When it is not all smooth parasailing
Parasailing accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including negligence on the part of the parasailing company. If you or a loved one has been injured in a parasailing accident, People for Law can help you file a parasailing accident lawsuit and get the compensation you deserve.
Parasailing as an adventure sport is inherently dangerous and rife with the potential for grievous accidents. Despite awareness of this fact, negligence towards safety regulations is not uncommon. Due to the prevalence of parasailing in Florida, it comes as a surprise that the industry regulations still remain, unfortunately lax. It is truly unfortunate that a large number of parasailing victims could’ve possibly avoided the risk of injury with more stringent guidelines in place. As knowledgeable maritime accident attorneys, People for Law bring such negligence and lack of prevention to book by establishing their accountability in court. We strive to secure the most compensation for the victims and their families and foster the culture of accident prevention.
Though thrilling, parasailing abounds in danger. Especially when safety measures are overlooked. Common parasailing hazards to consider are:
- High winds
- Low visibility
- Harness malfunction and entanglement
- Equipment failure
- Whiplash
- Collision risks: Buildings, buoys, power lines, bridges, and other boats
- Insufficient weather-tracking equipment
- High-speed landings
- Hard landing on shore or boat deck
- Operator negligence/error
- Towline separation or line popping
Florida parasailing laws
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, an estimated 33% of all parasailing activities in 2013 took place in Florida. Despite a third of the parasailing activity in the entire U.S. taking place in Florida, parasailing was unregulated in Florida to a large extent until 2014. With the passing of the White-Miskell Act in 2014, several parasailing regulations have been enacted. Though parasailing laws remain largely inadequate, the White-Mitchell Act has helped make parasailing comparatively safer.
The White-Mitchell Act requires operators to hold a valid Coast Guard-issued license and have insurance coverage of at least $1 million of bodily injury liability. Victims can be compensated fairly for their injuries and losses in case of accidents thanks to the extensive insurance coverage. Furthermore, boat operators must carry a functional VHF marine transceiver as well as a separate electronic device that is able to access the National Weather Service forecasts and current weather conditions.
Regulations pertaining to weather conditions also exist for the safety of individuals partaking in the activity. Parasailing activity may not be undertaken under the following conditions to prevent parasailing accidents:
- The wind speed during gusts exceeds 25 miles per hour
- The wind gusts are 15 miles per hour higher than the sustained wind speed
- The sustained wind speed is more than 20 miles per hour
- The rain or heavy fog results in reduced visibility of less than 0.5 mile
- A known lightning storm comes within seven miles of the parasailing area
How can People for Law help you?
At People for Law, we are aware that a large number of parasailing mishaps occur due to poor safety standards of the equipment in use and a lack of frequent inspections. Thus, operators are liable and must compensate for injuries caused during the activity. Our in-depth knowledge of this domain under the leadership of parasailing accident attorneys helps us secure maximum compensation for our injured clients.
We help people who have fallen victim to negligence while enjoying parasailing activities recover their financial losses. Monetary compensation for parasailing accidents may cover medical expenses, loss of income, and other expenses arising from grievous injuries.
As parasailing accidents tend to result in catastrophic injuries due to the activity’s high-risk potential
Damages that parasailing accident victims may claim include:
- Medical bills and future medical expenses
- Loss of wages and other employment benefits
- Loss of earning capacity
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional and mental anguish
If you are wondering whether filing a claim for a parasailing accident in Florida is worth it, let the experts at People for Law assure you that it is. These damages can provide parasailing victims and their families the financial security and emotional closure they need to move forward with their lives. Our parasailing accident lawyers will hold the at-fault parties accountable on your behalf for the harm their negligence has caused you.
Unfortunately, even minimum equipment standards and the need for regular inspections go unchecked under current laws. People for Law is determined to lead the change in accident prevention measures. We work towards this goal by holding the individuals or companies responsible for your parasailing accident liable for failing to provide a safe parasailing experience.