Boat Accident Lawyer

Ocala has abundant beautiful weather and plenty of access to water. Naturally many of us are drawn to boating and other watercraft activities. Usually great fun is had by all.

However, a great day can abruptly end when someone in your group is injured. Even when you’ve followed all safety guidelines, other people out on the water might not. 

If you were hurt by someone else in a boat or other watercraft you should focus completely on physically and emotionally healing. As for pursuing full and fair compensation for your injuries, Pam Olsen is the compassionate, results-focused Ocala lawyer to hire.

Call Pam today at (352) 671-9777. Or you can complete this simple contact form and she will be in touch right away.

Common Causes of Boating/Watercraft Accidents

Accidents generally mean no one is really to blame. What many people call an accident is often in truth caused by someone else. Here are some of the common forms of negligence that cause injury on the water:

• Distracted operation – such as looking at a cell phone, admiring the scenery or talking to someone else on the watercraft
• Slippery surfaces – the boat operator is responsible to make sure the loading area is dry and safe 
• Inexperienced operator – if the owner or renter of the boat lets a child handle the controls, they could be liable for any injury
• Unsafe watercraft – it’s the operator’s responsibility to make sure the watercraft is safely maintained and up-to-code
• Impaired driving (alcohol or drugs) – most of us know how dangerous this is on roads, it’s the same on the water
• Erratic operation – some operators try to create the most excitement they can by speeding and with sharp turns. If someone is injured by this, the operator can be liable
• Ignoring safety guidelines – there’s no-wake zones for a reason, and if someone causes injury to another by breaking that rule, they can be held liable
• No life vests – the operator is responsible for ensuring all passengers have proper fitting life vests, otherwise the operator may be held liable for drowning or near-drowning.
• Poor judgment – if an operator decides to take the craft out in rough conditions or poor visibility (fog/night), they may be liable if someone is injured 

Types of Damages Which Can Be Legally Claimed

Some kinds of damages are easy to assess, while others require more extensive calculation. They are:

Physical – These are injuries that were seen to by a medical professional. You may need further doctor visits, surgery, rehab etc. All of these come with a straightforward receipt to claim against.

Emotional – Sustaining an injury out on the water can lead to anxiety and depression. These often require professional counseling and therapy to overcome. It’s important to adequately forecast what those treatments will cost and add that figure to the claim.

Financial – Immediately after being injured you usually miss some work, and those lost wages need to be added to the claim. However, sometimes the injury takes a long time to heal, and your employer needs to replace you. Other times the injury changes you physically and/or emotionally so you can no longer do the same kind of work, and now will earn less money from jobs you can perform. All of these need to be carefully considered, calculated, and included in the claim.

Powerful Representation When You Need It Most

If you or your loved one is suffering from injuries sustained while on a boat or other watercraft, now is the right time to seek help. Contact Pam Olsen today at (352) 671-9777. Or if you prefer, you can complete this simple contact form and she will be in touch right away.