Boat Accidents Caused by Defective Parts

Defective boat parts can result in devastating loss, including serious injuries and fatalities. In most cases of a boat accident caused by defective parts, the boat manufacturer or parts producer can be held legally responsible. According to Florida law, boat manufacturers have a legal duty to make sure that boats and all boating components are safe, and will not place boat owners or others in danger. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, we handle boating accident claims throughout South Florida, including in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. Every year, there are a variety of boating equipment failures or defects, ranging from battery failures to fuel system defects. Our experienced Miami boat accident lawyers will work to locate the source of the defect that contributed to an accident, and then determine legal fault. We will diligently represent you in your claim for damages arising from an accident caused by a defective boat part.

Manufacturing defects affecting boats can result from an error in the overall assembly of the boat, or a mistake in the assembly of a part. Flaws may present themselves only in a few products among a certain make or model of boat. Alternatively, defective components may affect all boats manufactured in a specific place.

The law holds that manufacturers are strictly liable when defects result in the manufacturing process. This legal theory does not allow for exceptions, even when precautions may have been taken. In other words, manufacturers will be strictly liable when injured persons show that the defect was present when the boat left the maker’s control, and that the defect directly caused their harm. An example in a boating crash may be an engine component defect or a loss of steering control that led to the operator being unable to maintain control of the boat and ultimately crashing.

Defective boat parts can lead to flooding, collision, capsizing, and fire leaks. Common defective part issues may arise from the rudder, throttles, steering arms, electrical systems, battery chargers, and navigational equipment. Boat owners are responsible for checking their vessel before venturing into the water, but this does not release the liability of the manufacturer for dangerous consequences caused by defective parts.

Bringing a legal claim after suffering injuries in a boat accident caused by a defective part provides a way for the injured individual, or their family, to recover damages stemming from the accident. Monetary compensation is intended to help put victims in the place they would be had the accident not occurred. Medical expenses for past care can be secured, as well as expected future costs. Other damages include lost income due to missed work, and emotional harm known as pain and suffering. An experienced injury lawyer can assess the level of damages you may be able to claim.

For claims arising from a boat accident, the victim must bring their personal injury lawsuit within four years of the incident. This statute of limitations is two years in a wrongful death action. The Wrongful Death Act is a method for relatives, such as as spouses, children, and parents, to file a lawsuit to recover damages for the loss of a loved one. Burial costs, loss of companionship, and loss of future earnings are some of the types of costs that may be secured.

Boat manufacturers have a duty to provide safe products to consumers using their boats and components, and they should be held legally responsible when defective boat parts cause harm. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our attorneys diligently protect the rights of people throughout Miami, and West Palm Beach after they have suffered harm in boat accidents. We pursue the compensation to which injured individuals may be legally entitled. We have the skills and the experience to serve your needs. Call our office at 877.499.4878 or reach us online to setup a free initial consultation regarding your case.