Whether you are heading out into the Atlantic or enjoying some fresh water activities, Floridians spend plenty of time in boats and other water vessels. From luxury yachts to jet skis, spending time in and on the water is a favorite pastime in our state, but there are risks when you share the water with other boaters. If you are injured in a boating accident in Florida, you need to know your rights and legal options. Here is what you need to know about boat accident lawsuits and when you should talk to one of our lawyers at Ligori & Ligori Attorneys at Law.
Types of Injury Boat Accidents
When we discuss boat injury accidents, it involves all types of watercrafts, not just boats. From cruise ships, speed boats and yachts to personal crafts like kayaks, jet skis and canoes, any vessel used in the water can be involved in an injury boat accident. Some of the types of accidents that can occur include:
- Two boats colliding
- Boat colliding with personal watercraft
- Watercraft hitting swimmers
- Speeding boat accidents
- Unsafe equipment on water vessels resulting in injuries
- Reckless and drunk water vessel accidents
Boat accidents that are caused by negligence and result in injuries can have high risk to the victims. Not only is there the initial injury, but victims may also be in the water and have the risk of drowning. Since the accidents occur in the water, it can take longer to get the victim to shore for medical care, increasing the risk of serious complications.
Damages for Boat Accident Injuries
If a drunk boater runs his vessel into a dock and causes broken bones, head injuries or worse to individuals on the dock, they may be liable for the expenses. The same is true for a cruise line that has dangerous equipment on their ships that causes injuries or hits a personal water vessel. Boat accident injuries can result in serious injuries or death, and victims have the right to seek compensation. Some of the damages you may seek if you are the victim of a negligent boat accident include:
- Lost wages while you recover as well as lost future wages if you are permanently injured
- Compensation for medial bills and future medical treatments
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Wrongful death – if you lost a loved one in a boat accident, you could seek compensation for your loss, including your personal suffering as well as lost income and other considerations
While you have the right to seek compensation for boat accident injuries, there is a limited amount of time to pursue compensation in Florida. The statute of limitations for filing a claim in Florida for many boat accident injuries is four years from the date of the accident, but some specific situations may require filing sooner. You could lose your opportunity to seek compensation that you deserve if you wait too long.
Tampa Boat Accident Lawyers
If you are injured in a Tampa boat accident or you lost a loved one due to a watercraft accident in Florida, contact our team at Ligori & Ligori Attorneys at Law. We will listen to your claim and offer our legal advice on how you should proceed. The legal consultation is free with no obligation – call or text me on my cell at 888-254-7119.
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