Unfortunately, there are times when the fun is spoiled by accidents and injuries. When other boat operators and individuals on the water are not engaging in safe and responsible behavior, they may ultimately be liable for any damages and costs that you encounter because of your injury. Proving your case can require quite a bit of evidence and time, and you’ll have to negotiate with the insurance company of the at-fault party to determine the amount you recover. 

Brais Law Firm is Here to Help You Understand Your Rights after a Watersports Accident

The experienced maritime attorneys at Brais Law have helped many clients who have been injured while boating recover the compensation they deserve, and with over 70 years of combined trial experience, you can trust we’ll achieve the best possible outcome in your case. Founding lawyer, Keith Brais, worked on offshore oil rigs for nearly a decade before experiencing a serious injury and found himself in the dark when it came to his rights as a maritime worker. He then became a Florida Bar certified expert in the field of admiralty and maritime law. Keith had an epiphany after nearly 20 years representing cruise lines and their insurers and decided to work solely on behalf of those who have been injured. The team at Brais Law believes in personalized attention—we are not a large firm but we deliver large law firm results on behalf of our clients.

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Choose an Experienced Legal Team with a Record of Winning for Clients

If you have been injured while boating or enjoying a watersport in Southern Florida, reach out to a watersport injury attorney at Brais Law as soon as possible. We know how to successfully handle all aspects any watersports accident such as those involving:

  • Kayaking
  • Scuba Diving
  • Snorkeling
  • Surfing
  • Wakeboarding
  • Paddleboarding
  • Swimming
  • Wind Surfing
  • Yacht Racing
  • Sailing
  • Sailboat Racing
  • Parasailing

Operators are Required to be Reasonable and Prudent

Under Florida Law, any individual who is operating a vessel in the waters of Florida must operate their vessel in a reasonable and prudent manner with respect to:

  • Other vessel traffic
  • Posted restrictions
  • The presence of any divers-down flags 
  • Other situations in which people are outside of the vessel or property 
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Woman speaking to Michelle Y. Gurian

Failure to Operate a Vessel in Line with the Law Can Result in a Non-Criminal Infraction or Criminal Charges

Failure to operate a vessel in line with the law is considered careless operation, which is a non-criminal infraction. However, certain activities while engaging in boating are both violations of Florida water laws, in addition to criminal statutes. For example, under Florida Statute 327.35, “boating under the influence,” which is when a person is under the influence of alcoholic beverages or certain chemical or controlled substances and makes the decision to get behind the wheel of a vessel, is a crime. 

How Do You Know if the Operator of Your Vessel or Another Vessel is Liable?

How do you know if the other vessel operator was intoxicated or engaging in other prohibited activity that would make them liable? By collecting evidence and building a claim to both prove liability and measure your damages. The best way to ensure the success of your claim and the completeness of your damages is to work with a boating accident attorney who knows all the ins and outs of the boating and watersport injury cases that frequently happen in the Fort Lauderdale area. 

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FAQs: Injured in a Watersports Accident?

What are the Most Common Watersport Injuries?

I Lost a Loved One in a Watersports Accident but I Don’t Know What Happened—Should I Speak with an Attorney?

How Do I Know If I Can File for Damages?

What are the Most Common Watersport Injuries?

The common injuries in watersport activities come from collisions with other boats and watercraft and include:

  • Concussions
  • Contusions
  • Lacerations
  • Back and Spine Injuries
  • Sprains
  • Dislocations
  • Death

An injury lawyer with Brais Law can help you determine who is liable and then file a claim so you can recover the compensation you need.

I Lost a Loved One in a Watersports Accident but I Don’t Know What Happened—Should I Speak with an Attorney?

We offer a free initial consultation to go over your case and help you determine if you have grounds for a wrongful death suit. Our team excels at investigating the facts of a watersports accident to determine what occurred and who is liable. We understand what you are going through and we can help.

How Do I Know If I Can File for Damages?

The simplest way to answer this question is to speak with an experienced maritime injury lawyer. If you were hurt in a watersports accident involving another party, it is important to go over your case as soon as possible to determine liability and file a claim for any damages you suffered.

We Help Victims of Boating and Watersport Injury Accidents Get the Substantial Compensation They Need

If you’ve been in a boating accident or experienced a watersport injury in Fort Lauderdale, give our Florida office a call to discuss your case with an injury attorney on our team who has the exact experience and legal skill you need on your side. Call now at 305-416-2901 or visit our site to schedule your free initial consultation to find out more about your legal rights and options today.

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