Top Causes of Sailboat Injuries

Sailing is a beloved pastime in Louisiana, with its extensive coastline and numerous lakes. However, what starts as a peaceful day on the water can quickly turn dangerous when proper safety measures aren’t followed. Sailboat accidents can result in severe injuries, often due to the negligence of others.

If you’ve been injured in a sailboat accident that wasn’t your fault, a Louisiana boat accident lawyer from Dudley DeBosier can help. Our experienced attorneys know maritime law and can guide you through filing a claim for your injuries.

6 Common Injuries in Sailboat Accidents

Sailboat accidents can lead to various injuries, some of which can have long-lasting impacts on your health and quality of life. Common injuries that occur in sailboat accidents include:

1. Broken Bones: The force of a collision or a fall on a boat can easily result in fractures, particularly in the arms, legs, or ribs.
2. Head Injuries: Concussions and more severe traumatic brain injuries can occur from impacts with the boat’s structure or being thrown overboard.
3. Spinal Injuries: The jerking motion during a collision or a fall from a height can cause herniated discs or, in severe cases, paralysis.
4. Rope Burns: Mishandling of ropes and rigging can lead to painful friction burns that cause scarring or damage to nerves in the hands and fingers.
5. Drowning or Near-Drowning: Falls overboard, especially in rough conditions, can lead to drowning or serious respiratory issues from water inhalation.
6. Hypothermia: Extended exposure to cold water, particularly in winter, can lead to dangerous drops in body temperature.

Boater Negligence:  Top Causes of Sailboat Injuries

Negligence often plays a significant role in sailboat accidents. Understanding the common scenarios where negligence leads to injuries can help you determine liability and seek appropriate compensation for the harm you suffered.

Collision With Another Vessel

One common cause of boating injuries is a collision between two watercraft, often due to the negligence of one vessel’s operator. This might occur in busy marinas or popular waterways where a negligent operator does one of the following:

• Ignoring right-of-way rules
• Operating the vessel while distracted
• Failing to maintain a proper lookout
• Speeding in congested areas
• Maneuvering abruptly in crowded marinas
• Using distracting electronic devices while operating the boat
• Navigating without proper knowledge of the area
• Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs

The resulting collision can cause passengers to suffer injuries from impacts with onboard fixtures or from being thrown overboard. Louisiana law mandates that boaters exercise due care when operating the vessel; failure to do so can result in liability for injuries and damages caused.

Negligence by Someone Else on the Boat

Injuries on a boat can result from the actions of a crew member or another passenger who behaves negligently. This could include leaving obstacles in walkways, resulting in trip and fall accidents, or failing to secure equipment in rough waters, leading to loose gear that could injure passengers.

These incidents pose risks of physical injury and can escalate to more severe emergencies, especially if safety equipment is compromised. Typically, you would hold the individual whose negligence caused the injury and possibly the boat’s operator liable for failing to enforce safety protocols.

Negligence by the Boat’s Owner

Boat owners are required to maintain their vessels in a seaworthy condition. If an owner neglects this duty, critical systems may fail, leading to accidents. For example, a failure to service the boat’s engine, check the integrity of the deck and railings, or provide passengers with the required personal flotation devices could result in serious injuries or fatalities.

Boat owners must ensure all operational and safety equipment is up to date and functional to prevent avoidable accidents. If they don’t and someone gets hurt, the owner can be liable for accidents and damages.

Unsafe Conditions at the Dock

Dockside accidents can occur when staff responsible for docking and undocking boats act carelessly. For example, if they fail to secure a boat properly, it may drift and collide with other moored boats, leading to injuries from sudden movements or falling debris.

Improperly managed fueling stations can lead to spills, creating slip hazards. Liability in these cases often rests with the marina operators or the specific individuals whose direct actions led to unsafe conditions resulting in injury.

Get Legal Guidance After a Sailboat Accident With Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers

Understanding your legal rights and options is essential after a sailboat accident. If another party’s negligence caused your injuries, you might be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Our qualified boat accident attorneys at Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers have the knowledge and experience with maritime laws and regulations to protect your interests and seek compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn your legal options.

Disclaimer: This content has been reviewed by Chad Lederman, Director of Legal Operations at our New Orleans office.

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