Were you injured in a boating accident in Safety Harbor, Florida? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
We understand that it can be overwhelming to figure out how to pursue a personal injury claim after a boating accident. However, with Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers at your side, you’ll have experienced and compassionate legal professionals with you every step of the way.
You don’t have to handle your legal issues alone. Reach out to our team of Safety Harbor boat accident lawyers, or call us at (727) 787-2500 to schedule a free consultation.
How Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Boating Accident in Safety Harbor, FL
If you’ve suffered a boating accident injury in Safety Harbor, FL, you have many options when it comes to choosing a lawyer. Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers brings over 50 years of combined experience to the table, with a proven track record of success.
In nearly four decades of practice, we’ve recovered more than $120 million for our clients. Our firm is also highly rated, earning a Superb rating on Avvo and an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell—the highest ratings an attorney can receive.
To ensure that our clients get fair compensation for boating accident injuries, we will:
- Investigate the circumstances of the accident
- Identify the responsible parties
- Gather evidence (e.g., accident reports, witness statements, and medical records)
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies and other involved parties
- Represent you in court if a settlement cannot be reached
Depending on the nature and extent of your injuries, our strategy may also include consultations with appropriate experts to help us build the strongest case possible for you. Let us put our experience and resources to work for you. Call our Safety Harbor personal injury attorneys to schedule a free consultation today.
What is My Safety Harbor Boating Accident Case Worth?
The amount of money that you may receive as a result of your injuries will depend on a number of factors. Relevant considerations include:
- The nature of your injuries
- The cost of your medical treatment
- The length of your recovery
- How the injury impacts your work
- How the injury changed your lifestyle
- Your emotional distress and physical pain
- Whether you’ll suffer any permanent damage
Another key factor that will impact your compensation is whether or not there is evidence establishing fault. Multiple parties can be held liable for the injuries that occur due to a boating accident. Responsible parties may include the operator of the boat, the owner of the boat, and even a passenger.
Making things more complex is the fact that you may not know the true “cost” of the accident right away. For example, treatment of an injury may require multiple visits to one or more doctors, as well as medication and therapy. Getting the right mental health treatment for trauma related to the boating accident may take time.
When you work with Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers in Safety Harbor, Florida, you can rest assured that we will gather all of the information necessary to make an informed assessment of your claim. Our goal is to make sure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Safety Harbor Boating Accident Victims?
Damages are the losses you have incurred as a result of the boating accident. Because so many factors go into determining the value of your personal injury claim, calculating damages is often complex. You may be able to receive both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages compensate you for tangible financial losses, such as lost wages, medical costs related to diagnosis and treatment of injuries caused by the accident, and repair costs for any property damaged in the accident. Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of companionship.
In rare cases, if the other party was engaging in extremely negligent or reckless behavior, you may also be able to receive punitive damages. Our Safety Harbor personal injury lawyers will use their extensive knowledge to build your case, taking into account all of the ways your injury has impacted you.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Boating Accident Lawyer in Safety Harbor?
Many people hesitate to contact a lawyer after a boat accident because they don’t think they can afford one. However, our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. When you hire us, you will not be required to pay us any money upfront. We will receive a percentage of the compensation you recover if–and only if–we settle or win the lawsuit on your behalf.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed for a Boating Accident in Florida?
Florida follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means that you can still recover compensation if you’re partially at fault for the accident. However, your share of responsibility will reduce the amount of damages you can receive.
For example, if you are found 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. It’s important to note that if you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any compensation.
Our experienced Florida personal injury lawyers can evaluate the details of your case, determine if comparative fault applies, and guide you through the process to ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All Your Boating Accident Injuries
Boat accidents can result in a wide range of both minor and significant injuries. The most common injuries in Florida boating accidents include soft tissue injuries (including bruises and lacerations), broken bones, and head injuries.
Whatever your injuries are, we will analyze them and work toward securing maximum compensation for you.
How Common Are Boating Accidents in Florida?
Boating is a very popular pastime in Florida, with more boats being registered here than in any other state. Florida, as reported by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, has more boating accidents than any other state. In fact, according to the Coast Guard, 10% of all boating accidents occur here.
In 2023, there were 659 reportable boat accidents in Florida, with a total of 408 reportable injuries and 59 fatalities. About a third of Florida boating accidents are due to operator inattention; other common causes include operator inexperience, machine or equipment failure, weather, and speeding.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Boating Accident in Florida?
The location of your accident will determine how long you have to file a lawsuit. If the accident occurred in waters that are contained within the state’s boundaries, Florida law likely applies, and you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Under Florida law, however, there are considerations that may change this deadline based on the specifics of your particular case.
The bottom line is that it’s best not to wait too long, as you don’t want to risk being barred from financial recovery if you miss the deadline.
Contact Our Safety Harbor Boating Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
It’s not always easy to know what to do in the aftermath of a boating accident. However, you don’t have to go through this challenging time on your own.
If you’ve been injured in a boat accident in Safety Harbor, Florida, Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers can help. We will evaluate your case and advise you on what to do next. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Safety Harbor boating accident attorney to learn more about your options.