According to the Florida Wildlife and Conservation Commission (FWC), 836 boating accidents occurred in Florida in 2020. This is the highest number of boating accidents in the past nine years and is above the state’s average of 722. The FWC also states that almost half of these accidents happened due to crashes, and 44% of these crashes occurred because the boat operator was distracted. Deaths from boating accidents also increased in 2020. 79 people were killed that year, up from 65 in 2019, and the highest number of deaths in five years.
If you were injured in a boating accident in Boca Raton due to someone else’s negligence, you may be wondering what and whether you can recover damages for your injuries and accident-related expenses. You can recover the following damages through a personal injury claim, whether via an insurance settlement with the at-fault party’s insurer or a court verdict:
Economic or Financial Damages
- Medical Expenses – These include all current, past, and future expenses stemming from your injuries, such as tests, treatments, medicines, surgical procedures, physical therapy, and rehabilitation, among others. These can also include expenses to go to and from doctor’s appointments.
- Non-Medical Costs – These include everything from the cost of hiring another person to do the tasks you can’t do on your own, like childcare and cleaning.
- Property Damage – This includes not only damage to your boat but damage to personal items that were damaged in the accident, such as your cell phone, clothing, other electronics, etc.
- Lost Income and Benefits – These include all types of compensation from your job or business that you would’ve earned if you didn’t get injured. Salary, wages, commissions, tips, vacation days, retirement contributions, and other forms of benefits are all recoverable.
- Lost Earning Capacity – If you become incapable of working in the future, you may likewise qualify for compensation for future lost earning capacity. This also applies if you’ll be forced to pursue a lower-paying job due to a disability resulting from your boating accident injuries.
Noneconomic or Non-Financial Damages
- Pain and Suffering – These include short and long-term physical pain and suffering, along with emotional and mental anguish, which can last for a long time or your entire life. Common examples include fear, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) associated with trauma from the crash or grief over being unable to do the activities in the same way before you got injured.
- Loss of Life Enjoyment
- Disfigurement, scarring, and physical impairment, if applicable
Get In Touch With Our Experienced Boca Raton Boating Accident Attorneys Now
Boating in the sparkling Florida waters is supposed to be relaxing and fun, but the operator, captain, and owner must always remain vigilant. As with all motor vehicle operators, boat operators must follow the laws, including always paying attention while driving, not drinking and doing drugs, and watching out for others on the water. They should also carry and maintain boat insurance.
If you’ve suffered injuries in a Boca Raton boating accident, contact Demand the Limits Personal Injury Attorneys right away. Dial 561-600-3555 or reach us online to set up a free consultation with our Boca Raton boating accident attorney.
