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Parasailing Accident Litigation
Our Attorneys Hold Negligent Parties Accountable for Parasailing Injuries
Seasoned legal representation offering justice for you and your family
Between three and five million outdoor enthusiasts engage in parasailing each year in the United States, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). And, the U.S. Coast Guard estimated that about 33 percent of all parasailing activity in 2013 took place in the Sunshine State. However, despite the potential hazards and the serious nature of parasailing accident injuries, this industry remains lax in regulations, resulting in preventable tragedies. The experienced attorneys at Osborne & Francis Law Firm PLLC understand the anger and frustration experienced by the victims of this inadequate oversight, and we fight aggressively to obtain maximum compensation for you and your loved ones, and to send a message to those responsible.
Common parasailing accidents and causes
Parasailing is a dangerous water sport quite popular in Florida. It involves being towed in the air behind a speed boat while you are harnessed into a parasail wing, which is similar to a parachute. While parasailing, you are “flown” in the air, much like a kite. Though exhilarating and thrilling, the inherent dangers are plentiful when safety measures are not carefully observed. Common parasailing hazards include:
- Faulty equipment
- Inadequate weather-tracking equipment
- Operator negligence/error
- Inclement weather/high winds
- Colliding with obstacles, such as power lines, antennas, bridges and buildings
- Hard landing on the boat deck or shore
- High-speed water landings
- Becoming entangled in the harness in the water and drowning
Florida parasailing laws
Prior to 2014, parasailing was almost completely unregulated in the state of Florida. This finally changed with the passage of the White-Miskell Act, which took effect October 1, 2014. Though this new parasailing law takes steps in the right direction, it’s still lacking comprehensive safety regulations that would surely prevent many more accidents and injuries. Following are some of the key provisions of the White-Miskell Act:
- Operators are required to keep a weather log, and they are prohibited to operate during certain weather conditions, such as high wind, rain, fog and lightning.
- Appropriate weather gear is required for proper weather report monitoring at sea.
- Operators are required to carry a minimum of $1 million in liability insurance.
- All operators must be licensed by the Coast Guard.
- Operator adherence to applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations is required, such as FAA notification of parasailing flights, specific visibility markings on the parasails and a 400-foot altitude limitation.
Unfortunately, a leading cause of parasailing accidents is not addressed in this law. Minimum equipment safety standards and regular inspections would go a long way towards decreasing tragedies caused by faulty equipment.
Erica F.
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"Best personal injury attorney around, I could not be happier! I was seriously injured in a car accident and Osborne and Francis helped me through the entire process. I was blown away by how knowledgeable the staff and attorneys are at this incredible law firm. I would not hesitate to recommend this law firm to friends and family!"
C. Smith
“I am so thankful for EVERYONE, the entire staff at Osborne & Francis Law, for mentoring me through the mediation process with my hip replacement failures. I didn't realize how MUCH pressure they relieved me of by helping me deal with the reality of this traumatic time in my life, as it was OVER so quickly with a positive result. My family is grateful to have their mom HAPPY & FOCUSED on the future, rather than worrying over what happened in the past! FAST FORWARD, we are LIVING LIFE to the fullest once again!”
Alfred
Quick and fair resolution to a unique case. On advice of my own attorney, I engaged Joseph Osborne of Osborne & Francis of Boca Raton, FL. Mr. Osborne had considerable experience in cases such as mine and the results showed that. Mr. Osborne and his staff were very helpful, kept me up to date, and listened to my input. The settlement was very fair as far as I am concerned.
T. Andrews
“Attorneys Greg Francis and Ryan Fletcher at Osborne & Francis Law Firm represented me in my personal injury case.The defendant drew a line in the sand and was adamant on a settlement amount I was almost willing to accept. After the dust settled and the smoke cleared, we settled for 3 times that amount!!! When they say ‘Real Tough Lawyers,’ they mean it.”
E. Holland
Dennis and the other Osborne & Francis staff were amazing! Our case was HUGE and required tender loving care. Everyone on our case did their part by putting all the puzzle pieces together. We were given step by step updates and put at ease when our nerves got the best of us. For every inquiry we made we received a timely response...You are appreciated!
J. Davis
“I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer/ firm — everything was done professionally exactly how I wanted. Due to COVID my personal attorney Mr. Garcia was still able to make things work in a timely manner and he never made me feel like he wasn’t working. Overall I’m happy with how my case turned out and I would recommend him and this law firm to anyone. 100% satisfied.”
E. Holland
“Dennis and the other Osborne Francis staff were amazing! Our case was HUGE and required tender loving care. Everyone on our case did their part by putting all the puzzle pieces together. We were given step-by-step updates and put at ease when our nerves got the best of us. For every inquiry we made we received a timely response.”
E Holland
“Dennis and the other Osborne & Francis staff were amazing! Our case was HUGE and required tender loving care. Everyone on our case did their part by putting all the puzzle pieces together. We were given step-by-step updates and put at ease when our nerves got the best of us. For every inquiry we made we received a timely response.”
J Davis
“I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer/ firm. Everything was done professionally and exactly how I wanted. My personal attorney Mr. Garcia was still able to make things work in a timely manner and he never made me feel like he wasn’t working. Overall I’m happy with how my case turned out. I would recommend him and this law firm to anyone. I am 100% satisfied.”
C. Smith
I am so thankful for EVERYONE, the entire staff at Osborne & Francis Law, for mentoring me through the mediation process with my hip replacement failures. I didn't realize how MUCH pressure they relieved me of by helping me deal with the reality of this traumatic time in my life, as it was OVER so quickly with a positive result. My family is grateful to have their mom HAPPY & FOCUSED on the future, rather than worrying about what happened in the past!
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Contact our attorneys to discuss your parasailing accident injury
If you were harmed, or someone you care about has suffered injury or death as the result of a parasailing accident, please contact Osborne & Francis Law Firm PLLC Our injury lawyers are dedicated to helping you obtain justice and compensation. To schedule a free consultation and learn how we can assist you, contact us online or call (561) 293-2600 today. We take cases nationally from our offices in Orlando and Boca Raton.
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