operator, malfunctioning equipment, and speeding are all causes that can result in collisions between boats that can cause serious injuries or even death.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident while on a boat it is important to seek legal assistance immediately. An experienced attorney for boating accidents can guide you through the claims process and secure compensation for your injuries and losses.
While these types of injuries are quite common, the most severe ones can have lasting effects on the victim's physical and mental well-being. For example, spinal cord injuries disfigurement, brain damage, disfigurement fractured bones, and head trauma can profoundly alter the lives of those affected.
The spinal cord is often the most severe injuries that victims experience in boating accidents. Hyperextension or bruising can result in a spinal cord injury and result in nerve damage. This can lead to limitations in mobility, the inability to control body functions, or even paralysis.
Lawsuits against the Government
You could be able to sue a government employee or agency if you have been injured in a boating accident because of their negligence. However, the procedure of suing a government agency is usually complex, and you should seek out the assistance of a seasoned attorney.
Depending on the situation you might be able to sue the government under a variety of laws. These include the Federal Tort Claims Act, state tort claims laws, and local immunity law for the government.
The FTCA is the main law that governs personal injuries lawsuits against the government. The FTCA restricts the amount of money that may be paid and prohibits punitive damages. In addition, some states have damage caps that limit the you can recover.
You can also file a claim against a government agency under the Suits in Admiralty Act (SIAA) or the Public Vessels Act. The SIAA and PVA permits you to sue government agencies for maritime claims that do not directly concern vessels of the public or ships.
These claims are within the jurisdiction of United States. This means that you are able to sue the government for injury to you or another person in navigable waters or in high seas. The SIAA and PVA also give you the benefit of a two-year time limit to file a claim against the government.
If you're filing a claim against the government, you should be aware that the government must 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 right to seek compensation for any damages.
A man was alone on the water after his boat capsized for six hours. He was able to secure $875,000 in compensation from the government as a consent judgment following the filing of an negligence lawsuit against the Coast Guard for its failure to help him.