Internal Injuries in Boat Accidents

Florida is surrounded by water, making boating a common pastime throughout the state. Unfortunately, being a passenger on a boat can be dangerous when the vessel’s operator does not take proper precautions. If a victim suffers a fall, the boat is involved in a collision, or someone goes overboard, it is likely serious injury will result. Victims may suffer internal injuries in boat accidents that lead to complications and long recovery times. When another’s negligence has caused this harm, they need to be the ones held liable. Miami boat accident attorney Robert Dixon represents victims injured in these incidents in claims against negligent parties. Mr. Dixon and his team at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon are dedicated to making sure boat accident victims have the financial support to deal with the full extent of their injury. We help clients in Miami and South Florida with their personal injury cases. If you, or a loved one, has sustained an internal injury as a result of a boat accident, you can contact our office today for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your legal options.

Boat crashes can cause a variety of internal injuries. These types of injuries are also common in these situations as victims are often not wearing any type of restraints to protect them. Often if you are injured out on the water, immediate medical attention is not available. Still, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as you are able, to make sure the proper diagnosis and treatment are administered.

An additional obstacle many victims face after suffering an internal injury is delayed diagnosis because some of these injuries do not have typical symptoms you’d expect. Internal injury symptoms may also not show up until days or weeks after an accident. Some common internal injuries that boat accidents victims may suffer include broken bones, internal bleeding, brain injuries, punctured lungs, as well as other damage to internal organs. If left untreated, an internal injury can lead to further infections and become life-threatening. Recovering from an internal injury can include surgery, multiple doctors’ visits, and time off of work. Those who have contributed to causing these losses should be held legally liable.

Vessel operators or owners can act negligently in a variety of ways. Negligence refers to the legal standard that needs to be met for a person, or entity, to be held liable in a personal injury claim. In boating accidents, some nuanced maritime law might apply depending on the circumstances of an incident. Generally, though, to show negligence, a victim must prove that a defendant has breached their duty of care to act as a reasonable and prudent person would given the same, or similar, circumstances. Breaches can come in the form of a boat operator’s extreme carelessness, failure to follow safety rules, speeding, or if operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It must also be shown that the breach of duty was the cause of a victim’s injuries and resulted in damages. Once negligence is proven, a victim can be awarded compensation for past as well as future medical expenses, lost income, diminished earning capacity, where applicable, and, in some cases, pain and suffering damages.

The road to recovery can be long and painful for internal injuries in boat accidents. When that injury results from another’s negligent acts, they should be held accountable. Attorney Robert Dixon provides experienced and knowledgeable legal representation for Miami accident victims in obtaining the compensation they deserve. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, we understand that filing a lawsuit may be the furthest thing from your mind while coping with your injury. However, it is an important consideration to make sooner rather than later, as evidence must be collected and filing deadlines must be met. If you have questions about your legal options in the aftermath of a boat crash, please call (877) 499-4878 or contact our office online and set up a free, no obligation consultation to speak with a lawyer today.