Florida Parasailing Accident Lawyers
Helping the Victims of Parasailing Throughout Florida
With incredible coastal waters and numerous boating companies, one of the most popular attractions in Florida is parasailing. Parasailing attaches two or more passengers to a parachute via a harness and are pulled by boat while sitting as high as 350 feet in the air. The passengers have no ability to steer—their lives are entirely in the hands of the boat pilot.
As a result, parasailing accidents are often clearly a result of boating or commercial parasailing negligence. The passengers themselves are not responsible for a single thing about their ride; parasailing companies are responsible for the ropes, the harnesses, the parachute, the boat, and every other element of the parasailing experience. This makes them ultimately responsible for the injuries or death that results from a parasailing accident.
The Causes & Statistics of Parasailing Accidents
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has identified towline failure as a leading cause of death in parasailing accidents. Wear and tear from sunlight, saltwater, strong winds, and general use make lines more likely to fail, but it’s the type of knot used by parasailing companies—bowline knots—that reduces the strength of brand-new rope by 70%.
The Parasail Safety Council notes that between 1982 and 2012, there have been 70 fatalities and 1,800 injuries, equaling about 1 injury or death per 90,000 rides.
Data from 2006 to 2012 included about 8 parasailing deaths and 36 injuries, which indicates that parasailing has been slightly safer in recent years. However, this is a small comfort to those who have lost a loved one or have been harmed.
What Can I Claim in a Parasailing Accident Lawsuit?
As a case of negligence, parasailing accident claims offer plaintiffs a chance to recoup all their financial losses that result from the accident. This includes not just medical care, but the loss of income that also results from grievous injuries. Because parasailing often results in catastrophic injuries, there are also non-economic damages most plaintiffs can claim.
- Claimable damages in a parasailing accident are extensive:
- Past and future medical care
- Past and future lost income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional pain and mental anguish
- Physical pain and suffering
These damages can provide the victims with the relief they need to move forward. These damages offer financial security as well as emotional closure, which comes from holding at-fault companies accountable for the harm they cause. Our firm has seen firsthand how holding negligent operators accountable helps our clients move on from their accident in peace.
Speak with STFBC Today
Our Florida parasailing accident lawyers have been in practice since 1984 exclusively serving the victims of serious accidents. Our team of attorneys includes some of the most accomplished litigators in the nation, all of whom are collectively responsible for hundreds of millions in verdicts and settlements.
We keep our firm lean so we can build a focused, agile team. Every attorney is responsible for a small number of high-stakes cases, allowing us to devote our full attention to every client. As a result, we've been able to win some of the most consequential and notable victories in Florida history, ensuring our clients get everything they need to rebuild their lives.
Speak with us in a free consultation. Call (305) 770-6335 to learn your options and take the first steps toward recovery. We're here to help you.