Recently, a tragedy occurred in the Hudson River when a boat capsized near Pier 86, in Manhattan, resulting in the drowning of a 7-year-old child and 50-year old woman. The boat accident also resulted in personal injuries to 11 other individuals. As per the New York City Police Department, the cause of the accident was the overloading of the 27-foot vessel, which investigators believed was caught in the wake of a passing boat at the time of the capsize. Twelve people were on board the vessel at the time of capsize. According to the New York City Fire Department, marine and land units responded to the Hudson River off of West 46th Street and Pier 84 in Midtown Manhattan just after 2:45 p.m. Two ferries of The New York Waterway Ferry also responded to the accident to assist the emergency responders from the NYPD and FDNY.
Boating is becoming an increasingly popular recreational activity for New Yorkers looking for some fun in the summertime sun and an escape from the often-overbearing New York City heat. However, as this tragedy reminds us, boating adventures can often turn deadly if the proper precautions are not taken. Similar to motor vehicles, motorboats and other vessels are often equipped with powerful engines, yet boat operators are often not subject to the same rules and regulations of the road that we see applied to cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles. Boating accidents often leave victims severely injured. Injuries to the head, back, neck, and spinal cord are common injuries seen in boating accidents, often due to negligent operation of the watercraft.
After a boating accident, victims and/or their families may be able to file a lawsuit against the operator of the boat for negligence or for a failure to provide reasonable safety.
Common causes of boating accidents include:
- Operator inattention
- Improper lookout
- Operator inexperience
- Excessive speed
- Mechanical failure
- Alcohol use
Whether the accident falls under the common-law negligence or specific provisions of the maritime law is fact-specific and depends upon the circumstances of your accident.
As a result of the serious injuries sustained in a boating accident, damages may be awarded for past and future medical bills, lost wages incurred as a result of your (or your family member’s) inability to continue working due to injuries sustained in the accident, and the pain and suffering endured as a result of the injuries sustained in the accident.
Pain and suffering also includes:
- Any mental pain
- Anguish
- Depression
- Sleeplessness
- Other negative psychological consequences that arise as a result of your injuries
Grandelli & Eskenasi has a storied history of success advocating for the rights of New Yorkers who have been injured as a result of negligence. Year after year, Grandelli & Eskenasi has been selected as a Tier 1 Plaintiff’s Personal Injury Litigation law firm by the U.S. News World Report.
If you or a loved one was involved in a boating accident, a cause of action may exist against the operator of the boat or other water vessel that entitles you to money damages. Call Grandelli & Eskenasi today for a free case evaluation.
