Have you been injured in a recent boating accident? If so, our boating accident lawyers in Fort Lauderdale want to speak with you. Your injuries may have you in financial distress and chronic pain. The Schiller Kessler Group can be your legal advocate and pursue the responsible parties for the financial compensation you need.
Our team brings more than three decades of legal experience and has successfully recovered over $250 million for our clients. Send our offices a message online today to discuss legal options with a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer.
Common Types of Boating Accidents
Boating is an extremely common recreational activity in Fort Lauderdale, so boating accident rates are similarly high. Florida consistently reports a high number of boating accidents, including crashes that result in serious and fatal injuries. Common types of boating accidents include:
Boating Crashes
Boating crashes can cause severe and fatal injuries, whether the collision is with another marine vessel or fixed objects, such as a dock. Boating crashes can be a result of operator negligence, defective boating equipment, or environmental factors, like poorly designed marinas. In addition to physical injuries, boating crashes can cause extensive property damage.
Overboard Accidents
Overboard accidents are a major cause of both fatal and non-fatal drowning injuries. A boat occupant may fall overboard due to rough handling, a collision, or a lack of proper safety features, like handrails. Drowning is much more likely to occur after an overboard accident if the passenger isn’t wearing a proper flotation device.
Defective Equipment Injuries
Several types of boating equipment can cause injuries if defective, the most common examples being propellers, batteries, electrical systems, fuel pumps, and safety equipment. If defective boating equipment has caused your injuries, you can hold the manufacturer liable in a product liability lawsuit.
Suffocation Injuries
If boats have insufficient or damaged ventilation systems, there can be a hazardous buildup of carbon monoxide gases under the hull. These gas buildups can cause suffocation or brain injuries due to lack of oxygen. Since carbon monoxide doesn’t have a smell or color, hazardous gas concentrations can go unnoticed until it’s too late.
More people choose The Schiller Kessler Group because they know that we're a cut above other personal injury law firms.
Who Is Liable for My Boating Accident Injuries?
Several parties can be liable for your boating injuries, depending on the circumstances and causes of the accident.
- Boating operator/owner. In general, the boat owner/operator is liable for injuries due to negligent operation or negligent maintenance. The owner/operator can be liable when they don’t properly care for the safety of other passengers.
- Dock or marina owner. Marina owners and managers can be liable for accidents due to defective dock design—such as a lack of “No Wake” signs.
- Equipment manufacturer. Boating manufacturers can be sued in a product liability lawsuit if defective equipment causes injuries.
- Other third parties. Any other third party that contributed to the accident can be sued in a lawsuit to recover damages.
Sometimes multiple parties will be simultaneously liable for accidents. In these cases, a Fort Lauderdale boating accident lawyer can help you go after each party individually to recover your losses to the greatest possible extent.
No matter what time of day it is, you can contact The Schiller Kessler Group to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Recoverable Compensation in a Boating Accident Lawsuit
We can pursue comprehensive damages for any losses you suffered due to the boating accident. Depending on the circumstances, compensable losses can include:
- Emergency medical bills and the cost of future necessary medical treatment
- Lost work income and other types of employment compensation
- Reductions in your lifetime expected earnings due to disability
- Cost of replacement household services the injured would’ve provided (e.g., childcare)
- Miscellaneous injury-related expenses
- Non-economic losses (e.g., pain and suffering damages)
- Property repair or replacement costs
Time Limit for Filing a Boating Accident Lawsuit
Florida law generally gives injured people two years to file a negligence lawsuit under Florida Statutes § 95.11(5)(a). However, boating accidents may also involve federal maritime law or other rules that affect the filing deadline. An attorney can determine which deadline applies based on where and how the accident occurred.
Even though you have two years, delays are highly discouraged. Waiting too long makes it harder to gather evidence and can cast doubt on the existence of your injuries. Starting early gives you the best chance of fully recovering your economic and non-economic losses.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Boating Accident Lawyer
Boating accident cases have several legal nuances and complexities, so you need an experienced professional on your side. Our attorneys at The Schiller Kessler Group understand how to pursue boating accident claims and present a strong case for your damages. We have served over 30,000 clients and are willing to help you next.
Are you ready to take the next steps in your case? If so, reach out by phone or fill in our contact form below to schedule a consultation with a Fort Lauderdale boating accident lawyer.
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