Lake Worth Boat Accident Lawyer
Floridians love spending time out on the water. Lake Worth residents are no exception, especially since the city sits right on the eastern coast of the state facing the Atlantic Ocean. Not surprisingly, then, Lake Worth is a prime location for recreational boaters.
While many boat operators are responsible, unfortunately, there are others who do not operate their boats carefully. Boating accidents can cause severe injuries or even death and can cost millions of dollars in property damage. According to a recent Coast Guard report, in 2015 there were over 4,000 recreational boating accidents that resulted in over 600 deaths, nearly 3,000 injuries and approximately $42 million of property damage.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a boating accident, call a Lake Worth boat accident lawyer immediately. An experienced personal injury attorney may be able to help you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Common Causes and Types of Boating Accidents
There are many reasons why boating accidents happen. According to the 2015 Coast Guard report, the top five primary contributing causes of boating accidents include operator not paying attention, operator inexperience, improper lookout, boat mechanical failure, and excessive speed.
The most common types of accidents include:
- Collision with another boat
- Collision with a fixed object
- Flooding/swamping
- Grounding
- Skier mishap
Regardless of the type or cause of the accident, anyone who was injured in a boating accident due to the negligence of another should contact a Lake Worth boat accident lawyer who can help.
How to Receive Compensation for Injuries
Anyone who was injured in a boating accident and believes someone else is to blame can file a personal injury lawsuit that is based on negligence. Negligence is a legal theory of tort law and involves a failure to act with the level of care expected of someone in similar circumstances.
There are four basic elements of negligence that someone must prove in order to be successful. Each of these elements must be proven by a preponderance of the evidence, which simply means that the evidence more likely than not (50 percent or greater) points to what they are trying to prove. The basic elements of negligence include:
- Duty of Care
- Breach of duty
- Causation (actual and proximate)
- Damages
Damages is another word for injuries. Injuries that may be compensable can include physical, emotional, and economic damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. It is important that the injured party keep physical documents of any medical bills and other expenses related to their injuries, so they can present them to the court as evidence. For help with seeking compensation, individuals should get in contact with a Lake Worth boat accident lawyer today.
Talking to a Lake Worth Boat Accident Attorney
Boating accidents can lead to life-long injuries that make it quite expensive to recover from. If someone else caused your injuries, they may be required to compensate you for any related expenses. If you would like to speak with an attorney, contact a Lake Worth boat accident lawyer immediately. Call today to set up a free consultation.