The Villages is a wonderful place to go boating and hit the water when the weather is nice. Lake Sumter’s waterfront is a popular attraction to those that want to venture onto its calm waters for some fun or relaxation. There are also scenic boat tours where passengers can learn about the rich history of Lake Sumter.
However, even though a boating excursion can be exhilarating, accidents can occur when least expected. There are several cases where a boating accident can happen due to a boat operator’s negligence and inability to control the vessel.
Whether the accident occurred on a recreational boat, a jet ski, or a commercial vessel, the boating and maritime attorneys at Morgan & Morgan understand the legal issues involved in these types of cases and may be able to help you receive compensation for medical bills and other losses.
If you or someone you know has been injured while on a boat or water vessel, you may have legal recourse. To learn more about how our boating and maritime attorneys in The Villages may be able to help, please fill out our free case evaluation form today.
Recreational Boating Accidents in The Villages
Recreating boating accidents result from the negligent operation or maintenance of the vessel. Our attorneys handle boating cases stemming from another’s negligence in:
- Hitting a big wave or wake at an excessive speed;
- Deciding to navigate in bad weather;
- Making contact with propellers;
- Operating the boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
- Failing to carry safety equipment on board;
- Causing collisions with other boats or fixed object(s);
- Failing to know and follow the “rules of the road,” as required by Florida state law;
- Overcrowding and/or overloading the vessel, and
- Failing to pay attention to surrounding watercrafts and individuals.
Work-Related Maritime Accidents
Traditionally on-the-job injuries are covered under an employer’s workers compensation benefits; however, maritime workers are not covered by on-shore workers’ compensation regulations. To protect maritime workers, special laws, including the Jones Act, have been enacted to assist a worker’s recovery of compensation for work-related injuries.
Jones Act
The Jones Act was created specifically for maritime workers and provides them the right to recover compensation — maintenance and cure — immediately following an injury, regardless of fault. Under the Jones Act, employers are required to compensate their injured workers for medical care related to the injury and provide a daily stipend during recovery.
The Jones Act also creates the right for an injured offshore worker to pursue additional compensation through a negligence claim against their employer. Workers are entitled to a safe working environment on a seaworthy vessel.
If these requirements are neglected or disregarded and an injury results, the injured party may be able to bring a lawsuit against their employer and/or the vessel’s owner. If a third party contributed to the injury, the injured party may not be able to file a claim under the Jones Act; however, victims may be able to sue a third party responsible for their injuries.
The Villages experienced boating and maritime attorneys will be able to help determine which claims you are eligible to file, against whom these claims can be filed, and the amount and type of compensation you may be owed.
What is My Maritime Claim Worth?
Each boating accident or maritime injury case is different. The type and amount of damages you may receive will depend on the nature, location, and cause of the accident; the type of boat(s) or vessel(s) involved; the severity of the injury sustained; and whether you contributed to the accident.
If your case is successful, compensation may be available for medical bills and expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of intimacy, pain and suffering, and funeral costs.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an offshore boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. To contact our boating and maritime attorneys to learn what they may be able to do for you, please fill out our free case evaluation form today.