Fort Lauderdale’s waterways are busier than ever. Broward County consistently ranks among the top counties in Florida for boating accidents, with personal watercraft involved in a significant percentage of these incidents.
Understanding the common types of injuries, their causes, and your legal rights is essential if you or a loved one has been harmed in a jet ski incident. Keep reading for more from our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers, then call (561) 655-1990 to schedule a free consultation today.
Most common jet ski injuries in Fort Lauderdale
Head and brain injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most serious consequences of jet ski accidents. These injuries can occur when riders are ejected from the watercraft, collisions occur with other vessels or fixed objects, or when riders fall and strike their head on the watercraft or water surface.
Even with helmet use (which is recommended but not required by Florida Statute § 327.39), the force of impact can cause concussions, contusions, or more severe brain trauma. The long-term consequences may include:
Spinal cord injuries
The powerful force of a jet ski accident can cause devastating damage to the spinal cord, potentially resulting in paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia), loss of sensation, chronic pain, and permanent disability.
Resource: Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program – Florida Health
Orthopedic injuries
Broken bones, dislocations, and joint injuries are common in jet ski accidents. These injuries often require surgical intervention, physical therapy, and extended recovery periods.
Facial and dental trauma
Unprotected faces are vulnerable during jet ski accidents. Common injuries include:
- Facial lacerations and contusions
- Broken noses
- Orbital (eye socket) fractures
- Dental injuries, including broken or lost teeth
- Jaw fractures
These injuries can have both functional and cosmetic implications, often requiring specialized medical attention from oral surgeons, dentists, and plastic surgeons.
Soft tissue injuries
The force of water entering body cavities during accidents can cause significant internal damage:
- Vaginal and rectal injuries from water pressure
- Internal organ damage
- Severe bruising and muscle tears
- Ligament and tendon damage
These injuries, sometimes called “water injection injuries,” can be particularly serious and may not be immediately apparent after an accident.
Lacerations and abrasions
Contact with the watercraft, other vessels, docks, or underwater hazards can result in:
- Deep cuts requiring stitches
- Severe scrapes and “road rash” from skidding across water
- Puncture wounds
- Infections from exposure to bacteria in water
The propulsion system of jet skis can also cause serious lacerations if contact occurs with the water intake or jet nozzle.
Drowning and near-drowning injuries
Perhaps the most severe risk associated with jet ski accidents is drowning.
Even strong swimmers can be at risk when:
- Knocked unconscious during an accident
- Trapped under a watercraft
- Suffering from exhaustion or disorientation
- Operating in rough water conditions
Near-drowning incidents can lead to serious complications, including:
- Respiratory distress
- Pneumonia
- Brain damage from oxygen deprivation
- Long-term pulmonary issues
Common causes of jet ski accidents in Fort Lauderdale
1. Operator inexperience and negligence
Under Florida Statute § 327.395, operators born on or after January 1, 1988, must complete a boater education course. However, rental companies often provide only minimal training before allowing tourists to operate these powerful machines. Common negligent behaviors include:
- Operating too close to other vessels or swimmers
- Excessive speed in congested areas
- Performing stunts or maneuvers beyond the operator’s skill level
- Failure to observe right-of-way rules
2. Alcohol and drug use
Despite Florida’s strict laws against boating under the influence, impairment remains a significant factor in jet ski accidents.
3. Equipment failure and improper maintenance
Rental companies and private owners have a responsibility to properly maintain their watercraft. Mechanical failures that commonly lead to accidents include:
- Steering mechanism malfunctions
- Throttle problems
- Electrical system failures
- Hull integrity issues
4. Environmental factors
Fort Lauderdale’s waterways present unique challenges, including changing tides and currents, submerged objects and sandbars, congested waterways, especially during peak tourist season, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms with rapidly changing conditions
5. Failure to follow navigation rules
Florida law requires all watercraft operators to follow established navigation rules (Florida Statute § 327.33).
Violations that commonly lead to accidents include:
- Failure to maintain a proper lookout
- Excessive speed in no-wake zones
- Improper passing or crossing
- Disregarding navigational markers and signs
Preventing jet ski injuries in Fort Lauderdale
For operators
- Complete a boater safety course, even if not legally required
- Always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket
- Consider wearing a helmet, especially during high-speed operation
- Maintain a safe distance from other watercraft, swimmers, and fixed objects
- Never operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Be aware of local waterway rules and no-wake zones
- Check weather forecasts before heading out
For rental companies
- Provide thorough training to all operators
- Maintain watercraft in proper working condition
- Enforce safety rules and sobriety requirements
- Provide appropriate safety equipment
- Conduct regular safety inspections
Injured in a jet ski incident? Call us.
At Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, we’re committed to helping jet ski accident victims pursue the compensation they deserve. Our experienced attorneys understand the complex legal and factual issues involved in these cases and can provide the knowledgeable representation you need during this challenging time.
If you’ve been injured in a jet ski accident in Fort Lauderdale, don’t hesitate to contact our office for a free consultation. Remember that time limits apply to personal injury claims, so it’s important to seek legal advice promptly to protect your rights.
