Boating Accidents Lawyers If you or someone you love was injured in an accident on the boat and you are unable to prove it, you may be able to bring a claim against responsible parties. These claims can help you get compensation for damages, such as medical expenses and related expenses, lost wages, and suffering and pain. An experienced lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation into your case. This could include gathering witness testimony or medical records as well as other evidence to support your case. The reasons for boating accidents Boat accidents can result in serious injuries or even death. These injuries can cause massive losses for the victims and their families, which can include loss of income, medical expenses and rehabilitation costs. Boating accidents can result from a variety of factors, from environmental factors to errors made by the operator. Many of these accidents could have been avoided if a victim wore a personal flotation devices, or PFD before embarking on the boat. 1. Operator Inattention is a major cause of boating accidents in the United States. Boat operators tend to miss objects or water conditions when they are focused on their tasks of navigation. This can lead to collision with another vessel or a rollover collision which can cause severe damage and fatalities. 2. Incorrect Lookout: This could be the case if the boat operator has no other person assigned to watch for any hazardous objects or conditions on the water. This is a common problem during holidays and weekends when there are many boats on the water. 3. Hazardous Waters Even experienced boaters may be unable to spot dangers like rocks, currents and shallow water. The less experienced boaters are particularly susceptible to these hazards since they may not know how to navigate around them or avoid them. 4. Equipment Failure - Just like any vehicle, a boat needs to be maintained regularly. Regular inspections are essential to ensure that everything functions properly. Faulty equipment can lead to major issues, for example, a steering mechanism that is broken or a malfunctioning engine, which can cause a collision and severe injury. 5. Alcohol & Drug Use – In addition to being illegal and extremely risky operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal. It can result in impaired decision-making and intoxication which could cause accidents or deaths. 6. Speeding - Though there aren't any speed limit signs on the water, speeding is a concern when it comes to boating. Speeding too fast can lead to collisions or a rollover, and it is difficult to stop a boat quickly when driving at high speeds. Injuries Caused by Boating Accidents Boating is a very popular recreational activity however it's not without risks. Even though the number of deaths and injuries resulting from boating accidents has declined significantly in recent years, it's vital to take your safety and your loved family members seriously when out on the water. In the event of an accident victims can suffer serious physical injuries, which can lead to significant medical bills and a loss of time at the workplace. Before submitting a claim to compensation, it's recommended to consult an Miami lawyer for boating accidents. This will help you recuperate your medical expenses and losses. Boating accidents can also result in different types of back and neck injuries as well as brain injuries that are traumatic. These injuries could cause permanent pain nerve damage and herniated disks, according to their severity. Burns are a common injury that is triggered by boating accidents. The fires that happen on boats could be the result of fuel leaks and electrical short circuits maintenance errors and more. The danger of burning passengers on boats is higher than that of a car because fires can be able to spread through wiring or even the engine. Lacerations are another common type of boating injury. The propeller of a vessel can cause deep cuts on the skin which may affect muscles and nerves. These injuries can be extremely painful and debilitating for the victims. They typically require a long period of rehabilitation and skin repair surgery using grafts. They can also cause permanent disfigurement and scarring. Spinal cord injuries are another major problem for boating accident victims. The spinal cord can be damaged through blunt trauma, hyperextension or by pinching. This can result in severe neck and vertebral injuries that can impact mobility. The damaged nerves and impairments that result can cause chronic pain, limited mobility, and even amputation. A victim may also experience depression and a feeling of feeling helpless. Drowning is one of the most commonly reported fatal boating accident in Florida. While a victim can survive drowning if they get prompt rescue, it's still an extremely frightening situation that could result in lasting consequences. Damages resulting from boating accidents You could be entitled to compensation if you've been injured in a boating accident or if you have lost a loved one. You can claim damages to cover medical expenses and property damage resulting from your injuries. You may also seek compensation for emotional pain and suffering that you endured as consequence of your injuries. The most common causes of boating accidents are slipping overboard, capsizes or collisions with fixed objects or other vessels. These accidents can result in serious and fatal injuries to those who don't wear life vests or have not been properly trained. Falling overboard is a major danger for anyone on a boat for pleasure regardless of whether they're an avid sailor or a novice. It's a very serious danger for anyone intoxicated by drugs or alcohol or isn't sure how to navigate in water. Capsizing, which occurs when a boat overturns or is tossed overboard by waves that are powerful, can be deadly. All passengers and the operators could be afflicted with mild to severe injuries. boat accident attorney with other vessels are a common cause of boating accidents, particularly during the summers when people take to the water to enjoy. Operator negligence, inadequate maintenance, and speeding can all play a part in collisions between vessels that can result in serious injuries and/or deaths. If you or someone you love has been injured in a boating incident it is important to seek legal representation. A knowledgeable lawyer for boating accidents can help you navigate the claims process and claim compensation for your injuries and losses. Although these types of injuries are quite common, the most serious ones can have long-lasting effects on a victim's physical and mental health. Injury such as spinal cord injuries and brain damage, disfigurement, broken bones and head trauma can drastically alter the lives of victims. Spinal cord injuries are often the most severe injuries that victims suffer in boating accidents. Hyperextension or bruising can sever the spinal cord and cause nerve damage. This could lead to mobility impairments, inability to control body functions, and possibly paralysis. Suits Against the Government If you've suffered injuries in an accident on the water due to the negligence of an employee or government agency or employee, you might be able to bring a suit against them. However, the process of suing the government is usually complicated, and you should seek out the assistance from an experienced attorney. Depending on the circumstances it is possible to sue the government. Some of these include the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) as well as state tort claims laws, and local government immunity acts. The FTCA is a fundamental law that governs personal injury lawsuits against the government. The FTCA regulates punitive damages and also sets limits on the amount that can be recovered in these lawsuits. Additionally, certain states have damage caps that limit how much you can recover. You can also make a claim against a government agency under the Suits in Admiralty Act (SIAA) or the Public Vessels Act. The SIAA and PVA allows you to sue government agencies for maritime claims which do not directly concern ships or public vessels. These claims are subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, which means that you can sue the federal government in federal court for an injury to yourself or another on the high seas or navigable waters. The SIAA and PVA give you two years to bring a claim. It's important to keep in mind that the agency has to respond to your claim with six months. If you fail to file your claim by the time this period expires your claim will likely be dismissed and you'll be denied the chance to seek damages. One instance of a lawsuit against the government that we brought recently involved a man who was left with no water access for six hours after his boat fell. He was awarded $875,000 by the government in the form of a consent judgement following the filing of an action for negligence against the Coast Guard.
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