According with the Recreational Boating Statistics from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Coast Guard, Florida has the largest number of boats of any state, with over 900,000 registered recreational boats and an estimated 1,000,000 unregistered canoes, kayaks, surfboards and paddleboards. This represents more than 7 percent of all the registered recreational boats in the country.
Unfortunately South Florida leads the state in boating accidents. According to the Boating Accidents Statistical Report for 2016, the Florida counties with the highest number of boating accidents were the following in order:
Monroe
Miami-Dade
Palm Beach
Pinellas
Lee
Broward
The following is a list of the six most common accident injury claims that result from a boating accident.
Drowning
Since boating occurs on the water this should come as no surprise. In spite of the fact that individuals may know swimming, drowning is as yet a typical reason for death in boating accidents. Individuals can be dragged under the water or experience brain injury before falling into the water, which makes swimming not possible. Additionally, numerous people overlook safety rules and don’t wear life vests.
Brain injuries
Brain injuries happen in boating accidents mainly in two ways. The first is from oxygen deprivation, this occurs when an individual is submerged underwater or exposed to carbon monoxide (for example, when the gases of a idling or docked boat are inhaled). The second occurs when an individual is being thrown against a bulkhead or a wall in the event of a collision with another vessel or other structure.
Spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries can be the consequence of an impact, for example a boating collision, yet they can also originate from spinal compression. Compression generally happens when the boat ricochets up and down on the water due to the waves or wake from another boat. A disk hernia is typical spinal compression injury.
Lacerations
Most boats have an exposed propeller that spins at high speed. In the event that an individual gets excessively near the propeller, or a boat driver isn’t aware to those in the water, an individual can be struck by the moving propeller sharp edges, causing profound cuts or even suffer from an amputation of an arm or leg.
Whiplash
Whiplash is injury to the neck due of a sudden shock that affects the head and body in a traumatic way. Notwithstanding regularly happening in motor vehicles, whiplash is a common injury in boating accidents.
Electrocution
Most water crafts have electrical systems and gadgets that require an important amount of electrical power. Poor upkeep and standing water make it easier for people to end up electrocuted. Electric shock or electrocution can make the heart lose rhythm (fibrillation), or the individual can endure severe electrical burns.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to a boat accident, Thompson Legal, P.A can help.
Call to schedule a free consultation today (954) 510-3366 or fill out the Contact Form.