According to the United States Coast Guard, the main cause of boating accidents leading to death is collisions. Both collisions with another watercraft and collisions with stationary objects rank as leading causes of boating deaths.
However, many fatalities are not caused by boating accidents. The same source notes that drownings are the leading cause of deaths related to boating. If you lost a loved one in a boating accident, our law firm in Florida can help you recover the cost of your damages.
Other Causes of Fatalities in Florida Boating Accidents
The United States Coast Guard says that in Florida, there were 55 fatal accidents that resulted in 62 deaths in 2019 (reflecting the most recent data available). Aside from collisions, other factors that take the lives of boat users in Florida include:
- Running aground
- Explosions
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Sinking
- Capsizing
Florida prohibits boating while intoxicated. According to Florida Statutes § 327.35, no one is allowed to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08% or higher.
People found in violation of this law can face similar penalties as if they were operating a motor vehicle while under the influence.
To consult with an experienced boating accidents lawyer today
855-780-9986
Types of Non-Fatal Boating Injuries
Boating accidents can cause serious injuries for a variety of reasons. One of the most common (yet severe) injuries that arise from these situations is instances of near-fatal drowning.
According to Healthline, near-fatal drowning can cause:
- Pneumonia
- Brain damage
- Coma
- Chemical imbalances in the body
Near-fatal drowning can also cause respiratory distress syndrome, which can be fatal. This can make a person unable to breathe on their own and rely on a machine. Other injuries that can result from boating accidents include burns, traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and organ damage.
Recoverable Damages in a Fatal Boating Accident Case
If you lost a loved one in a Florida boating accident, you have legal options when it comes to recovering compensation.
Boat owners are not required to carry insurance in Florida, meaning that if you or the other boater did not have insurance, you could recoup compensation via a lawsuit. In this instance, you would have two years from the date of your loved one’s passing to file, per Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(d).
You could seek compensation for the following:
Your Loved One’s Medical Expenses
Your loved one may have been unable to survive their injuries despite receiving medical care. You could pursue damages to cover the cost of:
- Life support
- Resuscitation
- Blood transfusions
- Surgery
- Hospitalization
- Emergency transportation
We can see if your loved one’s health insurance coverage pays for any of these losses.
Your Loved One’s Funeral Service
Laying your loved one to rest can be expensive. However, our law firm can pursue money for the following:
- Floral arrangements
- Their casket and burial plot
- Cremation
- Their headstone
- The cost of reserving the venue
Loss of Consortium
If you lost a spouse due to a boating accident, you could qualify for an expense called “loss of consortium.” This would give you compensation for the hardship of adapting to life without your partner.
Lost Income
As a result of your loved one’s passing, you may have missed valuable time from work. We can account for your lost commissions, tips, income, and bonuses in your case. We can also examine your loved one’s employment records to determine how much money they would have made had they survived the accident.
Depending on your circumstances, you could also seek compensation for loss of parental guidance, loss of household benefits, and pain and suffering.
How Our Team Can Build Your Wrongful Death Case
While mourning your loss, our team wants to handle your wrongful death case. We can do so at no out-of-pocket cost to you. We can begin working on it from the moment you connect with our team.
To resolve your case, we can:
- Investigate your loved one’s passing
- Interview other people aboard the vessel
- Consult with witnesses
- Check the boats’ black box data
- Calculate your losses
- File your wrongful death claim or lawsuit in a timely manner
- Communicate with you throughout the life of your case
We can also prove that your loved one did not primarily cause the accident in which they were involved. If they were at fault for their passing in any capacity, their percentage of fault could take away from the amount of money you can get.
Call Bogin, Munns & Munns to Learn More
If you are still interested in learning about the main cause of boating accidents leading to death, our team can address your questions and concerns during a free case review.
To learn more, dial (407) 578-9696 to speak to someone at our office today.
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