Boating Accident Lawyer in Boca Raton, FL
The Sunshine State is known for its pristine beaches and endless opportunities to enjoy recreational activities in the water. Boating is a favorite hobby among many residents of South Florida, and tens of thousands of boats are registered in Boca Raton alone. Unfortunately, when there are fun times to be had, there is always the potential for an accident that can turn a fun day into a traumatic experience. A person who can show that a negligent operator led to the crash that caused their injuries stands a chance of obtaining significant compensation for their accident-related losses. If you’re unsure whether you have a boat accident claim in Boca Raton, talk to attorney Robert Baker of Baker Legal Team for sound legal counsel.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recorded 628 boating accidents in 2018. Fifty-nine people died as a result, and more than 30% of these accidents were collisions between vessels. Accidents can happen for dozens of different reasons. Boating accidents, in particular, often take place because of human error and mechanical issues. When negligence is a factor, the effects of a boat crash can be devastating.
If you were injured in a boating accident in Boca Raton because of negligence, carelessness, or purposeful disregard for human life, you have the right to pursue a claim for damages. With the help of the right lawyer, it may be possible to recover compensation for your losses and begin rebuilding your life.
Injuries You Might Have Sustained in a Boating Accident
Boating accidents can lead to minor to severe injuries that may require medical attention. In the most severe circumstances, an injury could require medical care for the rest of your life. You deserve to be compensated for medical expenses incurred due to negligence, which is why your boat accident attorney will evaluate your bills to estimate your settlement.
Some injuries that happen in a boat accident are:
- Broken bones
- Water in the lungs
- Spinal damage
- Bruises and lacerations
- Internal injuries
- Concussions
- Disfigurement
- Paralysis
- Drowning/Death
So many things can go wrong on a boat, even if you’re careful to follow all safety precautions. Most people who suffer an accident on a boat do so from falling overboard. When you fall overboard, you’re at risk of coming into contact with the ship’s propeller, being knocked unconscious, and drowning. If the boat runs you over, you could also suffer a traumatic brain injury, spinal injury, disfigurement, and even death. Slip-and-falls are also common, and boat operators have a legal duty to ensure their decks and other surfaces are safe.
Damages You Might Be Able to Recover After a Boat Accident
As with any other personal injury accident, an accident that occurs on a boat may lead to significant financial losses, such as loss of income and increased medical bills. If you become so severely injured that you cannot return to your job or hold a similar position at another company, your lawyer could also help you recover your lost earning potential.
Generally, boat accident losses may include:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Lost earning potential
- Disability
- Home adjustments
- Wrongful death
- Pain and suffering
Attorney Robert Baker will look into your accident’s details, including reviewing medical records and other documents, to create a compelling case for fair compensation. Having recovered millions of dollars in boating accident settlements, you can trust him to seek justice.
Who Is Liable in a Boca Raton Boating Accident?
In boating accidents, liability is typically based on the theory of negligence. Proving negligence requires the following elements to be established:
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty
- Causation
- Damages
Suppose a boat operator fails to take care of and operate their vessel reasonably safely. In that case, they may be held liable for any injuries that result from negligence should an accident occur. Negligence in a boating accident can include:
- Taking a vessel out on the water during poor weather conditions
- Turning incorrectly into a wave
- Speeding and hitting another vessel
- Not providing proper safety equipment
- Operating a vessel under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Determining who is liable after a boating accident often requires a thorough investigation of the accident and legal knowledge of negligence and liability. After sustaining an injury, it can be challenging to find time to attend medical appointments, communicate with insurance companies, calculate bills, and more. Ultimately, your hard work may lead to a mediocre settlement offer that could leave you feeling discouraged. In some cases, the insurance company may even find reasons to deny your claim outright. Furthermore, you only get a limited amount of time to pursue a boat accident claim. The statute of limitation in Florida is four years from the date of your accident.
Leave the burden of collecting medical and employment records and negotiating with insurance companies up to the professionals. Contact a trusted and skilled Boca Raton boat accident lawyer to help relieve the legal burden so you can focus on recovering.
Contact Baker Legal Team for a Free Boating Accident Consultation
Attorney Robert Baker is a Board-Certified personal injury lawyer and has the experience required to seek every penny you deserve by law. He is one of a handful of lawyers with this certification from the Florida Bar due to his competence and experience in civil trial law. He has continued to serve the south Florida community for 30 years and will get you the help you need for your case.
Don’t hesitate to contact Baker Legal Team for a free consultation. We’re available to discuss your case by phone, email, or chat. Call (561) 320-0000 for a free consultation or complete our contact form to get started.