Boating Accidents

Florida Boat Accident Attorneys Fight for You

Serving Clients in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Tampa and Fort Myers

When a Florida boat accident occurs, the damage can be devastating and can result in significant financial loss or even death. The experienced attorneys at Wolf & Pravato can help boat accident victims get the justice they deserve.

Florida Boat Accident Claims

Florida law imposes a duty on boat owners and operators to exhibit caution when boating to protect both passengers on boats and others sharing the open water. When a boat owner fails to live up to the duty imposed on him and harm results, the injured victim of the boat accident can file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages.

Common Causes of Florida Boat Accidents

There are a number of different negligent behaviors on the part of boaters that lead to Ft. Lauderdale boat accidents, Fort Myers boat accidents or other Florida boat injuries. Some examples of behaviors that can cause boating accident injuries include:

• Lack of care, experience or proper attention paid when operating the boat;
• Reckless behavior on the part of boat passengers, especially when water skiing;
• Driving too quickly;
• Drinking and driving;
• Failure of equipment;
• Failing to look out for other ocean vessels; and
• Bad weather and failing to adjust behavior accordingly.

When these or other types of negligent behaviors occur, Florida boat accident victims generally have the burden of proving that the defendant owed them a duty of care, that the defendant breached that duty and that the breach caused harm and loss.

Damages

When a Florida boat accident occurs, there are a damages that can be collected, including compensation for:

• Medical bills and costs incurred and expected to be incurred as a result of the boat accident;
• Lost wages incurred and expected because of the accident;
• Pain and suffering;
• Emotional distress; and
• Wrongful death damages.

In many Florida boating accident cases, the insurance company for the boater will be willing to settle outside of court. An experienced Florida boat accident attorney should always be consulted before settling to negotiate the best possible compensation. When a case does not settle, the jury will determine appropriate damages after a plaintiff proves his or her case.

Special Legal Issues in Florida Boat Accident Claims

When a Florida boat accident occurs and an injured plaintiff wishes to recover damages, sometimes there are tricky legal issues to deal with. For instance, in some cases – usually involving commercial vessels- federal maritime law will apply and impose different rules for recovery than state tort law. Only boat accident attorneys with extensive experience can explain to you all the potential legal issues and help you to determine what laws will govern your case.

Getting Help

The attorneys at Wolf & Pravato have extensive experience representing Fort Myers boat accident victims, Fort Lauderdale boat accident victims, and injured plaintiffs throughout South Florida. If you or a loved one has suffered from a boating accident, contact Wolf & Pravato today to get help seeking the compensation you deserve.