The Sunshine State is home to some of the most magnificent marinas such as Palm Harbor Marina and Monroe Harbour Marina. These leisure sites provide excellent places for both the boating and the non-boating public to connect with the marine environment. With an unmatched combination of products, services, and infrastructure meant for those seeking recreation on the water, however, these leisure sites can pose serious risks. In fact, hundreds of marina accidents are reported every year, often resulting in serious injuries or even death.
Common types of marina accidents
There are many different marina accidents reported annually, with slip and fall accidents being among the most common. While it’s possible to dismiss a simple marina accident as a non-issue, especially if it doesn’t result in visible injury, the reality is that injuries from these accidents may require multiple surgeries, often taking weeks or even months to rehabilitate. Luckily, Daytona Beach personal injury attorneys at Zimmet & Zimmet can help you seek compensation, especially if your injuries are as a result of the marina management’s negligence.
Other common marina accidents that may lead to a valid premises liability claim include the following:
- Fires
- Falling cargo
- Collisions between fixed objects and watercrafts
- Collisions between watercrafts
- Falling off a boat or the pier
- Assaults
Causes of marina accidents
There’s no denying that accidents are inevitable. Marina accidents, in particular, happen fast, often without warning. That being said, there are certain measures that must be taken by the marina management (sometimes a government agency) to prevent an accident from happening on their property or on their watch. After all, it is the management’s sole responsibility to keep the marina (and the surrounding environment) safe for all.
Here are some of the most common causes of marina accidents:
- Defective equipment
- Poorly-trained workers
- Poor storage of cargo, tools, and equipment
- Creation of a lax safety environment
- Inadequate rails and fences
- Inadequate warning signs
- Failure to keep walkways clear
- Poor lighting conditions
- Failure to install the non-skid surface to pier or dock
- Failure to perform routine cleanings and inspections
- Failure to properly maintain the walking surfaces
Common types of injuries
Victims in a marina accident can suffer a wide range of injuries, ranging from small superficial bruises to serious life-altering head injuries. The sad reality is that even a simple slip and fall accident can result in a serious injury.
If you have been injured in a marina accident, seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries may not be visible until after a few days or weeks. Therefore, you need to see a doctor immediately after the accident, even if you feel okay in the moment. Beginning treatment early will give you the best chances to recover faster and fully. In addition, keeping detailed track of your medical records will help justify your injury settlement request and serve as proof that you were, indeed, injured in the marina accident.
Some of the most common injuries in marina accidents include:
- Fractured bones
- Drowning
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Torn ligaments and muscles
- Strains and sprains
- Head and neck injuries
Potential damages you can recover after a marina accident
If you have sustained injuries in a marina accident caused by someone else’s fault, you may qualify to seek compensation for your injuries. You may be able to recover damages for medical bills, lost income, and other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident. If your injuries have significantly affected your quality of life, you may also collect pain and suffering damages as well as compensation for future projected medical expenses.
Proving liability in marina accidents
The first step when seeking damages for marina accident injuries is proving fault or liability. In Florida, marina owners and management are legally responsible for any injury or death that occurs on their property, especially if there’s something they should have done to prevent it. That, however, doesn’t mean that their insurance carrier will be readily willing to accept liability. It takes an experienced Florida injury attorney to review the specific facts of your case, identify the liable party, and help you prove liability.
Like many others, your marina accident case will not make it to trial – it will be settled out of court. However, you may have to file a lawsuit, particularly if the involved insurance provider is denying liability or is not ready for settlement negotiation.
Suffered a marina accident in Florida? Contact our personal injury lawyers
There’s no doubt that the consequences of a marina accident can be devastating. Whether caused by poor lighting or inadequate warning signs, medical bills may pile up fast, and in severe cases, some home modifications may be necessary to allow you to live with your injury. Fortunately, skilled Daytona Beach personal injury attorneys can fight for you to ensure that you get the justice you deserve. Contact us online or call our office at 386-255-6400 to schedule your free consultation.
