Michigan Boat Crash Leads to Serious Injury
We often think of cars and other road vehicles as high-risk machines that should be operated safely at all times. But boats and other marine craft, even those used for recreation, can bring about accidents, injury, and even death when operated in an unsafe manner.
According to a recent article, a woman experienced serious leg injuries in an accident on Lake Michigan. The woman was on an inflatable raft when a large boat reversed and ran over the device, injuring the woman and another individual. Cell phone footage of the accident shows that she and the other person were sucked under the boat. The severity of the injuries necessitated the amputation of both of her feet. In the days after the amputation the woman expressed shock and difficulty adjusting, imploring boaters to use more caution on busy recreational lakes and waters.
Damages for Serious Injuries in Michigan
Just like careless drivers in car accidents, negligent boat operators can be held liable for a victim’s injuries in civil court. Boat operators who fail to use reasonable care in operating their boats or are under the influence of drugs and alcohol are likely to be found negligent by a jury, which means they may owe you for your economic and emotional damages. Injuries, particularly injuries that result in scarring and disfigurement, can be financially compensated for in court through both types of damages award. And when video footage of the accident is available, as in the recent accident, victims may be able to more easily prove the cause of their harms.
Economic damages are wide-ranging and include any monetary losses you’ve suffered or will suffer. This includes personal property damage, medical bills, lost wages, lost future earning potential, and caregiving expenses.
Non-economic damages can include mental anguish from the violence of an accident and even depression experienced after the loss of a limb, such as the amputation of a foot. Non-economic damages can also include physical pain and suffering and loss of quality of life. The severity of an injury such as loss of both feet can be devastating, and Michigan law is willing to allow for compensation for this significant life change.
A good personal injury attorney can help someone who has been injured in any type of accident navigate their Michigan personal injury claim and help determine what type of damages may be available. Michigan’s statute of limitations is three years from the date of accident or injury diagnosis, so if you have been injured, do not delay. Contact an attorney immediately.
Do You Need a Michigan Personal Injury Attorney?
If you’ve been injured in Michigan, a personal injury attorney can help you recover your medical expenses and get compensation for your pain and suffering. The Neumann Law Group has a team of experienced attorneys in Detroit, Traverse City, Grand Rapids, and beyond. The attorneys on our team are experienced in a wide range of personal injury cases, including boating accidents. Contact our office at 800-525-6386 to schedule a free initial consultation with our team.
