Common Injuries & Repercussions Related To Florida Boating Accidents

Florida ranks number one nationwide for the most boating accidents due to the fact that several bodies of water surround our beautiful state, and boating is a more common means of recreation and transportation than in other places. Unfortunately, because a boat has less protection than a car or other type of vehicle, there are certain risks you take when you climb onboard, and the possible injuries can have devastating effects. 

In 2020, the Coast Guard reported that compared to 2019, the number of accidents increased by 26.3%, the number of deaths increased by 25.1%, and the number of injuries increased by 24.7%. If you or a loved one have been injured in a boating accident, you shouldn’t have to pay for the financial, physical, and emotional repercussions that come along with it. The Florida Law Group has experienced accident injury attorneys who can help you fight for compensation. Call today for a free consultation. 

Types Of Common Injuries & Repercussions: 

• Drowning 

One of the biggest safety hazards associated with boating is the lack of protection it offers you in the case of a collision. If a boat collides with another or something in the water, there is nothing keeping you on the boat, like a seatbelt keeps someone in a vehicle. A life vest is as close as you can get to a “seat belt” for boating. While it can’t protect you from injuries, it can protect you from the possibility of drowning. In 2020, the Coast Guard reported that where the cause of death was known, drowning is the number one cause when a boating accident occurs. It was found that seventy-six percent (76%) of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those, almost eighty-five percent (85%) were not reported as wearing a life jacket. Wearing a life jacket could be the difference between life and death. 

• Traumatic Brain Injury 

While a life jacket might save you from drowning, it does not shield you from obtaining possible head trouble in the event of a boat collision. As mentioned before, nothing keeps you on a boat, so when a crash or collision occurs, those onboard will likely be ejected from the vessel. In the same 2020 summary from the Coast Guard, it was found that head injuries ranked the highest at 754 of 3191 injuries that occurred. It is possible that a collision can cause you to hit your head either on your boat, someone else’s, or whatever it is that caused the crash. You could also simply slip and fall and sustain a head injury from landing on any surface of the boat itself. 

• Spinal Cord Injury 

Another common injury in boating accidents is a spinal cord injury. A spinal cord injury can have catastrophic effects on your physical well-being and quality of life. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, injury on the higher part of your spinal cord can paralyze the majority of your limbs, also known as tetraplegia and quadriplegia, and an injury to the lower part of your spinal cord can cause paralysis in your legs or lower regions. While spinal cord injuries are not as frequent as head trauma, they can have just as serious, if not more serious, repercussions on your physical body as any form of paralysis can have life-altering consequences.

• Broken Bones 

A less severe but still frightening and rather painful injury includes broken bones. Between colliding with another boat, a dock, or another object to easily slipping and falling on a wet service, breaking a bone on a boat isn’t as uncommon as some might think and can easily result in the need for surgery, physical therapy, body casts or wheelchairs, and more. 

• Emotional trauma

While this isn’t a physical injury, emotional trauma is real. Being injured in a boating accident can lead to PTSD, anxiety disorders, and more. Unfortunately, most insurance companies won’t cover psychiatric therapy, which you might need if you’ve been involved in a boating accident. 

Tips For Preventing Injury

Though it’s unfortunate, accidents happen all the time and will continue to do so. Below are a few tips for staying safe and preventing injury on a boat. 

• Always ride with someone you trust. Just like getting in the car with someone, getting on a boat with an experienced and legal driver is essential. You should always ensure that whoever is chartering a boat knows what they are doing and is not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 
• Wear a life jacket. As you know, a life jacket can’t prevent injuries, but it can help prevent the possibility of drowning in the event that a boat is capsized and you’re unable to reach land quickly. 
• Check the weather prior to getting on the water. In most places, but especially Florida, the weather can change course in the blink of an eye. You should always check that the waters and wind level will be safe enough for the type of boat you’re venturing out on. 

For additional tips, check out our article: 5 SAFETY TIPS TO PREVENT BOATING & OTHER RECREATIONAL WATER INJURIES IN FLORIDA

What The Florida Law Group Can Do For You 

When you’ve been injured in a Florida boating accident, you need representation that’s sensitive to what you are going through but can also fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve. When you sustain severe injuries like a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, or more, you shouldn’t be held responsible for the costs that accrue due to your medical and recovery needs. The Florida Law Group has 100+ years of experience seeking justice for accident victims and proudly represents victims of boating accidents. Depending on the severity of the injuries you’ve sustained, you might find yourself up to your head in medical bills for things like: 

• Hospital stay
• Ambulance transport
• Emergency surgeries
• Medication
• X-rays, CT scans, MRIs 
• Physical therapy 
• And more!

You may also need to take time off work to recover fully, which can cause more financial strain as your income is at a halt. Our seasoned accident injury attorneys can help you recover damages for your treatment costs, lost wages, and more. Let us use our extensive knowledge of Florida accident injury lawyers to give you an advantage in your case. 

About The Firm 

1. We’ve recovered $1 billion for our clients.
2. Nationally recognized by several prestigious legal organizations
3. We’re one of Florida’s oldest and most reputable firms
4. Recognized on the Super Lawyer’s list in Florida
5. We offer free, no-obligation consultations
6. Attorney Chris Limberopoulos is a Board Certified Trial Attorney
7. We are a lawyer-owned, law-driven, and client-centered law firm

If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a boating accident, it is vital that you seek legal representation immediately. Florida does have a statute of limitations when it comes to boating accidents, so it is crucial that you act fast. Call The Florida Law Group today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We can explain your legal options and next steps and answer any questions you may have about your case. Call today!