Common Types of Florida Dock and Marina Accidents
Boat docks and marinas are an important part of the boating experience. They provide an area for fueling, inspections, maintenance, and mooring. They also provide a safe way for boat operators and passengers to get on and off their vessels. Unfortunately, people can act negligently on docks and in marinas, and this can result in very serious injuries. Below, our Florida dock and marina accident lawyer outlines the most common types of accidents, and how you can obtain compensation for them.
Types of Dock and Marina Accidents in Florida
Docks and marinas are filled with heavy equipment, crowds of people, and slippery surfaces. Vehicles and people using the dock or marina for work or recreational purposes are also common sights on larger facilities. This can result in a number of different types of accidents. The most common of these are as follows:
- Electrocutions
- Winch and crane accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Gangway accidents
- Vehicle accidents
- Structural collapse of wooden piers
- Mooring line accidents
- Accidents involving watercraft and piers
The above are just a few of the most common types of dock and marina accidents. Due to the nature of these accidents, they result in some of the most serious injuries.
Common Injuries After a Dock or Marina Accident
Docks and marinas should always be relatively safe for the people who use them, but sometimes, they pose significant dangers. The above types of accidents can all result in catastrophic injuries, including:
- Fractures to the head and skull
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck injuries, including whiplash, which is very painful
- Facial trauma
- Drowning injuries
- Multiple broken bones, which typically require surgery to correct
- Permanent nerve damage
- Electrocution injuries, including severe burns
- Amputations
- Back injuries
- Spinal injuries, including paralysis
- Damage to internal organs
- Internal bleeding
Sadly, the above are just a few of the most common types of severe injuries suffered in dock and marina accidents. If someone else was to blame for the accident that caused your injuries, you can file a claim against them to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and more.
Obtaining this compensation after a boating accident is not always easy. State law does not make boat insurance mandatory, so there may not even be an insurer to file a claim against. Even if a boat operator did have insurance, which is often required when the vessel has been financed, the insurer will try to pay as little in damages as possible. A Florida dock and marina lawyer will negotiate with the insurer on your behalf and outline your legal options.
Call Our Dock and Marina Accident Lawyer in Florida for a Free Consultation Today
There are many different types of accidents that can happen on docks and marinas but the one thing they have in common is that the aftermath is always complicated. At 888-BOAT-LAW (The Law Offices of Frank D. Butler), our Florida dock and marina accident lawyer can help you make sense of it while also ensuring you receive the maximum damages you rightfully deserve. Call us now or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to get the legal help you need.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/0768.html
