There are more registered boat owners in Florida than in any other state, and many of them reside right here in Fort Lauderdale. Boating is a great way to enjoy Florida’s gorgeous waterways and climate, but accidents can and do occur. Boating collisions result in some of the most serious injuries that are often life-changing for accident victims. If you have been injured or you have lost a loved one in a crash, you must speak to a Fort Lauderdale boat accident lawyer who can help you claim the damages you need.
Why Choose Rosen Injury Law For Your Fort Lauderdale Boat Accident Claim?
- Eric Rosen is a double board-certified civil trial lawyer who has recovered numerous seven and eight-figure verdicts and settlements against some of the largest companies in the world.
- We pay all upfront costs of pursuing your claim, and you pay us nothing until we win compensation for you.
- Our attorneys know all state and maritime laws related to Fort Lauderdale boat accidents. Whether your case will be heard in state or federal court, we’ve got you covered.
- We won’t take your case unless we believe it has merit and that we can help you recover the full compensation you deserve.
Injuries Caused By Fort Lauderdale Boat Accidents
People sustain many different injuries during a boat accident. The most common of these include:
- Spinal cord injuries: Boat accidents usually create large waves and wakes, causing the boat to rock back and forth and up and down. These motions can easily cause spinal cord injuries, such as herniated and bulging discs. Our spinal cord injury lawyers in Fort Lauderdale are here to help.
- Drowning: Boat accidents, of course, occur on the water, and so, there is always a risk of drowning, particularly if someone is thrown overboard during the crash.
- Electrocution: Boats have a number of electrical systems that help the boat operate. During an accident, these systems can become submerged in water, which can result in an electrocution injury.
- Brain injuries: Brain injuries are common in many types of accidents, and boat accident victims may sustain one in a number of different ways. If individuals are underwater for a significant period of time, it could result in permanent brain damage. Speak to a brain injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale for more information!
- Lacerations: Like other injuries, lacerations are very common in a collision involving a boat, but they are somewhat unique when they occur on the water. Lacerations caused by a boat accident are typically much deeper than cuts sustained in other types of accidents, particularly if the victim was injured by the boat’s propeller.
If you have sustained one of the above injuries, or any other, it will change your life, at least temporarily. A Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer can help you claim the compensation that can offset the financial burden these injuries impose.
Top Causes of Fort Lauderdale Boat Accidents
Unlike driving on a road, waterways do not have obvious traffic signs and signals to help boaters avoid accidents. This can make determining the cause and liability of boating accidents more challenging.
Some common causes of Fort Lauderdale boating accidents include:
- Inexperience and lack of skill. Boating requires practice and skill to operate safely. Boater inexperience is a leading cause of accidents on our waterways.
- Distracted boating. Accidents are much more likely when the vessel operator is distracted or inattentive.
- Speeding. Boating is fun, and many boaters enjoy the feel of speeding across the water. While there are no speed limits on the open water, going too fast can be dangerous and lead to catastrophic injury in the event of an accident.
- Reckless operation. Reckless behavior when operating a boat endangers lives.
- Negligent or aggressive passengers. Passengers can distract the operator or act in ways that make boating unsafe for everyone.
- Equipment failure. Whether caused by a defective part, negligently maintained equipment, or other causes, equipment failure can lead to accidents or leave boaters stranded and helpless.
- Drunk or drugged operation. When vessel operators are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they risk the lives of their passengers and others on the water. As noted, over one quarter of all fatal or serious Florida boating accidents involve the use of alcohol or drugs.
- Severe weather conditions. Operating a vessel in rough water requires experience, skill, and careful attention to avoid serious accidents.
There are unique challenges in determining cause and liability in boating accidents. You need the help of an experienced Fort Lauderdale boating accident lawyer with a proven record of recovering maximum compensation.
The attorneys at Rosen Injury Law have the experience, skills, and resources to uncover all possible causes and potentially liable parties in your Fort Lauderdale boating accident.
How Much Can I Recover in a Fort Lauderdale Boat Accident Claim?
The compensation you can recover for a Fort Lauderdale boat accident claim depends on numerous factors, including how severe your injuries are. Once our attorneys have thoroughly evaluated your case, we can estimate what a fair settlement of your case would be.
In a successful boat accident claim, you may recover economic damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other costs or losses caused by your accident. You may also be able to recover non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other intangible losses.
In rare cases, you may be awarded punitive damages. However, this type of award is only available in Florida cases where the defendant was guilty of intentional misconduct or gross negligence. At Rosen Injury Law, our attorneys work tirelessly to recover all available damages to maximize your recovery.
How Can A Fort Lauderdale Boat Accident Attorney Help?
If the boat accident was the fault of another person, you have many options afterward. Florida law allows accident victims to file a claim against negligent boat operators. You can file a claim against a negligent boat operator if you were operating a different vessel or if the operator of the boat you were on acted negligently. Sometimes, boat accidents are caused by defective equipment, and when that is the case, you can also file a claim against the manufacturer.
While you can file a claim for compensation after a boat accident, you should never do it on your own. A Fort Lauderdale boat accident lawyer can help you through the claims process and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Call Our Boat Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale for Sound Legal Advice
If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash, our Fort Lauderdale boat accident lawyer at Rosen Injury Law, P.A. is here to help. Our seasoned attorneys will determine what caused your crash and hold them liable for paying the full damages you deserve. Call us today at 954-787-1500 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.