Two separate boat accidents led to fatalities in the waters of the Florida Keys last week.
On Thursday, a powerboat race near Key West led a 28-year-old Hialeah to suffer fatal injuries upon being ejected from the boat. According to authorities, the eight-passenger vessel made a hard right turn, struck a sandbar, and rolled. All eight passengers were thrown into the water, with seven of them surviving their serious injuries.
Two days later, three people boating on a 34’ Nor-Tech near Key Largo suffered a similar accident. The boat was traveling south when it made a hard turn that ejected all three from the vessel. Two of the vessel occupants survived and were rescued by first responders. The third—a 21-year-old from Boynton Beach—had died at the scene. The condition of the two survivors is unknown, but they were flown to a local trauma center.
How Will Survivors & Families Recover?
Serious injuries have far-reaching consequences. Spine, back, or neck injuries can impair mobility, which makes earning a living or getting around independently more difficult. Head or brain injuries can lead to long-lasting issues with mood, memory, and other critical functions. In any case, serious injuries require a lengthy period of costly rehabilitation to restore as much function as possible.
Given the similarity of these incidents, it’s worth asking if there’s anything that could have been done to prevent them. As injury attorneys, we believe it’s necessary to ask who might have prevented these accidents, and whether they’re financially and ethically obligated to help the victims and families recover from their losses.
If you were harmed or lost a loved one in this accident or an accident like it, speak with Stewart Tilghman Fox Bianchi & Cain, P.A.. Let’s discuss your legal options in a free consultation.