Families Finally Get Justice After Florida Man Pleads Guilty To Fatal Boating Accident In Bahamas
A Miami-Dade County man recently pled guilty for his role in a fatal boat accident that claimed the lives of two people. It happened several years ago and illustrates the long road victims’ families often travel in seeking justice through the criminal court system. Our Miami personal injury lawyer explains more about the tragic case and how filing a wrongful death lawsuit is another option available.
Family Seeks Criminal Court Justice For Fatal Boat Accident In Bahama
After a boating accident off the island of Bimini in the Bahamas claimed the lives of two of their family members, grieving loved ones finally got justice through the criminal court system. The tragedy happened in July 2020 when a couple vacationing on the island met a South Miami-Dade man who offered to take them on a boat trip later that evening.
Shortly after the party headed out on the dark waters, the vessel they were in crashed on a cluster of rocks. Rescuers uncovered the body of the male victim, but his fiance was lost at sea. There are conflicting accounts regarding whether the boat operator was intoxicated at the time and when he alerted authorities. The victims’ families state he called friends first rather than notifying the Coast Guard and that this delay was a contributing factor in the deaths.
Over three years later, they finally got a sense of justice. According to a September 2023 Miami Herald news report, the Miami-Dade boat operator pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter. He will be sentenced in January of 2024 and faces up to 18 years in prison
Getting A Sense Of Justice Through A Miami Wrongful Death Claim
The accidental death of a loved one is always devastating. Unfortunately, the criminal court moves slowly when it comes to handling these cases. In some situations, those at fault are never charged or face dramatically reduced sentences. Filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Miami is another option available that can help grieving family members get the justice they deserve.
Under the Florida Statutes, spouses, parents, children, or other loved ones and beneficiaries of the victim’s estate may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. Damages available include:
- Payment of all medical bills, funeral costs, and other tangible expenses;
- Compensation for pain, suffering, loss of companionship, and other intangible losses;
- Punitive damages, punishing those at fault for their actions, and helping to prevent others from engaging in similarly negligent behavior.
Reach Out To Our Miami Wrongful Death Lawyers
Losing a loved one is devastating, particularly when it could have been prevented. Regardless of any criminal charges filed, grieving family members may be entitled to justice through a wrongful death claim.
At Pita Weber & Del Prado, we provide the caring support and trusted legal guidance you need during this difficult time. To discuss your options, reach out and call 305-670-2889 or contact our Miami wrongful death lawyers online and request a consultation today.
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/crime/article279556604.html
