Boat Accident Lawyer in South Florida

Serving Hollywood, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and All of Broward, Miami-Dade & Palm Beach Counties

Boat accidents are devastating events that can cause severe injuries and even fatalities. Florida, with its beautiful coastlines, is a popular location for boating, but it also has one of the highest rates of boating accidents in the country. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely day on the water or involved in a commercial boating incident, injuries sustained in a boat accident can have long-term consequences for your health, your family, and your financial security.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a boat accident, you need a dedicated attorney to advocate for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve. I’m Mark Schiffrin, an experienced boat accident attorney based in Hollywood, Florida, and I’m here to help those who’ve been injured on the water throughout Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties.

What Causes Boat Accidents?

Boat accidents can occur for many reasons, often due to the negligence of the boat operator or the lack of proper maintenance and safety protocols. Some of the most common causes of boat accidents include:

1. Operator Negligence

This is one of the most common causes of boat accidents. Operator negligence can include behaviors such as speeding, distracted boating, operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or failing to follow navigational rules.

2. Alcohol and Drug Use

Just like car accidents, boating under the influence (BUI) is a significant cause of boating accidents. Operators who are impaired by alcohol or drugs are less likely to operate the boat safely, leading to collisions, falls overboard, and other dangerous situations.

3. Inexperienced or Unqualified Operators

Many boat operators lack the necessary training or experience to navigate safely, especially in crowded or difficult waters. Lack of knowledge about boat handling, weather conditions, or emergency response protocols can lead to accidents.

4. Boating Equipment Failure

Defective or poorly maintained boats and boating equipment can cause accidents, especially if critical systems like the engine, steering, or safety equipment malfunction during operation. Regular maintenance and inspections are necessary to prevent these incidents.

5. Reckless Boating

Reckless boating can involve activities like speeding in congested areas, sharp turns, or ignoring safety precautions. These reckless actions can easily lead to collisions, capsizing, and injuries.

6. Weather and Environmental Conditions

While boat operators are responsible for adjusting their course based on weather conditions, sudden storms, high winds, or rough waters can contribute to accidents. Sometimes, operators may not heed weather warnings or attempt to continue boating despite unsafe conditions.

Types of Boat Accident Injuries

Injuries from boat accidents can vary in severity, from minor cuts and bruises to catastrophic injuries. Some of the most common injuries include:

1. Broken Bones and Fractures

Falls overboard or collisions with other vessels or obstacles can lead to broken bones. These injuries often require surgery and long-term rehabilitation.

2. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Head injuries, especially from falls or collisions, can result in concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries. TBIs can lead to permanent cognitive impairment, emotional issues, and physical disabilities.

3. Spinal Cord Injuries

The force from a boat accident can cause severe spinal cord injuries, leading to paralysis, loss of sensation, or loss of movement in certain body parts.

4. Drowning and Near-Drowning

Drowning is a major risk in boating accidents, especially if a person falls into the water and is unable to swim or is knocked unconscious. Near-drowning incidents can lead to severe brain damage due to lack of oxygen.

5. Lacerations and Puncture Wounds

Sharp objects on a boat, such as propellers, broken glass, or other debris, can cause deep cuts and puncture wounds. These injuries often require stitches and can lead to infections.

6. Burns

If a boat’s engine malfunctions or there’s an explosion, passengers can suffer burns from hot surfaces, chemicals, or fire.

How Mark Schiffrin, P.A. Can Help You After a Boat Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a boat accident, you need an experienced attorney who understands the complexities of maritime law and boat accidents. I, Mark Schiffrin, provide the following services to individuals who have been affected by boat accidents:

• Free Consultation: I offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the details of your case and provide an honest assessment of your legal options.
• Comprehensive Case Investigation: I will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, including gathering evidence, speaking to witnesses, and working with experts to establish liability.
• Fighting for Compensation: Whether you were injured as a passenger, a boater, or a pedestrian involved in a boat-related accident, I will fight to ensure that you receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
• Handling Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies after a boating accident can be complex and overwhelming. I will handle negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf to make sure you are treated fairly.
• No Fees Unless You Win: I work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any attorney fees unless I secure a settlement or verdict in your favor.

Common Boating Accident Injuries and Claims

Some of the most frequent injuries and claims I handle in boat accident cases include:

• Boating Under the Influence (BUI) injuries
• Collisions with other boats, docks, or objects
• Accidents involving wakeboarding, jet skiing, and other water sports
• Falls overboard and accidents on the water
• Propeller injuries
• Accidents caused by poor maintenance or faulty equipment
• Failure to follow boating laws or regulations

Why Choose Mark Schiffrin, P.A.?

• Experience: I have over 35 years of experience handling personal injury and boating accident cases, and I have a proven track record of success in securing compensation for my clients.
• Client-Centered Approach: I prioritize the well-being of my clients and provide compassionate, responsive service throughout the entire legal process.
• Proven Results: My firm has successfully secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for injured clients in South Florida.
• Dedicated to Justice: I am committed to fighting for justice for injured individuals and holding negligent parties accountable for their actions.

Areas I Serve

As a boat accident attorney based in Hollywood, Florida, I represent clients throughout Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties, including the following areas:

• Hollywood
• Fort Lauderdale
• Pompano Beach
• Miami
• West Palm Beach
• Boca Raton
• Pembroke Pines
• Dania Beach
• Miami Beach

Contact Mark Schiffrin Today for Help With Your Boat Accident Case

If you’ve been injured in a boat accident, don’t hesitate to contact me for a free consultation. I’m here to help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and secure the compensation you need to recover.

📞 Contact Mark Schiffrin now to schedule your free consultation.
📍 Serving Hollywood, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and surrounding areas.