Dockside Injuries in Tampa Bay

Throughout Tampa, St. Pete, and Clearwater, there are hundreds of docks, ports, and harbors where boat traffic is beginning to increase. With the increase in boating and dockside activities, injuries are likely to occur as well. When you’re hurt on a dock, it can be difficult to figure out who should be held responsible. You can count on the experienced team of lawyers at Roman & Roman, P.A. to help you if you’re injured in the Tampa Bay area.

Common Types of Dockside Injuries 

There are virtually limitless ways that a person can get injured in or around a Florida dock. Still, there are a few scenarios that seem to occur most frequently.

Slip and fall

Many people use privately owned docks to tie off their boats while they shop, eat meals, or simply take a break from the water for a while. Slip and fall injuries can happen while getting on and off of a boat, traversing floating piers, or when walking into attached businesses. Wet floors, a lack of warnings signs, incorrect use of floor mats and other inadequate precautions can lead to unnecessary injuries. 

Falls into water

Sometimes floating piers and docks are not properly maintained or secured. Boaters and their passengers can be seriously hurt by losing their balance on a pier or dock, and falling into the water. Many times, this results in hitting one’s head, fracturing bones, or even drownings. 

Pinned by boat

One of the more serious injuries is a crushing injury caused by getting pinned by a boat that is attempting to dock. Inexperienced boaters often approach the dock too fast, striking the dock and knocking people into the water. 

Propeller injuries

Sometimes people have to be in the water near a dock, whether it’s to check part of their boat, or retrieve something that fell overboard. Other times, they are just cooling off and swimming. Negligent boaters may fail to see people in the water and hit them with their boats. 

Special Considerations for Dockside Bars and Restaurants 

Another big problem can occur when alcohol is added to the situation. As CBS Tampa Bay reports, there are a lot of great local bars with docks attached. It’s the true icon of a Florida weekend to pull your boat up to a bar and enjoy a great fresh-caught meal and a beer. However, it’s also important to have a designated boat operator who remains sober at all times. Improperly secured boats, intoxicated operators, and negligent restaurant or bar owners can all contribute to injuries in or around dockside pubs and restaurants.

Have You Been Injured? Get Help Today! 

With offices conveniently located throughout the Tampa Bay area, the attorneys of Roman & Roman, P.A. are here to help if you’ve been injured in a boating accident or similar type of injury. We never charge a fee for a consultation. Like you, we love Florida, and we want to make it as safe as possible for all to enjoy. This means fighting for those who’ve been senselessly injured by the carelessness of others. Call us to set up an appointment and get answers to your questions today.

Resource:

tampa.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-bars-with-boat-docks-around-tampa-bay/