An Experienced Atlanta Attorney for Serious Injury & Wrongful Death in Boating Accidents
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One of the great things about living in Georgia is the access to nature. Around Atlanta, we have Lake Lanier, Lake Allatoona, and Lake Oconee. These are all fun destinations for families with opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating.
Unfortunately, sometimes these fun-filled water activities can end in tragedy, leaving lives lost or forever changed due to the negligence of others. The Personal Injury Attorneys at Apolinsky & Associates, LLC, represent boating accident injury victims and their families, helping them recover compensation for their losses.
What are Boating Accident Injury Cases in Georgia?
Most Georgia Boating accidents happen due to a collision on the water due to driver inattention, negligence, or intoxication with alcohol. Other common causes include:
- Impacting a fixed object, such as a dock, pier, or bridge.
- Overloading and overcrowding a boat.
- Colliding with other watercraft.
- Not knowing marine laws and navigational rules.
- Operating at high, unsafe speeds.
- Defective watercraft design or repair.
- Ejections from the boat due to improper operation.
- Operating a boat in adverse and dangerous weather conditions.
- Negligent contact with propellers.
- Failing to keep a lookout while a guest is being pulled behind the boat.
According to the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Coast Guard, 66 percent of boating accidents lead to injuries, and 12 percent are fatal. Accidents can cause lacerations, crush injuries, and other bodily traumas.
If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in a boating accident, you should consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to learn about recovering compensation for your loss.
Further Reading: Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries Due to Negligence
Proving Negligence & Causation in Georgia Boating Accident Injury Cases
Just like cars and trucks, Georgia has laws for the operation of boats. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources lists things that all boaters must abide by, such as age requirements, training, and speed of travel.
This can create situations similar to car accidents, where your attorney can use negligence per se to show that a violation of the law proves negligence on its own. The person operating the boat may also be liable for simply operating the boat in an unsafe manner. If they are not taking care on choppy water or piloting the craft too fast resulting in a collision, there will be a strong argument to show the boater was negligent, and that their negligent actions resulted in your injuries.
When on the water, there are many ways that a person can fail to meet their duty of care:
- Boating in areas that are prohibited
- Operating under the influence of drugs and alcohol
- Reckless operation of the vessel
- Failure to maintain equipment
Boating accidents can occur in isolated areas, involve third party owners, and can happen in hard to reach places where help may not arrive as fast as it would in a car accident. This can make determining fault and your injuries far more complicated.
Further Reading: Understanding Negligence Per Se in Personal Injury Cases
Compensation and Damages Recoverable in Georgia Boating Accident Injury Cases
Victims of boating accidents and personal injuries may be able to obtain several types of compensation. For those suffering from a catastrophic injury, these cases often focus on the long-term effects as well as the individual’s ability to continue working and lead an independent life. Your Atlanta boating accident attorney will work with you to fight for compensation for the full value of your losses, including financial recovery for:
- Current medical bills.
- Future medical costs.
- Any in-home care that may be required.
- Physical rehabilitation.
- Required medical equipment and devices.
- Long-term disability.
- Lost wages.
- Loss of future earning potential.
- Mental anguish.
- Loss of lifestyle enjoyment.
In rare cases, punitive damages may be applicable. The exact type and amount of damages will depend on the facts of the case, the severity of your injuries, and the insurance policies of the responsible parties. Our dedicated civil trial lawyers are committed to fighting for full and fair compensation for our boating accident clients.
Further Reading: What is Pain and Suffering and How Is Compensation Value Calculated?
