Whenever Floridians and tourists are not being battered by hurricanes and tropical storms, South Florida has many opportunities for fun in the sun while boating recreationally. Unfortunately, there are many risks associated with watersports.
One fatal boating accident occurred recently offshore near Key Largo. Two passengers were seriously injured after being rescued by nearby boaters, but the owner of the fishing boat company suffered fatal injuries and could not be resuscitated.
Not the only recent fatal boat crash
Just days before the aforementioned fatal accident, a Hialeah woman, 28, died when the boat she was riding in was racing another boat. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the 39-foot vessel was ferrying the operator and seven passengers en route to Key West from Miami.
The spokesperson for the FWC stated that as the powerboat was racing another vessel, the boat yawed right into a sandbar, rolling over and ejecting all on board. The conditions of the others aboard are unknown at this time.
There is recourse after a boating accident
Even when someone survives a boat wreck, they can be left with lifelong damage from being underwater and developing brain damage from lack of oxygen, lose limbs or have organ damage from contact with the propeller. There are many ways to get injured on the water.
Once medical treatment has been rendered, there will be a mountain of bills that most people simply can’t afford to pay. But somebody will have to pay them — and that should be the negligent party or parties. In many cases, there can be multiple defendants, some with deeper pockets and better insurance than others. Filing a civil lawsuit can bring you as much closure as you may be able to achieve.