Boating Accidents Lawyers If you or someone close to you was injured in a boating incident you could have the option of filing an action against the responsible parties. These claims can allow you to recover compensation for damages, including medical expenses and other related expenses, lost wages, and suffering and pain. An experienced attorney can conduct a thorough investigation of your case. This can include gathering testimony from witnesses as well as medical records and other evidence to help strengthen your case. The reasons for boating accidents Boating accidents can cause serious injury or even death to victims. These injuries can cause significant loss to the victims and their families. This includes income loss medical expenses, as well as rehabilitation costs. There are a myriad of reasons for boating accidents ranging from environmental factors to operator error. Many of these accidents could have been avoided by wearing a personal flotation device, or PFD, prior to entering the water. 1. Operator Inattention Operator Inattention - This is among the leading causes of boating accidents across the country. It is not uncommon for a boat operator to overlook objects or conditions on the water because they are too focused on the navigational tasks at their disposal. This can lead to a collision with another vessel, or to a rollover crash that could cause serious damage and death. 2. Incorrect Lookout: This could be the case if the boat operator is not accompanied by a person to be responsible for watching for dangerous objects or conditions on the water. This is a frequent issue during holidays and weekends when there are hundreds of boats on the water. 3. Hazardous Waters: Even experienced boaters may struggle to recognize hazards like rocks, currents and shallow water. Unexperienced boaters are particularly vulnerable to these dangers, as they may not know how navigate around them or how to avoid them. 4. Equipment Failure Boats, like any vehicle, needs to be maintained regularly. It should also undergo regular inspections to verify that everything is in order. The malfunctioning equipment could lead to major problems such as a damaged engine or steering mechanism that could lead to crashes. 5. Alcohol & Drug Use - In addition to being illegal operating a boat under the influence of alcohol is extremely dangerous. It could lead to impaired decision-making and intoxication which can cause accidents or deaths. 6. Speeding - Even though there are no speed limit on the water it is still risky when you speed. Speeding can cause a boat's wheels to roll over or collision. It can also be difficult to stop a boat fast at high speeds. Injuries resulting from boating accidents Boating is a popular sport for recreation, but it's a task with risks. Although the number of injuries and fatalities attributed to boating accidents has decreased significantly in recent years, it's vital to take your safety and your loved family members seriously when out on the water. Accidents can result in serious injuries that could cause costly medical bills and lost time at work. Before submitting a claim for compensation, you should consult an Miami lawyer for boating accidents. This will allow you to recover your medical expenses and losses. In addition to traumatic brain injury and head trauma, boating accidents can result in broken bones and different kinds of neck and back injuries to the neck and back. Based on the severity, these injuries may cause permanent pain disc herniation, nerve damage and other long-term health concerns. Burns are a frequent injury caused by boating accidents. The possibility of fires on boats is due to fuel leaks or electrical short circuits. The passengers on boats are at a higher risk of burning than those in a car, as a fire could originate from the engine or through the wiring. Lacerations can also be a common injury from boating. They can happen when the sharp propeller of a boat strikes the skin of an individual, creating deep cuts which can be traumatic to muscles and nerves underneath the cut. These injuries can be extremely painful and debilitating for the victims. They usually require months of rehabilitation and skin repair surgery using grafts. They can also result in permanent scarring and disfigurement. Another major concern for victims of boating accidents is spinal cord injuries. The spinal cord can be injured by hyperextension, blunt trauma, or by pinching. This can cause severe neck and vertebral injuries, which can affect mobility. The results of nerve damage and impairments can result in chronic pain, impaired mobility and even Amputation. A victim may also suffer from depression and a sense of helplessness. The most frequent fatal boating incident reported in Florida is drowning. While a victim is able to avoid drowning if they are given prompt rescue, it's a terrifying situation that can have lasting consequences. Damages from Boating Accidents If you've suffered injuries or lost a loved one in an accident on the water you could be entitled to compensation. The damages you are able to recover comprise the cost of your medical treatment and any property damage that your injuries caused. You can also claim compensation for emotional pain and suffering that you endured as consequence of your injuries. boat accident lawyer near me of boating accidents are because of falling overboard, capsizing, or collisions with other vessels or fixed objects. These accidents can result in grave and fatal injuries to passengers who don't wear a life vest, or aren't properly trained. Falling overboard is a major risk for anyone who gets on a boat for pleasure no matter if they're an avid navigator or novice. This is a significant danger for anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs or who isn't aware of how to navigate in the water. Capsizing could be fatal if vessels are tossed or flipped by strong waves. Everyone on board and passengers could be affected by mild to severe injuries. Boating accidents are often caused by collisions with other vessels particularly during summer, when people are on the water as a form of recreation. Inattention of the operator, poor maintenance, and speeding can all play a role in collisions between vessels that can result in serious injuries and/or fatalities. If you or someone you love has been injured in a boating incident You should immediately seek legal representation. A lawyer for boating accidents can guide you through the claims process and help you recover compensation for your losses and injuries. These types of injuries might be commonplace but the most serious can have a lasting effect on the victim's mental and physical health. For example, spinal cord injuries and brain damage, as well as disfigurement can have a significant impact on the lives of victims. Spinal cord injuries are often the most severe injury victims suffer from boating accidents. Hyperextension or bruising can result in a spinal cord injury and cause nerve damage. This can result in limitations in mobility, inability control body functions, and even paralysis. Lawsuits Against the Government You may be able sue a government official or agency if you've been injured in a boating incident due to their negligence. The process of suing the government may be complicated. It is best to speak with an experienced lawyer. Depending on the situation depending on the situation, you could be able to bring a lawsuit against the government under various laws. This includes the Federal Tort Claims Act, state tort claims laws, and the local immunity legislation for government. The FTCA is the principal law that governs personal injury lawsuits against the government. The FTCA regulates punitive damages, and also imposes limits on the amount of money that can be recovered in these lawsuits. Some states also have damage caps which restrict the amount you can recover. You can also bring a lawsuit against a government agency under 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 vessels or vessels owned by the public. These claims fall subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. This means that you are able to sue the government in the event of injury to yourself or someone else in navigable waters or in high seas. The SIAA and PVA also give you a two-year statute of limitations to bring a lawsuit against the government. When you file a claim against the government, you should be aware that the government 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 seek damages. A case against the government that we filed recently involved an individual who was on the water for six hours after his boat fell. He was awarded $875,000 from government as a result of a consent judgement following the filing of an negligence suit against the Coast Guard.
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