ST. AUGUSTINE BOAT ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Of the people who suffered boating accident injuries in 2014, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission reported 72% were boat occupants, 36% were operators, and 2% were swimmers. Injuries sustained, in order of number of occurrences, were:

• Lacerations (deep cuts or tears of the flesh) -- 91
• Contusions (bruises) – 76
• Broken bones – 50
• Head injuries – 34
• Back injuries – 22
• Sprains and strains – 20
• Internal injuries – 19
• Neck injuries – 8
• Dislocations – 8
• Teeth and jaw injuries – 7
• Burns – 7
• Spinal injuries – 6
• Shock – 3
• Amputations – 2

It is evident from this data that boating accidents can lead to serious, catastrophic, or fatal injuries. As with automobile accidents, operator error is the major contributing factor in boating accidents. Maritime and boat accident injuries result from:

• Inattentiveness
• Alcohol and drug use
• Improper training
• Operator error
• Operating impaired vessels
• Safety equipment violations
• Failure to instruct or supervise
• Speeding
• Operating in rough seas

If you or your loved one has been injured in a boating accident caused by someone else’s negligence, it is in your best interests to speak with an experienced maritime accident attorney as soon as possible. You need legal help to seek full compensation for your losses.

In a boating accident injury claim, depending on the nature and severity of your injuries, you may be entitled to recover economic and non-economic damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning potential, and pain and suffering.

The statute of limitations (time limit imposed by law) for a boating accident personal injury claim will depend upon the location of the waters in which the accident occurred. Under Florida law, a victim has 4 years from the date of a boating accident to file a lawsuit. If the accident occurred in navigable waters, however, maritime law applies, and a claim must be brought within 3 years of the date of the accident.

Our St. Augustine personal injury lawyers at Morgan & Morgan have decades of experience handling a range of injury matters, including maritime and boating accidents. Our attorneys have been named among Super Lawyers® and awarded Martindale-Hubbell® AV® Preeminent rating. Our record of verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients speaks for itself.

If you believe you may have a boating accident injury claim, contact our office using our online form for a free case evaluation, with no obligation. When we represent you, we charge you nothing in fees until we are successful in getting a recovery. You can have confidence that your case is in the hands of a highly qualified, experienced lawyer when you work with our firm.