A Florida personal injury lawyer can pursue damages for your injuries. If you or someone close were injured on any vessel in Florida, you might be entitled to pursue comṕensation from the liable parties. However, there are several things you need to know before filing a legal claim.
Damages from a boat accident can be devastating for the victims, but an experienced boat accident lawyer can help you investigate the accident, determine liability and pursue compensation. Fasig | Brooks attorneys can answer all your questions about your boat accident in a free consultation.
Damages Your Boat Accident Lawyer Can Recover in a Claim
A boat accident can change someone’s life. Our Florida personal injury attorneys have handled many cases with different injuries and losses and have recovered our clients’ damages for thousands of dollars. The most common types of damages we recover are economic and noneconomic damages.
Economic and Non-Economic Damages in Boat Accident Claim
Economic damages are financial losses and expenses, such as ambulance rides or damage to your property. At the same time, non-economic damages are personal and intangible losses, such as losing a loved one or your pain and suffering.
Some of the most common economic and non-economic damages we recover for our clients are:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation costs
- Drug therapy
- Medical examination
- Lost wages
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological injuries
Sometimes, a jury or judge can grant punitive damages, depending on many factors. Because of that, there is no way to determine an approximate amount for those damages.
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Common Boat Accidents in Florida
Boat accidents can happen all across Florida, and many types of boats can be involved. Florida has a wide coastline and many waterways, with all sorts of water vehicles that can be considered a boat under the law.
According to the 2021 Recreational Boating Statistics Available, more than 4,000 boating accidents occurred that year. These are some examples of common boating accidents in Florida:
- Jet ski accidents
- Rafting accidents
- Watercraft collisions
- Flooding and sinkings
- Falling overboard
- Slips and falls
- Fires or explosions
- Drownings
You should talk to your boat accident lawyer even if your accident does not appear on the list since you may have the right to pursue damages anyway.
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Common Causes for Boat Accidents in Florida
Boats are a popular type of entertainment for many Florida residents and visitors. However, accidents are sadly common, and most are caused by someone else’s negligence, carelessness, or inexperience. These are some of the most common causes of boating accidents in Florida:
- Careless operation. Careless operation can happen for many reasons, such as an inexperienced or distracted operator.
- Intoxicated while boating. Many accidents are caused by an operator under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Lack of maintenance. Boats need to be taken care of and maintained to avoid accidents.
- Mechanical failure. The manufacturer can be liable when a defective boat part causes an accident.
- Insufficient safety equipment. Many injuries can happen when a boat doesn’t have the appropriate safety equipment.
However, there are many reasons why a boat accident can happen. But if you were injured in a boat accident, an attorney can answer your questions and explain your legal possibilities.
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Statute of Limitations for Boating Accidents in Florida
Florida’s Statute of limitations for boating accidents is two years. But if you or a loved one were injured on board any type of vessel in Florida, you should talk to an experienced attorney as soon as possible because many circumstances can shorten that time.
Your attorney can also file an insurance claim and sit at the negotiation table on your behalf. That way, you may reach a financial agreement with the liable parties instead of spending months or years litigating in a Florida court.
Common Injuries in Florida Boating Accidents
Various types of accidents occur in Florida every year. Some of the most common injuries in boating accidents include:
- Head injuries. An accident can cause severe injuries, such as Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), due to collisions, falls, or being struck by objects on the boat.
- Spinal Cord Injuries. Accidents involving high-speed collisions or falls can result in spinal cord injuries (SCI), leading to partial or complete paralysis.
- Fractures and Broken Bones. The impact of a boat accident can cause broken bones in different parts of a victim’s body.
- Lacerations and Contusions. Sharp objects or collisions with hard surfaces on the boat can cause deep cuts, lacerations, and bruises.
- Drowning and Near-Drowning. When someone is thrown overboard, or a boat capsizes, they may experience submersion injuries, including drowning or near-drowning incidents.
- Emotional and Psychological Injuries. A boating accident can cause psychological injuries, such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression.
It’s important to note that the severity of these injuries can vary significantly, from minor to life-threatening. Seeking immediate medical and legal attention following a boating accident is crucial to properly diagnose and treat injuries.
Do I Need a Boat Accident Lawyer in Florida After an Accident?
While everyone can present a lawsuit or an insurance claim, there are several benefits to hiring an experienced attorney. These are some of the ways we provide the victims with the support they need:
- Investigating the accident. Our legal team often conducts private investigations to find new evidence. Due to our legal experience, we can find hard-to-get evidence, such as mechanical reports or weather alerts for the accident’s day.
- Contacting witnesses. We can also contact eyewitnesses and get a recorded statement to corroborate your story. Our legal team can contact you with accident reconstructionists and experts in many other fields to act as qualified witnesses to support your claim.
- Represent your best interests. Our team of boat accident lawyers can help you file an insurance claim, negotiate a financial settlement with the liable party, and even represent you in court if necessary.
Talk to a Florida Boat Accident Lawyer
Injuries from a boating accident can be painful and expensive. If someone else’s negligence, lack of care, or recklessness was the cause of your injuries, you may be entitled to pursue compensatory damages from the liable parties or their insurance.
A Fasig | Brooks’ attorney is ready to answer your legal questions and develop a strategy to pursue the damages you deserve. Contact us and schedule a free consultation with a Florida boat accident lawyer.
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