Parasailing Accident Lawyers Miami FL

Parasailing Accident Lawyers in Miami, Florida

Experienced legal help when you’re injured in a Florida parasailing accident

Parasailing is where a boat pulls a person in a harness and suspends them by a parachute in back of the boat. We have represented and won all kinds of recreational and commercial boating cases in boating accidents throughout the United States, Florida, and Miami. Often, these cases involve maritime law – which is a specialized area of the law. If you or a friend or family member need a lawyer after a parasailing accident, call The Specialists. Call maritime lawyers. Call Hickey Law Firm. We have represented numerous people injured in recreational boating cases. And we win.

Hickey Law Firm is a nationally-recognized firm for their work in maritime injury law, including boat and other watercraft accidents. Attorney John H. (Jack) Hickey is double board certified by The Florida Bar in Civil Trial and Admiralty and Maritime Law, distinctions held by few attorneys in Florida. He is also board certified in Civil Trial by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA). If you were harmed in any type of accident out on the water, get in touch with our personal injury attorneys today.

Practice Areas

WHEN THE STAKES ARE HIGH, PEOPLE CHOOSE HICKEY LAW FIRM. ™

Frequently Asked Questions

What is parasailing?

Parasailing is a recreational water activity where a person is towed behind a boat while attached to a specially-designed parachute, called a parasail. As the boat speeds up, the parachute lifts the person high into the air, giving them a bird’s-eye view of the water and coastline. Here’s how it works:

  • You wear a harness connected to a large parasail.
  • The harness is attached to a tow rope that’s connected to a boat.
  • As the boat accelerates, the parachute catches air and lifts you into the sky.
  • You float through the air while the boat tows you along.
  • After a few minutes, the boat slows down and gradually lowers you back into the water or onto a platform.

Parasailing is generally a safe activity when performed under proper weather conditions and with well-maintained equipment. However, accidents can happen if safety rules aren’t followed.

THE ADVICE YOU NEED. THE REPRESENTATION YOU WANT.
THE COMPENSATION YOU DESERVE ®

What are common causes of Miami parasailing accidents?

Parasailing accidents can happen for a variety of reasons:

  • Worn-out harnesses, frayed towlines, or malfunctioning winches can lead to catastrophic failures mid-flight.
  • Untrained or inattentive boat operators may fail to monitor weather conditions or properly secure the equipment.
  • Sudden changes in weather, like high winds or storms, can make parasailing dangerous.
  • Failing to follow safety protocols, like not conducting a pre-flight check, increases the risk of accidents.

What is the White-Miskell Act?

In response to several fatal parasailing accidents, Florida enacted the White-Miskell Act in 2014 to regulate commercial parasailing operations. This law mandates:

  • Operators must carry a minimum of $1 million in bodily injury liability coverage per occurrence and $2 million in total annual coverage.
  • Operators must hold a valid license issued by the U.S. Coast Guard.
  • Vessels must be equipped with a functional marine VHF radio and a device capable of accessing National Weather Service forecasts.
  • Parasailing is prohibited under certain conditions, such as sustained winds over 20 mph, gusts exceeding 25 mph, visibility less than half a mile, or nearby lightning storms.

These regulations aim to enhance safety, but compliance can vary among operators, which makes legal representation essential when accidents occur.

Miami Parasailing Accident Lawyers

What are some common injuries from Miami parasailing accidents?

Parasailing accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-threatening:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), caused by sudden impacts during falls or collisions.
  • Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis.
  • Fractures and dislocations are common in limbs due to hard landings.
  • Lacerations and abrasions from contact with equipment or debris.
  • Drowning or near-drowning, when a person becomes entangled in equipment or is unconscious upon water impact.

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, leading to significant financial and emotional burdens. At Hickey Law Firm, we can help.

What should I do after a Miami parasailing accident?

After a parasailing accident, you should take the following steps to protect your health and your legal rights:

  • Seek immediate medical attention. It’s important to prioritize your health and create documentation of your injuries.
  • Notify local authorities and the parasailing company about the incident.
  • Gather evidence by taking photographs, collecting witness information, and preserving any related documents.
  • Do not sign any waivers or settlements without talking to a lawyer first.
  • Contact Hickey Law Firm to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
WAS A LAWYER FOR THE CRUISE LINES. NOW A LAWYER FOR YOU ®

What compensation am I eligible for after a Miami parasailing accident?

Victims of parasailing accidents may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical expenses, including hospital bills, therapy, and ongoing care.
  • Lost wages due to inability to work during recovery.
  • Pain and suffering, for your physical pain and emotional distress.
  • Loss of consortium, which is the impact on relationships with family members.
  • Punitive damages, in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Working through the legal process requires expertise in maritime law, as parasailing accidents often fall under this jurisdiction. Hickey Law Firm has those skills.

Why choose Hickey Law Firm for my Miami parasailing accident claim?

At Hickey Law Firm, we bring decades of experience in maritime injury law, offering:

  • Our attorneys are well-versed in the nuances of maritime and personal injury law.
  • We have secured significant settlements and verdicts for our clients.
  • Each case is handled with the utmost care and dedication.
  • We operate on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case.

Our commitment is to ensure that victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

Do you have a Miami parasailing accident lawyer near me?

Hickey Law Firm is located at 12150 SW 128th Ct, Suite 225, in Miami, right off the Ronald Reagan Turnpike, close to the Miami Executive Airport. We serve the seriously injured in Miami, throughout Florida, and nationwide. If you are too injured to travel, we can come to you, or schedule a phone or video conference instead.

Our Florida parasailing accident lawyers are here to help with your case

Parasailing accidents can have devastating consequences, but you do have recourse. Understanding your rights and the legal avenues available is vital in the aftermath of such incidents. At Hickey Law Firm, we stand ready to provide the experienced legal help you need to get through this challenging time. If you or a loved one has been injured in a parasailing accident in Miami, contact us today for a free consultation. Call us or fill out our contact form today to speak to one of our experienced maritime and admiralty lawyers.