Maritime Negligence -- Recreational Boat Collision

On February 24, 2024, our client was a passenger on a 16-foot fishing boat in the Florida Keys when a 32-foot charter vessel traveling at approximately 35 miles per hour struck their boat from behind. The operator of the charter boat had turned to look behind his vessel -- and when he turned back forward, he failed to see the smaller boat directly ahead. Our client was ejected from the boat and into the water.The charter boat operator pulled her and her companion from the water and brought them to shore, where emergency responders were waiting. She was transported to a Monroe County hospital, where she was evaluated for her injuries. She was subsequently transferred to a Miami-Dade County hospital, where imaging confirmed a fractured rib and a fractured clavicle.On a return visit to the hospital, additional imaging revealed a fracture at the back of her skull -- a finding that had not been identified in the initial trauma workup. Three fractures in total: rib, clavicle, and skull. She had no health insurance. The case settled for $460,000.

We identified and pursued the right insurance coverage. With two boats involved and no carrier reaching out proactively, identifying available coverage and applying pressure to the right parties was the first priority. The charter vessel carried a commercial marine policy. We pursued it.We established clear maritime negligence. A 32-foot charter vessel traveling at 35 miles per hour failed to maintain a proper lookout and struck a smaller boat from behind. The operator's own account confirmed he had turned away from his direction of travel.We documented three fractures -- including one that was missed initially. The rib and clavicle fractures were confirmed at the initial hospital visit. The skull fracture was discovered only on a return visit after continued symptoms.We handled the alcohol issue directly. Our client had consumed alcohol before the incident. She was a passenger -- not the operator. Her consumption had no bearing on the negligence of the charter boat operator who failed to maintain a lookout.