With over a million registered boats, the state of Florida leads the nation in the number of reportable boating accidents―over 660 in 2008.

There are many different types injuries and causes of action that can arise from boating problems―from one- person wrecks, to Boating While Intoxicated charges, to ocean liner tragedies. The injuries that come out of water- related accidents can be very severe and traumatic, and even fatal.

If you have been involved in any of these incidents, Attorney Rafael Gonzalez can help you sort through your legal rights and obligations. He will work with you in cases like:

• Charter Boat Accidents. If you are injured while on a fishing charter, or on a ferry, the owners of those vessels owe a very high duty to their passengers.
  
  
• Private Boat Accidents. If you are in a boating collision, the rules are very similar to those for automobile accidents. Failure to maintain a safe boat, or to operate a boat in a safe manner, can make the owner liable for injuries. This also includes objects falling from a boat and striking someone.
  
  
• Boating While Intoxicated. The liability of causing personal injury, property damage, or even death by a drunk boater is severe.
  
  
• Diving Injuries. While most divers have to sign a waiver to go underwater, that doesn’t include accidents caused by third parties, such as being struck by a propeller, or equipment failures.
  
  
• Poorly Maintained Docks. A slip and fall on a dock can cause severe injury and even drowning. The owner of the dock is liable for its safety and maintenance, and for injuries that may happen there.
  
  
• Jet Skis. These little things are dangerous―from running into people and boats, to falling apart because of manufacturing defects. We can handle a wide range of cases involving jet skis and wave runners.
  
  
• Drowning on Someone’s Property. If a child is injured as a result of an unfenced swimming pool or deep standing water on someone’s property, the property owner may be liable for those damages.
  
  
• Cruise Ship Injuries. You name it, and it can go wrong on a cruise ship―from onboard accidents, to port of call injuries, to injuries caused by the ship’s motion, to food contamination, crew sexual assault, and drowning. Attorney Gonzalez will not hesitate to make a cruise line pay if it has negligently caused any injury.