Miami Accident Lawyer Blog
Miami Boating Accidents Often Result in Serious Injuries
At Gerson & Schwartz, P.A., our maritime accident lawyers represent the victims of serious boating accidents and injuries. We understand the complexities of maritime law and know how to hold negligent boat operators, manufacturers, cruise lines, marinas, and others who operate in the recreational boating industry responsible for their actions.
The recent death of Jose Fernandez gained significant attention locally and nationally. Hernandez, who was under the influence of illegal drugs and alcohol crashed his boat into a large group of rocks located on South East side of Government Cut. Accidents like these are preventable and avoidable. Hernandez’s death has resulted in a high profile wrongful death lawsuit. The allegations in that lawsuit filed in Miami Dade County Circuit Court, highlight the many dangers and types of reckless conduct that can result in boat accident fatalities. Our injury lawyers urge all boat operators and passengers to exercise extreme caution this boating season.
With its famously temperate climate and hundreds of miles of coastline, boating is an extremely popular activity in and around Miami. While boating is undeniably relaxing and enjoyable, it also exposes participants to a serious risk of injury. In fact, Florida consistently leads the nation in the number of boating accidents each year, and many victims sustain extremely serious injuries that entitle them to significant compensation under Florida law. As a result, anyone hurt in a boating accident should speak to a maritime lawyer in Miami as soon as possible.
What Causes Boating Accidents?
In order for victims of boating accidents to recover, they need to be able to identify exactly what caused their accident. Some of the more common causes these kinds of incidents that are often attributable to negligence include the following:
- Defective boating equipment
- Impaired boat operators
- Failure to maintain a proper look out
- Failing to follow boating regulations
- Boat operator error
- Improper boat maintenance
- Speeding
Importantly, boat accidents can take a variety of forms. They can occur when a person injures himself or herself on a boat, such as in a slip and fall and can also happen off of a boat, such as when a person is injured by a reckless boat operator, a defective propeller or hurts himself or herself while trying to climb a ladder to get back into a boat. In addition, boat accidents can involve multiple boats, as occurs when two boats collide with each other.
Common Boat Accident Injuries
The injuries that you can sustain in a boat accident can range from mild to severe. Here are some of the more common kinds of injuries that people suffer in serious boating accidents:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries – Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, can occur when a person hits his or her head on another object. In serious cases, TBI victims develop long-term disabilities that can keep them from working or living without assistance.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – Whenever the spinal cord is damaged, it can result in serious problems, such as weakness, numbness, tingling in extremities, poor coordination, and even paralysis below the site of the injury.
- Soft Tissue Injuries – Many people who are involved in boating accidents sustain serious soft tissue injuries such as lacerations, contusions, sprains, and strains. These injuries have the potential to result in long-term problems like disfigurement or permanent scarring.
Call Gerson & Schwartz, P.A. Today to Speak with a Miami Maritime Accident Attorney
Accidents that occur on boats or around the water often leave victims with extremely serious injuries that affect them for months or years into the future. At Gerson & Schwartz, our personal injury lawyers serve clients injured in Miami and other areas in South Florida. We are committed to representing the rights of boat accident victims and do everything we can to ensure that our clients obtain the compensation they deserve. To schedule a free case evaluation with an attorney, call us today at 305-371-6000, or toll free at (877) 475-2905 or send us an email through our online contact form.