Common Injuries in Boat Accidents

Injuries sustained in boating accidents range in severity, and can depend on the type of accident that occurred as well as the specific circumstances of the victims. However, most of these injuries at the very least require medical attention and the doctor’s bills that accompany such treatment. When another person or entity is responsible your injuries, they should be held accountable for the harm caused. Miami boat accident attorney Robert Dixon and his associates at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon assist boat accident victims in pursuing legal action against those liable for their injuries. Boat accidents are not uncommon, especially in South Florida, and many are caused by another’s negligence. Our firm is dedicated to fighting on behalf of clients so that they can pursue they compensation they need in order to help with their recovery. If you have suffered an injury, or lost a loved one in a boating accident, in Miami-Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach County, please contact our office today to find out how we can help and schedule a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your potential claims.

Boat accidents take many different forms. Victims can suffer injuries due to a slip and fall where spills, or water from the ocean, have not been properly cleaned or marked with a warning. Additionally, boats can collide with other water vessels, stationary objects, or hit the dock when embarking or pulling into a port. Passengers may also fall overboard due to various reasons. Common injuries in boat accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – these injuries occur when a victim hits his or her head, causing a brain to strike the inside of a skull. TBIs can result in severe cognitive and physical limitations that have long-term and often life-long impacts on victims.
• Broken bones and torn ligaments – Although these injuries often heal in a matter of time, depending on the victim there can be other complications associated with a broken bone, especially for the elderly. Additionally, depending on a victim’s job, these injuries can affect his or her ability to work, at least for a period of time.
• Spinal cord injuries – An injury to the spinal cord can cause either temporary or permanent paralysis, and can affect multiple limbs. Even temporary paralysis requires a lengthy rehabilitation effort, where victims work to regain mobility.
• Fatalities – Unfortunately, a boat accident can lead to a victim’s death, often due to drowning or other injuries caused by an overboard accident. Families who have lost loved ones often need assistance in coping with burial and funeral expenses, as well as the loss of support provided by a close relative who has passed unexpectedly.

Boat owners and operators owe their passengers, as well as other waterway users such as swimmers and other boat occupants, a duty to act as a reasonable and prudent person would under the same circumstances. When these parties breach that duty and injure others, either through alcohol use or other conduct they should be held responsible for their negligence. Boat accident victims may recover damages in the form of past and future medical expenses, loss of income, diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering associated with their injuries. In certain cases, very specific laws may attach to a boat accident claim, especially when they occur in international waters or involve a commercial carrier. It is important to contact an experienced lawyer who can help investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident and has the proper knowledge to deal with the issues that arise in these cases.

Common injuries in boat accidents often come with significant pain, as well as an emotional impact, both of which become costly to treat, especially when an injury is permanent. Personal injury and wrongful death lawyer Robert Dixon offers compassionate and dedicated legal support for victims who have suffered an injury due to a boat operator or another party’s negligence. If you have questions in the aftermath of a boat accident, and would like to know more about your legal options, please call 877.499.4878 or contact the Law Offices of Robert Dixon online today to set up a free, no obligation consultation. We represent clients in areas including Miami, and West Palm Beach.