Florida Boat Accident Injury Lawsuits
The Florida Suncoast is one of the best regions in the country for boat lovers. Indeed, Tampa Bay is the largest estuary in the state, and it offers many excellent, unique spots for boating. Though, it bears mentioning that, if proper safety precautions are not taken, boating can become extremely dangerous. It is imperative that all boat owners and operators follow all boat safety regulations that have been promulgated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
In the unfortunate event that you or a loved one has been injured on a boat, you need to contact an experienced Tampa boat accident attorney for immediate legal assistance. Your attorney will be able to assess your claim and determine what needs to be done to help you seek the fair financial recovery that you deserve.
Florida Boat Accident Liability
In order to prevail in a Florida boat accident lawsuit, you will need to be able to prove that the boat owner or operator’s negligence contributed to your injuries. Chapter 768.81 of the Florida statutes controls all negligence claims in the state. The actions (or inactions) that constitute negligence can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances of the case. However, it is important to note that boat owners and operators are held to high legal standards. Some of the most common examples of negligence in boat accident and boat injury cases include:
- The boat operator being intoxicated at the time of the accident;
- A boat operator lacking sufficient experience;
- Any other unsafe actions by the operator;
- The failure to provide enough life jackets and safety equipment on board; and,
- Poor maintenance by the owner or operator.
Compensation Available for Boat Accident Victims
Under Florida law, boat accident victims are owed financial compensation for the full extent of their damages. This includes recovery for both monetary losses and any intangible losses. Unfortunately, insurance companies work hard to make recovering fair compensation a challenge for accident victims.
To get the full injury settlement offer you deserve, you need to work with an experienced attorney who will ensure that your claim proceeds in an efficient, effective manner. At The Pawlowski//Mastrilli Law Group, our team may be able to help you recover compensation for:
- All of your medical bills;
- Any needed medication or medical equipment;
- Lost wages, including diminished earning capacity;
- Long-term disability; and,
- Pain and suffering.
Boat Accidents: Wrongful Death
Finally, if you lost a family member in a boat accident, we can help you bring a wrongful death lawsuit to hold the responsible party liable. We know it is difficult to consider legal options immediately following the loss of a loved one, but you owe it to your family to speak to an attorney who can protect your rights and interests.
Contact Our Team Today
Were you injured in a boating accident? The Tampa Bay personal injury lawyers at The Pawlowski//Mastrilli Law Group can help. To request a free, no-obligation review of your case, please contact our team today. We fight for the rights of injured victims throughout West Florida, including in Saint Petersburg, Clearwater, Safety Harbor and Land O’ Lakes.
Resources:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.81.html
myfwc.com/boating/regulations/
