Drowning Injuries in Boat Accidents

Boating accidents often lead to significant injuries. Among them are drowning injuries in boat accidents. Most boating fatalities are due to drowning, and, unfortunately, the majority of passengers of boats that fall overboard drown. Boating accidents are largely due to an operator’s negligent acts, with intoxication being a leading cause of boat-related injuries. Victims as well as families who have lost loved ones due to drowning may be able to pursue a legal claim against those responsible. Miami boat accident lawyer Robert Dixon assists clients in both personal injury and wrongful death claims. Our team at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon is dedicated to making sure those gravely harmed by someone else’s negligence get the financial support they need. If you or a loved one has been involved in boating accident in South Florida, we can help you determine your next legal step. Our firm has clients in and around Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, offering compassionate and experienced legal representation. Contact our office to schedule a free, no obligation consultation and speak with an attorney today.

The United States Coast Guard compiles statistical data on recreational boating accidents. Its report for 2018 found that boating-related accidents resulted in 633 fatalities. Seventy-seven percent of these fatalities were due to drowning. When a passenger falls overboard, they often drown, or suffer near-drowning injuries, especially if they are not wearing life jackets.

“Near drowning,” as it sounds, happens when a person almost dies as a result of drowning. The victim is injured after being deprived of oxygen while underwater. In the aftermath of an accident whereby a victim has almost drowned, they may experience symptoms such as cold or bluish skin, chest pain and shortness of breath, as well as confusion, weak pulse, and vomiting.

Lasting symptoms and injuries can also occur due to a near-drowning. These may include pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, brain damage, or a permanent vegetative state. Victims who survive near-drownings often must cope with the costs of extensive medical treatment as well as long term care. Those responsible for a boating accident should be held legally accountable.

Claims arising out of boating accidents might require different procedures than those stemming from other vehicular accidents. The US Coast Guard defines a “boating accident” as an incident where a boat passenger dies or becomes seriously injured, or a boat passenger disappears where death or injury is suspected, as well as when a vessel causes, or sustains, damage. According to federal law, boating accidents meeting this definition must be reported to the agency within 48 hours of its occurrence. Failure to submit the proper reports and follow the necessary procedures could hinder any legal action necessary for the future.

When a boat operator is negligent, and a passenger dies or is gravely injured by drowning, that operator, and other parties, can be held responsible in a wrongful death or personal injury claim. Negligence exists where a defendant has breached his owed duty of reasonable care to another. If a passenger falls overboard and drowns because a vessel’s captain maneuvered a boat while under the influence of alcohol, that captain would be found negligent. Families who have lost loved ones due to a drowning could receive compensation for any outstanding medical bills related to the deceased injuries, as well as burial and funeral costs, loss of support, and pain and suffering. Although drowning injuries most often lead to a fatality, those who do survive are often left with the costs of round-the-clock care, changes to daily life, and emotional consequences as well. Consulting a seasoned and knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible is important in making sure you know your legal rights.

Following the loss of someone you love, it is not easy to think of anything other than grief. The same is true when trying to cope with a life-altering injury. However, it is often vital to explore your legal options as soon as possible to make sure you are financially stable. If you or a loved one has drowned due to another’s negligence, attorney Robert Dixon can help make sure you receive the compensation you are entitled to from the liable parties. Please contact the Law Offices of Robert Dixon in Miami at 877.499.4878 or online today to find out more about our services with a free, no obligation consultation.