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Water sports and other recreational activities can be a wonderful opportunity to get outdoors and have some fun. Boating has been proven to reduce stress levels, help people focus, and even facilitate bonding between family and friends.
However, there are hundreds of boating accidents, reaching into the high triple digits each year. Of these reported incidents, too many people have lost their lives. Many of these fatalities are due to drowning, with approximately 81% of these victims not wearing a life jacket.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a boating accident, our Tampa boating accident lawyers are here to help you recover the compensation you deserve. We have experience in defending personal injury survivors and know what evidence is needed to prove your case.
Watercraft Injuries
Boating and other watercraft sports can result in any of the following injuries:
Broken Bones
This type of injury is often the result of slipping from a wet surface, often fracturing ankles, elbows, and arms.
Lacerations and Amputations
There are many sharp surfaces on a boat, which can lead to lacerations. A run-in with a boat propeller can even result in a traumatic amputation.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
If you are thrown off balance and hit your head, you could suffer a concussion or other traumatic brain injury (TBI). A TBI is a brain dysfunction caused by a sudden blow to the head, which can have long-term effects.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Any traumatic accident has the potential to cause a spinal cord injury. A spinal cord injury can be the result of any injury to the nerves of the spinal cord, which can cause a loss of strength, lack of sensation, and paralysis.
Oxygen Deprivation
While drowning is the leading cause of death in boating accidents, there are situations in which a person may breathe water into their lungs and experience a lack of oxygen to the brain. This is known as “near-drowning,” and victims may suffer permanent damage to their brain, lungs, and heart after such an incident.
Proving Liability and Florida Negligence Laws
If you were involved in a boating accident that was caused by a lack of maintenance on the part of the boat owner, you will likely be entitled to collect compensation for your losses, known as damages.
Most personal injury accidents are the result of negligence or a person’s lack of care in a given situation. To prove negligence, you must demonstrate the following:
- Duty: The responsible party (defendant) had an obligation to use reasonable care
- Breach: The defendant breached his or her duty
- Causation: There is a direct link between the defendant’s breach of duty and your injuries
- Damages: As a result of the defendant’s violation of their duty, you suffered measurable losses
Current Florida law only allows an injury victim to recover compensation for injuries and other losses if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. If an investigation reveals that you were more than 50% at fault, you will be barred from recovering damages.
Speak with Our Tampa Boating Accident Lawyers Today
What may have started out as a relaxing outing can quickly turn into a nightmare. If the proper precautions are not taken, boating can be a dangerous sport. If you or a family member have been the victim of a boating accident, the negligent party should be held accountable for their actions.
To learn more and to schedule your free case evaluation, call 813-534-6913 or contact us online.