F lorida is known for its vast areas for boating. Unfortunately, it is also known for its boating accidents, especially on its inland waterways. If you have suffered a boat accident injury, having a lawyer who understands Florida boating law is essential to your success. At Schlesinger Law Offices, P.A., our boating accident lawyers have experience in boating accident lawsuits. We have the experience to get you the best result possible.
The Rules of the Water
The rules of the water are different from the rules of the road. There are distinct contrasts in what governs right of way, operations in inclement weather, driver competence, and seaworthiness of vessels. We have handled cases that involve individual drivers of sailboats, personal watercraft (PWC), and cigarette boats. Many of those cases involve drunk boating, speeding, or moving violations. Tragically, serious injury and wrongful death are common outcomes of boating accidents. We handle those cases as well.
Other cases we handle involve larger vessels, including cruise ship cases. Some of those involve slip and fall. Others involve sexual assault that was a result of inadequate security. Other cases may involve a cruise ship serving alcohol to underage patrons, who were injured as a result of their intoxication. The standard of care is much higher for a cruise ship than for a private owner. Often, in these cases, there are multiple commercial parties involved. Fortunately, we have the knowledge and skill to track down those responsible and, if necessary, bring them to court.
If you or a loved one has been injured from a boating accident contact our attorneys today for a free consultation.
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Boating Accident News
Boating Vets Blame Bridge Construction For Boating Accident
Veteran boaters on the Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale on Monday blasted construction of the new 17th Street Causeway bridge for creating hazardous sailing conditions under the bridge.
Their comments came after a tragic boating accident on Sunday in which two German tourists were killed and a mother of three was seriously injured.
Florida Department of Transportation spokeswoman Barbara Kelleher said the state was investigating the construction site's role in the accident.
"The equipment and the barge [have) been out there for several months and this is the first incident," she said. "But our construction people and the contractor are assessing the situation to see if anything needs to be done."
Josef Federl, 62, and his wife, Maria Federl, 58, drowned in strong currents under the causeway when the small craft they were riding in took on water, drifted and slammed into the slanted edge of a construction barge before sinking.
Nine other people, including three children between 7 and 12 years of age, were thrown from the rented 25-foot Bayliner into the murky Intracoastal waters. Two swam to safety while the others were plucked from the water by the Coast Guard and Florida Marine Patrol.
The children and three other passengers were treated at Broward General Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale.
Five were released but the children's mother, Kristin Kalnow, 46, was still at the hospital's Coronary Care Unit in serious but stable condition.
The project calls for building a temporary bridge that would facilitate the construction of a new mammoth drawbridge. The project was contracted by the state's Department of Transportation to Gimrock Construction International of Miami. Project manager Robert Sorrentino was not available for comment Monday night.
Drawbridge tender Paul Mann said some changes were already under way in the wake of accident, and they should be completed by mid-week.
"They're moving the barge," he said, "and they're putting up some more safety lights."
Boaters and mariners along the Intracoastal, meanwhile, said boating in that area had become more difficult. A large crane and several small barges are moored underneath the bridge's supports and force boats to use bottlenecked channels. The situation becomes particularly dangerous on weekends, when uninterrupted rows of boats cruise the Intracoastal, boaters said.
"I've been a captain in town for 25 years," said Capt. Jonny Outlaw, owner of American Boat Rental, "and even I tap the fenders on the sides of the bridge once in a while. Now, with all the equipment, it's even more difficult. There is less room to sail."
Another boat rental owner, Don Kjos of Watersports Unlimited, said Monday he has not allowed people who rent his boats to pass underneath the bridge and has made Port Everglades off limits.
"I tell people who rent my boats to stay north of the causeway," he said. "If anyone crosses it and I find out about it, I keep their $300 deposit."
Family and friends of the dead, meanwhile, grieved for the two victims. In the Bayview district a somber-faced John Magee, who was at the helm of the boat when it sunk, declined to comment.
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