Boating Accident Attorney
Fort Lauderdale Boat Accident Lawyer
Helping Victims of Watercraft Accidents for More Than 70 Years Throughout South Florida
Fort Lauderdale is one of South Florida’s most popular boating spots, attracting thousands of tourists and residents year-round. Unfortunately, with so many people enjoying the sunny beaches and miles of coastline, it’s no surprise that hundreds of boat accidents occur every year.
If you or someone you love suffered serious injury as a result of a boating accident in Fort Lauderdale, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your losses. Call Schlesinger Law Offices (954) 467-8800 to learn more about your legal options. We’ve been serving the area since 1955.
Why Hire Schlesinger Law Offices?
At Schlesinger Law Offices, P.A., we have earned our reputation for legal excellence. Time after time, our talented and accomplished Fort Lauderdale boat accident attorneys have helped injured clients obtain fair and much-needed compensation. We have also successfully recovered multi-million-dollar results on a number of occasions, and we know what it takes to hold negligent people and entities responsible for their actions.
Negligence in Boating Accidents
There are many circumstances in which you may experience severe or deadly harm in a boating accident. Schlesinger Law Offices has the experience and resources to handle any boating accident claim involving serious injuries or wrongful death, regardless of the accident’s cause.
Boat Operator Error
Same as driving a car, a boat operator has a duty to other watercraft to be attentive, sober, and safe. Unfortunately, operator error accounts for the majority of boating accidents in the United States. Even one simple mistake can lead to tragic consequences.
Some of the Most Common Boat Operator Errors Are:
- Intoxication and/or drug use
- Lack of training/experience operating a boat
- Speeding and other forms of recklessness
- Inattentiveness to other boats or dangerous surroundings
Rental Company Negligence
Dozens of businesses in Fort Lauderdale rent boats, jet skis, kayaks, and other watercraft to anyone who wants them. These companies are usually protected from accident liability when the boat operator was responsible for the crash. However, as the owner of the vehicle, a rental company has a responsibility to ensure it is safe for use.
A Boat Rental Company May Bear Some of the Blame for Your Accident in the Following Situations:
- Failure to provide appropriate protective gear for all occupants
- Insufficient instruction in boat use or safety protocol
- Lack of watercraft maintenance
- Renting watercraft to someone who is visibly intoxicated
Defective Parts or Manufacturing Error
The safest boat operator can only do so much to prevent an accident when the vehicle itself is defective. When a part is improperly made or inherently unsafe, the boat manufacturer may be held liable for injuries caused by its product. Our attorneys know how to handle boat accident claims involving defective parts and manufacturer errors; we can even work with third-party experts like engineers and watercraft mechanics to get a full understanding of the defect and the dangers it caused.
Common Boat Defects Include:
- Defective steering mechanisms
- Fuel tank defects and fires
- Inaccurate weight/occupancy limits
- Electrical system failure
- Carbon monoxide leaks
- Engine or off-board motor defects
Compensation in Boat Accident Claims
As someone who has been injured in a boating accident, you deserve justice and compensation. Our South Florida boating accident lawyers want to be the legal team you trust to pursue the financial recovery owed to you. We don’t cut corners or accept lowball offers. When we are your legal guides, you can trust that we will do all we can to secure the most compensation in your name, either through a settlement or an award won through litigation.
Compensation in your boat accident claim could help pay for or consider:
- Past medical treatment costs
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages if you missed work
- Reduced value of future income
- Pain and suffering
- Lessened enjoyment of life
Why You Need a Fort Lauderdale Boat Accident Attorney on Your Side
Regardless of how or why your boating accident occurred, you will want help proving that the person who caused it is liable for your injuries and damages. Boat accidents can result in many types of serious injuries and large financial losses. If the accident in question was not your fault, you shouldn’t have to suffer the painful consequences, and the person who negligently caused your injury should be held accountable for their errors. Schlesinger Law Offices can help do just that by handling all parts and processes of your injury claim.
You can depend on our South Florida boat accident lawyers to help with:
- Investigating the circumstances of the boating accident.
- Identifying and using evidence of liability.
- Calculating the damages or compensation owed to you.
- Sending a demand letter to the liable party.
- Creating and filing a claim in the right civil court.
- Attempting to negotiate a settlement in your name.
- Litigating or going to trial on your behalf if necessary.
- Ensuring any recovery is collected properly.
Understanding Florida’s Boating Laws
In the midst of Florida’s alluring boating landscape, with over a million registered vessels, Schlesinger Law Offices in Fort Lauderdale endeavors to enhance boating safety by offering crucial insights into the state’s laws, regulations, and legal procedures following a boat accident. Click here to learn more.
Start a Boat Accident Claim – Call Today
Contact our personal injury firm today if you have been in a boat accident. Our Fort Lauderdale boating accident attorneys are standing by lend a hand, take charge of your claim, and provide the moral support you need during this challenging time. Start by scheduling your free case evaluation with Schlesinger Law Offices today.
