Whether you are a tourist or lifelong resident, you don’t expect to be involved in an accident when you take to these gorgeous waters. However, the waters around Key West have been the scene of many catastrophic boating accidents.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a boating accident caused by another party’s negligence or wrongdoing, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your damages.
Key West boating accident claims are often complex, involving multiple parties, insurance companies, and defense attorneys. Additionally, whether your accident is governed by Florida state law or U.S. maritime law may be an issue.
At Garvin Injury Law, our Key West injury lawyers have the experience, skills, and resources to protect your rights and help you recover maximum compensation, whether your claim is heard in state or federal court.
Call (239) 277-0005 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation to discuss your Key West boating accident claim.
The Garvin Injury Law Advantage
- You can consult with our Key West boating accident attorneys free of charge, and if we take your case, you will pay nothing until we win compensation for you.
- Our Key West boating accident lawyers have over forty years of experience recovering maximum compensation for Florida injury victims and their families.
- We know the waters around Key West exceptionally well and are intimately familiar with Florida and U.S. maritime law applicable to boating accidents. Whether your claim will be heard in Florida state or U.S. federal court, we’ve got you covered.
- You will receive personalized legal representation tailored to the facts of your case and needs.
What Causes Most Key West Boating Accidents?
Boating accidents can happen in an instant and change lives forever. Some common causes of Key West boating accidents include:
- Operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
- Reckless operation. Being reckless while operating a boat is always a bad idea, whether the boater is inexperienced or just playing around.
- Reckless boat passengers. Sometimes, boat passengers take their fun too far, and horseplay becomes dangerous when a passenger falls overboard or is thrown about the boat. Reckless passengers can also cause the boat captain to lose control and crash.
- Running aground. Many boat crashes happen when the boat runs aground. The impact can cause significant injury to boaters, who may be thrown overboard or incur other injuries.
- Bad weather. Many boating tragedies have occurred when a captain takes a boat out during bad weather.
- Violence on ships. Passengers may suffer physical or sexual assault.
- Fires on boats. Fire accidents cause severe injuries and death on ships more often than expected. Boat fires can have numerous causes, including engine or equipment failure, and cooking onboard.
- Crashing into other boats, piers, docks, rocks, buoys, and other objects.
What Damages Are Recoverable in Key West Boating Accident Claims?
In a successful Key West boating accident claim, you may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages.
- Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, and other tangible losses.
- Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, mental distress, and other intangible losses.
These damages are considered compensatory because they are meant to compensate an injury victim for their losses.
On the other hand, punitive damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. They are rarely awarded, and Florida law only allows them when a defendant is guilty of intentional misconduct or gross negligence.
How a Key West Boating Accident Attorney Can Help You
A Key West boat accident attorney can help you recover maximum compensation for your claim. They can investigate your boating accident to help determine all causes and liable parties, discover and collect essential evidence to prove your case, and help ensure all current and future damages are accurately calculated to determine what a fair settlement would be.
Your Key West boating accident attorney can help negotiate a fair settlement of your claim as fast as possible. When a fair settlement is not reached, they can take your case to trial to recover the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Key West Boating Accident Attorney
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a boating accident, you need the help of an experienced Key West boating accident attorney with a proven record of success in both state and federal courts.
At Garvin Injury Law, our Key West boating accident attorneys can help you recover maximum compensation for your damages, whether Florida state or U.S. maritime law applies.
Call (239) 277-0005 or visit our contact page and schedule a free consultation. We will listen to you, answer your questions, and explain your rights. If we represent you, we will get to work immediately building your strongest case.