With 55 deaths and 371 injuries in 2008, Florida ranks second in fatalities, and first in injuries in the United States. According to a recent report issued by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, the top five counties in Florida for boating-related fatalities and injuries are:

In South Florida alone, the total number of boating accidents and fatalities in 2008 were 171. Of that number, 39 were located in the counties of Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie.

1. Monroe (51 Total Fatalities and Injuries)
2. Miami-Dade (50 Total Fatalities and Injuries)
3. Pinellas (28 Total Fatalities and Injuries)
4. Palm Beach (28 Total Fatalities and Injuries)
5. Broward (14 Total Fatalities and Injuries)

If you have been injured in a recreational boating accident, or if someone you love was the victim of wrongful death because of unsafe boating practices, we strongly advise contacting an attorney immediately.

At LaBovick & LaBovick, P.A., our Admiralty and Maritime Division law team has a wealth of experience with boat and personal watercraft injury cases. With a proven ability to deliver the justice our clients deserve, we can help protect your rights if you were the victim of unsafe boating practices.

We handle all types of recreational boating cases, including:

• Fishing or Charter Boats Accidents
• Sailboat Accidents
• Pontoon or Party Boat Accidents
• Ski Boat Accidents
• Jet Ski or Personal Watercraft Accidents
• Alcohol-Related Boating Injuries

The use of alcohol is continually a factor in water-related injuries, and is a leading cause of boating and personal watercraft-related fatalities in both the United States and the State of Florida. In addition, the majority of fatal alcohol-related boating accidents occurred on vessels less than 21 feet in length.

Research shows that boating-related accidents often occur in the same manner as vehicle-related accidents in that their causes are rooted in many of the same factors. Statistics gathered by the United States Coast Guard’s 2008 Executive Summary indicate that the top five (5) contributing factors in boating-related accidents are:

• Careless and/or Reckless Operation [Including Alcohol Use]
• Operator Inattention
• Lack of Proper Lookout
• Operator Inexperience
• Passenger/Skier Behavior

If you or someone you love was injured in a boating or personal watercraft-related accident, seek the immediate help of a lawyer. As a victim of unsafe boating practices, you may be entitled to receive compensation based on your injuries.
At LaBovick & LaBovick, P.A., our experienced team of Admiralty and Maritime law professionals has helped injured victims throughout the State of Florida, including the following areas: Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties.

Boating & Martime Resources

The Official Launch of BoatPalmBeach.com - an Online Hub for Palm Beach Boaters