Houston Boat Accident Lawyer
With Houston being on the Gulf Coast and being home to many lakes such as Lake Conroe and Lake Livingston, it is no surprise that boating and other water recreational activities are a favorite pastime for many residents. Unfortunately, a leisurely weekend on the water can turn into a devastating accident with far reaching consequences.
Boating accidents from intoxication
The majority of injuries that occur while being on a boat involve alcohol. Just like a car driver, it is also illegal for a boat operator to be intoxicated while operating their boat. This can lead to many poor choices, such as driving with excessive speed. Boats do not have brakes, so even with a clear head it can be harder for an operator to have situational awareness and maneuver a boat at high speeds and avoid collisions.
Ultimately, a boat operator is also responsible for the safety of all their passengers. Alcohol can cloud judgment, such as making passengers wear life jackets or monitoring any unsafe behaviors onboard. Their experience, attentiveness, and even whether or not they’ve completed a boater safety course is also grounds for their culpability in a boating accident.
Texas is the fifth-highest state in the country for drunk boating accidents. So even if your boat operator has a clear head, it is important for them to be on guard for others sharing the water who might not be as contentious about safety.
What are some types of boating injuries
Drowning is the most obvious type of injury one can incur as the result of a boating accident. However, more broadly there are also:
- Partial or “dry” drowning. Dry drowning is when water goes up the nose or mouth, but doesn’t reach the lungs. The spasm that occurs as a result blocks airway passage into the lungs, leading to cardiac arrest.
- Another type of partial drowning is secondary drowning, when water gets into the lungs and causes irritation, leading to fluid build-up. This is a condition known as pulmonary edema. The symptoms of secondary drowning don’t often manifest until 24-48 hours after being in the water, which can include difficulty breathing, coughing or chest pain.
It is important to seek immediate medical attention if either of these conditions are suspected.
- Traumatic brain injuries. A traumatic brain injury can occur if two boats collide and the force of the impact causes this injury on a victim. More commonly, a victim can be underwater without oxygen for too long, which can cause a long-term brain injury.
- Spinal cord injuries. Similar to traumatic brain injuries, these can happen due to the impact from a boat collision. However, these can also happen while engaging in water recreational activities from hitting the water at high speed such as tubing, wakeboarding or water skiing.
Recovery and compensation available from a boating accident
A few examples of the compensation available from a boating accident include:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of earning and wages
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Mental Impairment
- Physical Impairment
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Wrongful Death
- Property replacement and repair
Contact a Houston boat accident lawyer today
Scott Callahan & Associates has been in practice for 25 years and is board certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. We know the nuances of boating accidents and are experienced in recovering the maximum compensation for your injury. Give us a call today for a free consultation 24/7 at 713-888-9000.