The adventure that awaits you on the open sea can be invigorating. Even though boating and other watercraft activities are a wonderful pastime, they are proven to be hazardous. In 2022, there were 4,040 accidents, with 636 boating fatalities nationwide. Although a slight decrease from the year before, these statistics are enough to cause concern.
If you or a family member have fallen victim to a boating accident, our legal team is ready to offer you assistance during this trying time.
Types of Watercraft Injuries
Lacerations and Amputations
There are many sharp surfaces on a boat, which put you at risk of getting lacerations. If the boat collides with another vessel at high speed, you could suffer a traumatic amputation, especially if you make contact with the boat’s propeller.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Boat operators and passengers are at risk of suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A TBI is caused by any blow or strike to the head, which disrupts brain function. Symptoms can range from temporary to long-lasting, often causing permanent disabilities.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury is the result of damage to the nerves of the spinal cord. A watercraft accident is a leading cause of spinal injuries. Common symptoms include numbness, tingling in the fingers, feet, or toes, loss of bladder control, and paralysis.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Gasoline-powered engines produce carbon monoxide, which is an odorless gas that is fatal when inhaled in certain amounts. Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when the body replaces the oxygen in red blood cells with carbon monoxide, which causes tissue damage and potential death.
Pelvic Injuries
Often seen in jet-ski accidents, a pelvic injury is any fracture in the bones that connect your spine to your hips. In high-speed collisions, such as a boating accident, an unstable fracture may occur. An unstable fracture is characterized by two or more breaks in the pelvic ring. Pelvic fractures often result in damage to internal organs, resulting in excessive bleeding. If left untreated, you may die.
Establishing Liability
To recover damages on a boating accident claim, you must demonstrate that another party’s behavior caused your injuries. In boating accidents, the boat operator is often found responsible for injuries sustained.
To prove that the boat operator was negligent, the following must be established:
- Duty of care: You must show that the boat operator owed you and other passengers a duty to exercise reasonable care when driving the recreational boat or vessel
- Breach of duty: You must show that the boat operator violated his or her duty, either through an act or omission
- Causation: You must provide evidence that the boat operator’s action or failure to act is the cause of your injuries
- Damages: As a result of the boat operator’s actions, you sustained injuries and other measurable losses
Injured? Speak with Our Syracuse NY Boating Accident Attorneys Today
A boating accident can leave you with shocking injuries, altering your life permanently. If you have been hurt in a boating accident, now is the time to reach out to our dedicated legal team. To get started, contact us online or by phone to schedule your free consultation.