Boat Propeller Accidents

Boat propeller accidents can happen quickly, and in those seconds, a person’s life can be altered forever, or even ended. Victims may be injured by a propeller after being thrust forward from sitting or standing near the stern of a boat, or can fall overboard from the back of a boat. Swimmers can also be caught by a propeller when proper care on the boat operator’s part is not taken. If you’ve been severely injured in a boat propeller accident, or a loved one has died as a result of such, Miami boat accident attorney Robert Dixon can help you pursue the proper legal claims against those responsible. Mr. Dixon and his staff understand that clients who have been involved in these types of incidents need time to recover, or grieve the loss of a loved one, and as such, we are dedicated to making the burden of the legal process as stress-free as possible. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, we offer compassionate and zealous legal advocacy for clients in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, as well as across South Florida. If you have questions about what your legal options are in the aftermath of a boat propeller accident, please contact our office today and schedule a free, no obligation consultation to learn more about our services.

On most motorized vessels, the propeller sits under the water line, out of sight of swimmers, jet skis, passengers, and even boat operators themselves. As such, it might not be readily apparent how close a person is to the propeller at any given time. Accidents whereby a propeller strikes a victim can cause loss of limbs, severe cuts and lacerations or facial disfigurement, or internal injuries as well – any of which may lead to permanent disability. These kinds of accidents are most often due to a boat operator’s negligence, indicated by the following common contributing factors:

• An operator under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Distraction
• Reckless steering
• Passengers falling overboard or being pushed into the propeller.
• An inexperienced operator, especially when they forget to wear the cutoff switch lanyard that automatically shuts an engine off in an emergency
• Unsafe and improper boating practices, such as lack of safety equipment or allowing individuals in unsafe areas while reversing, docking, or launching a boat

Boat operators may also rev the engine without looking to see if anyone is swimming or floating behind the vessel, which could lead to a propeller accident. Even if the engine is off or idling, the sharp blades of a propeller could cause injuries to those around.

Boat operators should be adequately experienced in proper protocol and practice safe boating activities. When they do not do so, and a propeller accident occurs, they can be held liable for the injuries they cause by their negligence. Negligence exists when a vessel operator breaches the duty of reasonable care they owe not only to passengers on board, but also anyone in the boat’s vicinity, such as swimmers, jet skis, or other boaters. For instance, it would be not only unreasonable, but also unlawful, to operate a vessel heavily intoxicated or without any experience at all. Victims injured in a boat propeller accident may be awarded damages related to their injuries, such as past or future medical costs, loss of income due to time missed from work, any discrepancies in their ability to make a living because of their injury, as well a pain and suffering compensation. Families who have lost loved ones in boat propeller accidents may also be compensated for burial and funeral costs or loss of support. In some instances, maritime laws and procedures may govern a boat accident lawsuit and making sure you have a knowledgeable lawyer familiar with these rules and regulations is vital to preserving your legal rights.

Motorized boats come with an extra dangerous component in the form on a propeller, and operators of these vessels should not only be aware of that danger but take reasonable steps to prevent harm to their passengers or others. When safety measures are ignored, and injuries occur as a result, those responsible should bear the burden of the financial impact that results. Attorney Robert Dixon represents victims and families in Miami and South Florida who have lost loved ones in devastating propeller incidents caused by negligence. We are here to help. Please contact the Law Offices of Robert Dixon if you need legal assistance in pursuing a claim arising out of a boat accident. You can call 877.499.4878 or contact us online and we can set up a free, no obligation consultation for you to speak with an attorney regarding your legal options.