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.
So you've been in a car accident. What happens next? There are many things that you should do but here are the three most important:
Number One: See a doctor immediately.
A broken bone is easy to see, but some injuries are not. The most common injuries from car accidents happen in the neck, back, or head. The only way to diagnose and treat them is by seeing a doctor. A doctor can help ease the pain, provide medication, reassure you of how your injury may impact your daily life, and tell you what not to do to make it worse.
A visit to the doctor can also give you legally protected time off to recover and rest your body after an accident, and it documents and provides the evidence you may need for your case. Even a five-mile-per-hour car accident can cause a serious injury. So whether you've had a severe accident or a minor collision, see a doctor. And if you don't have medical insurance, let us know and we'll make sure that you receive the proper care.
Number Two: Write everything down.
Even if it seems small, during times of stress or injury it is common to forget the little details. Make sure you keep note of the pain that you're in. With neck, back, and head injuries, sometimes simple activities such as walking up the stairs or picking up a toddler may cause severe pain.
You may not be sleeping well at night. Documenting how much you sleep and how often you wake up due to pain is also very important. And lastly, if you have any cuts or bruises, take daily photos as you heal. This will provide visual evidence of the injuries that you've suffered.
Number Three: Do not speak to an insurance company until you've spoken to a lawyer.
Please understand that the insurance adjuster works for a billion-dollar corporation and not for you. Their interests are solely for their insurance company, and their goal is to provide you with the least amount of financial settlement as quickly as possible. When you do speak with them, remember they will record the conversation. Why do they do this? Because they've been trained to ask questions that may confuse you. So talk to us before you talk to them.
So remember: See a doctor, document everything, and call us before calling the insurance company for your free private consultation. We are here for you. Real tough lawyers fighting real tough issues.
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:
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:
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.
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.