When a watercraft contains a defect or suffers from a malfunction, the consequences can be catastrophic. These failures often lead to serious accidents, resulting in devastating injuries or even fatalities. For victims and their families, the aftermath can bring overwhelming medical, emotional, and financial burdens that last long after the accident itself.
According to the 2024 Florida Boating Accident Statistical Report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), “machine failure” was among the leading causes of boating accidents in Florida. Machine failure can result from defective equipment components or a lack of proper maintenance, placing responsibility on watercraft manufacturers, owners, or operators.
Baker Legal Team is dedicated to helping those harmed by defective boats, jet skis, and other watercraft or negligent owners or operators through civil claims. Our experience, resources, and proven record can make a critical difference in cases against major manufacturers and insurers.
Discuss your case in a free consultation with a Florida watercraft defects and malfunctions attorney. Call 888-468-4608 or reach out online. We offer convenient virtual appointments and are available 24/7. Hablamos español.
How Baker Legal Team Assists Watercraft Injury Victims
Product liability or other negligence-based cases involving defective watercraft are rarely straightforward. Manufacturers and insurers often have teams of lawyers working to deny responsibility or shift blame onto operators.
Baker Legal Team knows how to fight back. Our firm can thoroughly investigate the accident, consult engineers and safety experts, and build well-founded cases to show how a design flaw, production error, or failure to warn contributed to the incident.
By preparing every case as if it will go to trial, we put you in the strongest possible position for a fair settlement or courtroom litigation.
These cases can involve vessels and personal water vehicles, from jet skis to motorboats, fishing boats, sailboats, yachts, commercial vessels, ferries, inflatable boats, or other recreational craft. Any of these can become dangerous if they are designed, manufactured, maintained, or operated improperly.
What Is Product Liability and Why Is It Complex?
Product liability holds manufacturers, designers, and distributors responsible when their defective products cause harm. In the context of watercraft, this could involve a flaw in the design, a defect during manufacturing, or inadequate safety warnings and instructions.
These claims are complex because they often require:
- Detailed technical analysis of the defect
- Testimony from engineering and safety experts
- Knowledge of federal and state product liability laws
- The ability to stand up to large corporations and their legal teams
This is why an attorney with experience in injury law and product liability litigation is essential.
Robert Baker’s Landmark Jet Ski Case
Attorney Robert Baker has proven his ability to take on industry giants and win. He demonstrated before juries that both Yamaha’s and Bombardier’s jet skis were defectively designed, creating a dangerous condition where operators lost control when they released the throttle and attempted to turn.
As a result of his work, the industry was forced to redesign its products to allow for off-throttle steering, a change that has made jet skis safer for riders everywhere. This achievement underscores Mr. Baker’s litigation skill and commitment to improving public safety standards.
Compensation Available in Watercraft Defect Cases
Defective or malfunctioning watercraft victims may be compensated for economic and non-economic losses. We aggressively fight to secure financial recovery that may include:
- Medical expenses for emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity for those unable to work after an injury
- Pain and suffering for the physical and emotional impact of the accident
- Property damage related to the incident
- Wrongful death damages for families who have lost a loved one due to a defective watercraft
By pursuing full compensation, we work to ease clients’ burdens and provide the resources needed to rebuild lives.
Consult a Florida Watercraft Defects Attorney Today
Holding the manufacturer accountable when a defective or malfunctioning watercraft causes harm requires proven legal skill and experience. Board-Certified Civil Trial Lawyer Robert Baker has the expertise and record of success to take on these complex claims.
You pay no upfront legal fees; we work on contingency and only collect if compensation is won. Baker Legal Team serves clients in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Miami, and statewide.
Reach us online or call 888-468-4608 for a free case review for advice and guidance today.