Most Common Boating Injuries

Summer is in full swing, and many people find relief from these hot days by spending time out on the water in their boats. While boating is a fun pastime for lots of Arizonans, it can also be dangerous, especially if the boat is not operated properly. In fact, one study done by the Arizona Game and Fish Department put operator inexperience and operator inattention at the top of its list reasons for boat-related accidents. The U.S. Coast Guard found 2,903 people were injured in boating accidents last year. Some of the most common boating injuries seen in the summer can be found below.

Common Boating Injuries

Injuries from boating accidents vary in severity, and can result in short trips to an urgent care facility to long stays in hospitals, or even death. Some of the most common injuries include:

1.) Lacerations. Lacerations may not be considered a very serious injury, but they can definitely cause a lot of damage. Some people have had to get numerous stitches while others have suffered from amputated limbs.

2.) Broken bones. Broken bones might be categorized as “less serious,” like lacerations, but they can have lasting effects. Some bones never properly heal and can cause chronic pain and difficulty using the broken limb properly.

3.) Spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries can result in a range of issues, depending on how severe the injury is. Some people experience temporary paralysis, while other could be paralyzed permanently.

4.) Traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, can leave a person with lasting consequences. A blow to the head with a heavy object can result in a TBI that affects the person’s memory and ability to walk, talk, or even perform everyday functions like personal care and grooming. People with a TBI may require a round-the-clock caregiver for the rest of their lives.

5.) Death. The U.S. Coast Guard reported 701 deaths from boat-related accidents in 2016. The loss of a loved one in a boating accident can be devastating to a family, both emotionally and financially. If your family member earned part or all of the household income, you may struggle to make ends meet or afford a proper burial for them.

How an Attorney Can Help

If you lost a loved one in a boating accident, or you or a family member were a victim of a careless operator, you are entitled to seek compensation for damages like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The personal injury attorneys at Udall Shumway, PLC are available to discuss your case and help you determine what’s best for your situation, so your family may continue to heal. Contact us today.

This blog should be used for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice. If you or someone you know wishes to seek the help of an experienced personal injury attorney regarding Boating Injuries, or other personal injury matters, call 480.461.5300. Udall Shumway PLC is located in Mesa, Arizona and is a full service law firm. We assist Individuals, families, businesses, schools and municipalities in Mesa and the Phoenix/East Valley.