Were you injured in a boating accident in Fort Myers, Florida, that occurred because the vessel wasn’t properly maintained? You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering, but you may also need to go through a powerful insurance company in order to secure it.
Our Fort Myers boating accident attorneys can help you take action and work toward pursuing the maximum compensation you’re due under the law.
Learn more about how these claims work below, and contact Garvin Injury Law at (239) 277-0005 or message us online for a free consultation if you need help.
Common Examples of Inadequate Boat Maintenance
Proper maintenance is essential for keeping a vessel seaworthy and safe. Unfortunately, many boat owners neglect this responsibility, leading to equipment failures and accidents. Some common maintenance-related problems include:
- Engine failure from skipped maintenance
- Broken mechanical parts that weren’t replaced in time
- Steering problems caused by worn or damaged cables
- Throttle issues from poor hydraulic upkeep
- Electrical problems due to bad wiring and loose connections
- Weak batteries that keep the boat from running properly
- Fuel leaks that increase the risk of fire or explosion
- Missing life jackets and/or fire extinguishers
- Damaged safety gear that no longer works
- Corrosion on the hull
- Cracks/leaks in the boat’s structure that make it unsafe
The bottom line in the majority of these cases is that if the owner or operator knew (or should have known) about a problem and failed to fix it, they can be held legally responsible for the resulting injuries and damages — a Fort Myers personal injury lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Boat Maintenance Accident?
Determining who is at fault after a boating accident often requires a detailed investigation. In cases involving poor maintenance, several parties may share responsibility, including:
- The boat owner, for failing to inspect and service the vessel properly
- The operator, if they ignored warning signs or operated the boat unsafely
- A rental company or charter service, for providing an unsafe vessel
- A repair shop or mechanic, if they performed negligent maintenance
Florida law requires boat owners and operators to ensure their vessels are safe and in good working order before taking them out on the water. When they neglect this duty, you may be able to recover damages from them as a result.
What Kinds of Damages Can I Recover After a Fort Myers Boat Accident?
Victims of boating accidents caused by inadequate maintenance can pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. Depending on the facts of your case, you may recover both economic and non-economic damages for things like:
- Medical bills (current and future)
Pain and suffering - Diminished earning capacity and lost wages
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
Ultimately, every case is different, and the amount you can recover depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries and the available evidence. In rare cases, you can also seek punitive damages that are meant to punish the at-fault party for egregious behavior.
Contact Our Fort Myers Boating Accident Lawyers for Legal Help After a Collision Caused by Inadequate Maintenance
A boating accident caused by inadequate maintenance can leave you facing serious injuries and financial hardship, but you may be able to take legal action and make things right. The experienced attorneys at Garvin Injury Law have been standing up for Florida accident victims for over five decades, and now we’re here to help you with your case as well.
Call us today at (239) 277-0005 or contact us online for a free consultation with a Fort Myers boating accident lawyer. We’ll fight for the full amount of compensation you need to move forward as best as you can.