It is likely that each dive company will have attorneys and insurance agents on their side. You deserve to have excellent legal representation as well.
Boating, Snorkeling And Scuba Diving Injury Statistics
In the state of Florida, recreational scuba diving and snorkeling can be sources of fun and adventure. While this may be the case under proper supervision and safe water and equipment conditions, the United State Coast Guard has ranked Florida as leading in the nation for boating accidents and fatalities.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s 2019 statistics, recreational boating resulted in 679 boat accidents in Florida, resulting in 62 wrongful deaths. In 2017, the National Center for Biotechnology Information data showed a total of 70 fatal diving accidents in the U.S. mainly due to causes and injuries that could have been prevented but happened anyways due to inadequate supervision. While these statistics are staggering, having a diving accident lawyer can support scuba divers as they take on their respective accident cases.
Boating And Diving Injuries
Often, diving injuries go unreported due to lack of awareness around the responsibility that commercial diving companies have to protect scuba divers. Although most divers are required to sign a disclaimer, they may still have accident cases due to common causes that could have been avoided under the correct supervision and instruction.
Catastrophic injury can occur for various reasons when diving. Whether it be equipment failure, faulty diving equipment, a negligent dive instructor, or even unsafe water conditions that could have been avoided – these companies should be held accountable for subjecting scuba divers to any unsafe conditions that happen due to carelessness.
Local and federal laws are in place to protect recreational scuba divers and to seek justice and settlements due to inadequate diving companies.
The Jones Act: Boating and Maritime Law
The Jones Act is a Boating and Maritime Law that was created in the 1900’s in order to protect crews and passengers on marine vessels. This means that boats are held to standards in order to keep others safe. These regulations are for the protection of all involved, and are still relevant in modern times as we emphasize the importance of maritime safety for passengers.
What Is the Jones Act?
“The Jones Act is a federal law that regulates maritime commerce in the United States. The Jones Act requires goods shipped between U.S. ports to be transported on ships that are built, owned, and operated by United States citizens or permanent residents. The Jones Act is Section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, which provided for the maintenance of the American merchant marine.”
This ultimately means that maintenance and safety are paramount for the safety of crew members and other constituents on a maritime vessel. Boats are required to follow laws and regulations to make sure safety is a top priority.
Sadly, smooth sailing is not always prevalent when accidents happen due to poor supervision. Whether a dive instructor made an error or a dive buddy was not correctly educated, the slightest error can result in injuries and even mounting medical bills.
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Scuba Diving Accidents In Florida
Diving accidents due to procedural and environmental error can often be avoided, in turn saving a life or preventing serious injuries.
Not utilizing equipment correctly, rapid ascent, changes in stabilization and other mishaps when diving can result in ailments ranging from decompression sickness, nitrogen narcosis, brain injury and in worst case scenarios death.
A tragic accident in the Miami / Fort Lauderdale region resulted in the death of a woman on a commercial diving tour of over 40 people, where each diver was assigned a dive buddy. The master diving instructor and the assigned dive buddy were unaware of the fatality or the fact the woman did not resurface with the other divers until it was far too late.
What was meant to be a fun activity can often result in tragedy when proper precaution is not taken. do not hesitate to reach out for legal advice in the event you feel you have a case against a commercial diving company due to an accident.
Scuba Diving Accident Attorneys for Scuba Diving Accidents
The benefits of an attorney for any scuba, snorkeling or boating related accident, resulting in damages and injuries, are abundant. Whether you or a family member have medical bills or believe you deserve a settlement due to pain and suffering, we encourage you to reach out to our expert injury attorneys to learn more.
Victims of offshore accidents, especially in the state of Florida where we have idyllic diving locations, deserve fair representation. Common mistakes that our personal injury lawyers may be able to represent and assist in receiving financial compensation include:
- Divers running out of oxygen, and accidents involving nitrogen narcosis
Decompression sickness - Dangerous weather and sea conditions for divers
- Run over by boats
- Inadequate rescue attempts
- Poor supervision
- Faulty scuba equipment or failed preparation
- Rapid ascent
While we represent client cases in snorkeling and recreational scuba diving accidents, we also represent clients in maritime work related accidents. If you or a loved one was wrongfully or even fatally injured in a work related scuba accident, as an instructor, diver or any other sort of professional maritime related work, we may be able to help you receive the fair settlement that you deserve.
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Contact Florin|Roebig For Your Scuba Diving Accident Claim
If the information in this article appeals to you, or you believe you may have a diving related accident claim to make against a commercial diving or maritime related company, call us today toll free and we will review your case and give you a free consultation.
Your personal injury claims are important to us. We want to make sure that you receive the payment you deserve following any serious injuries or other sustained damages resulting from a diving accident. We specialize in personal injury law, and our skilled attorneys are here to help.
At the law firm of Florin|Roebig, we will fight for you to reach a settlement with commercial diving companies in the event of a scuba diving accident resulting from recreational diving, boating, and snorkeling.
Here at our law firm, we have collectively succeeded in reaching over $1B in settlements from various personal injury cases. With our combined 30 years of experience, our clients come first and we value each individual case. It is our vision and mission to provide you with excellent legal representation for your case. Call us today for your free and confidential case evaluation.
