Settlement Negotiations in Boat Accident Cases

Boat accidents can take a variety of forms, including passengers falling overboard, slip-and-falls, or boats colliding with either another vessel or a dock. These accidents also lead to a wide range of injuries, many of which have a financial impact on their victims. When a boating injury is caused by another’s negligence, that party should be held accountable. Miami boat accident lawyer Robert Dixon helps victims in negotiations with insurance companies, boat operators, as well as boat owners or others involved in these complicated matters. Even if the defendant’s fault seems clear, taking your claims to trial can be risky, which is why settlement negotiations are vital in boat accident cases. Mr. Dixon is dedicated to making sure settlements serve the best interests of his clients, and that victims have the financial security they need to deal with their recovery. The Law Offices of Robert Dixon represents clients throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, as well as elsewhere in South Florida. If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a boat accident and would like to explore your legal options, please contact our office today to schedule a free, no obligation consultation.

With three sides of the state surrounded by water, as well as a variety of lakes and swamps in between, Florida unfortunately sees a large number of boating accidents. Injuries from these accidents can be severe, and recovering compensation from those liable may also be complicated. In certain situations, specific laws may govern these types of claims, as when an accident occurs in international waters or a commercial carrier is involved. Generally, the more parties that are involved, the more difficult settlement negotiations may be, as each party can try to shift blame and avoid shouldering responsibility.

Regardless of the party a victim must engage in settlement talks with, there are a few common factors that go into negotiations and determining what a fair amount of compensation would be. The extent of a victim’s injuries is usually the first issue to decide. Each party could have its own medical expert who could disagree regarding a victim’s future care, as well as the assessment of the severity of the current injury. Costs for past treatment such as hospitalization and doctor visits represent more tangible amounts, whereas what may be needed for ongoing treatment can become a point of contention. The same is true for determining what impact a victim’s injury may have on his or her ability to earn a living as they once did.

The question of liability for causing a victim’s injuries in a boating accident is also a major issue in settlement negotiations. If a boat operator was under the influence of alcohol, for example, that operator is more clearly at fault if his intoxication leads to an accident. However, an owner of that boat could also be held accountable, especially if he or she knew of the operator’s intoxication when entrusting the vessel to them. Evidence to support what exactly happened in an accident is the touchstone to negotiating a fair settlement. An experienced attorney will gather detailed medical records as well as background information on any owner, operator, or other party involved in the boat accident.

In many personal injury and wrongful death claims, a settlement is preferable to having victims or families endure the long process of litigation. The vast majority of these cases are resolved in the settlement phase. However, negotiating these settlements effectively to ensure victims receive the compensation they need from those liable is critical. Attorney Robert Dixon seeks to ensure that his clients have a strong advocate on their side during settlement negotiations in boat accident cases. If you’ve been injured or a loved one has died as a result of another party’s carelessness, please call (877) 499-4878 or contact the Law Offices of Robert Dixon online today to schedule a free, no obligation consultation to find out more about how we can help. We represent clients in areas such as Miami, and West Palm Beach.