Scuba diving and snorkeling are fun, exciting ways to experience an underwater view of Florida’s gorgeous waters. Scuba diving involves immersing yourself beneath deep waters, while snorkeling occurs in shallow water. Snorkeling requires less physical exertion, and many consider it safer than scuba diving. However, both snorkeling and scuba diving can prove dangerous. These activities can make for pleasant memories, but they can also result in fatal injuries.
Whether you’re a Florida resident or a vacationing visitor, our personal injury attorneys at Cohen and Juda are here to support victims of scuba diving or snorkeling accidents. Our exceptional accidents lawyers can help you file a personal injury claim for injuries sustained during either activity and guide you through each step of the process.
Call us today at (954) 424-1440 for a free consultation if you are seeking compensation for medical bills and other expenses if you or a loved one was injured while snorkeling or scuba diving.
Kinds and Causes of Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Accidents
Companies that offer scuba diving or snorkeling opportunities have the responsibility to ensure the safest conditions for participants. Among other things, companies are responsible for:
- Making participants aware of any dangers in the area where the diving or snorkeling will occur
- Ensuring that all the equipment is working and well maintained
- Training participants to perform the activity safely
The smallest of complications can become a danger if you or the company does not properly handle them. Common causes of scuba diving or snorkeling accidents include:
- Negligence from the operator
- Conditions of the water
- Air emergencies
- Unfamiliarity with equipment and/or dive location
- Nitrogen narcosis
- Improperly maintained equipment
- Training and/or dive buddy negligence
- Improper or negligent supervision of charter/captain
Snorkeling and scuba diving companies aren’t always to blame for diver accidents, but we know it’s not an uncommon practice for companies to reduce costs in any way they can—even if such action results in a less-than-safe environment for participants.
Operators and instructors should provide well-maintained equipment and the knowledge necessary to keep snorkelers and divers safe. Unfortunately, companies don’t always have participants’ best interests at heart. To protect yourself while diving or snorkeling, avoid dangers such as:
- Leaving the range of the “Diver Down” flag. Operators display the flag from the boat’s highest point to signal to other vessels that divers are in the area. Other boat operators must maintain a certain distance away from the diver’s boat depending on the location, and divers, likewise, should try to stay within the range of the flag.
- Snorkeling or diving in perilous environmental conditions. Thunderstorms and violent waves are examples of dangerous environmental conditions in which you should avoid snorkeling or diving. Likewise, avoid diving in locations with underwater hazards that could accidentally harm equipment or divers themselves.
- Snorkeling or diving without supervision. This hazard should go without saying, but participants should never snorkel or dive without a professional instructor present.
Negligence and failure to abide by standard procedures can lead to hazardous conditions for participants. In the event of an accident while scuba diving or snorkeling, it’s crucial for victims to contact a personal injury lawyer to help them pursue legal action.
Our Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help
While most people consider snorkeling and scuba diving safe recreational activities, grievous injuries and deaths occur in Florida waters each year. Participants have responsibilities to maintain safe conditions, such as following the operator’s instructions and abiding by standard safety procedures. However, the responsibility falls on companies to ensure safe practices.
Companies must provide adequate training and necessary information to help participants in an emergency. They should always have procedures in place to identify hazards and prevent serious injury to snorkelers and divers.
If you have suffered an injury or lost a loved one in a snorkeling or scuba diving accident, our personal injury attorneys at Cohen and Juda law firm can provide the legal counsel you need. We can help determine if you’re entitled to civil damages and compensation.
Our exceptional team can guide you through the process, handling all the tedious aspects of filing a claim and obtaining the information necessary to build your case. We’ll walk you through every step and tirelessly advocate for your best interests.
Contact a Personal Injury or Accidents Lawyer at Cohen and Juda
At Cohen and Juda, P.A., we will provide you and your loved ones with the highest-quality legal counsel and representation. Having worked with clients in South Florida since we opened our doors in 1999, we’ve developed a wealth of experience and knowledge that continues to aid us in providing exceptional service.
We have resolved millions of dollars in cases through trial and settlement, and we’re here to help clients seek compensation for any injuries or losses they have sustained as a result of a scuba diving or snorkeling accident in Florida. We will give you our personalized attention.
To schedule your free consultation with a personal injury attorney at Cohen and Juda, P.A., in Plantation, Florida, call us at (954) 424-1440.
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The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
Cohen and Juda P.A.
8211 W Broward Blvd, Suite 310
Plantation, FL 33324
954-424-1440
https://www.cohenandjudaflorida.com/
