Florida has 8,436 miles of coastline.
With so much space and so many opportunities to enjoy the water, it makes sense that docks and marinas are commonly seen in the state.
A dock is a structure that extends out and into a body of water. Their purpose is for mooring boats. Docks are often busy, with constant machinery and marine traffic. Unfortunately, they are also a common site for serious injuries and even wrongful death accidents.
Common Causes of Dock Accidents
While this is not an extensive list, some of the most common causes of dock accidents include:
- Injury caused by machinery
- Slip-and-fall incidents
- Injury because of cargo
- Falls into the water
- Boat collisions
- Falls from a walkway
- Mooring line accidents
- Collapse of a pier or dock
- Falls from ladders
- Electrocution due to the improper placement of equipment or wiring
- Unsafe cargo injuries
Dock and marina accidents may be the result of someone else’s negligent actions. When this happens, you have the right to hold the negligent party responsible.
Keep in mind, the circumstances of each case are unique. In some situations, there may be multiple people considered liable for an accident. If you are a visitor or a casual user of the dock or marina who experiences an injury while there, it may be possible to recover compensation for your injuries and any other damages you incurred.
If you are a maritime worker and you are injured while on the job, you may be able to receive compensation, too. This right is provided by the Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. According to this Act, several actions are covered, including:
- Working on docks
- Working on Wharfs
- Working on piers
- Building, loading, unloading, or repairing vessels
When this type of accident occurs, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Based on information in this Act, you can receive financial compensation for things like:
- Disease occurring from an injury related to employment
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Injury resulting from unsafe work conditions
- Injury resulting from an accident
After being injured on the job, it is important to seek legal counsel. Finding an attorney with experience handling maritime cases is a must to ensure you receive the legal compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Determining Liability in Your Dock or Marine Accident
In most cases, seeking compensation for a dock or pier injury will fall under the legal term premises liability. The attorney you hire can help you figure out if your injury qualifies you for compensation. They will also help determine potential defendants in the situation.
In most cases, a few questions will be asked and considered when trying to figure out liability. These include:
- Who is the owner of the pier or dock?
- Why was the injured party on the dock to begin with?
- What was the nature of the hazard?
- Did the entity who controlled or owned the dock provide a warning of the hazard or take any type of corrective action to prevent injuries?
Seek Help with Your Marine or Dock Accident Injury
If you have suffered an injury on a dock or in a marine setting, you have rights. If the injury is due to negligence or someone else’s unsafe action or behavior, you are due compensation. It is best to contact an attorney who can help with the case and advocate for you.
If you have questions or are ready to schedule a free consultation with an experienced marine and dock accident injury attorney, contact our legal team at Fetterman & Associates, PA by calling 561-845-2510. We are here to help with your case.
