Parasailing Accidents and Liability

happy couple parasailing on tropical beach in summerAccidents involving watercraft are becoming increasingly common in Florida.

An Illinois woman was recently killed and two children were injured in a parasailing accident in the Florida Keys. The accident happened in part due to severe weather according to the local source. Initially, the strong current of air drove the parasail which caused the sailing to become unsafe and, ultimately, deadly.

Determining fault and negligence can often be a challenge in parasailing accidents. If you have been involved in a boating mishap, you need the services of an experienced and knowledgeable boating accident attorney to advise and guide you.

Causes of Parasailing Accidents

Faulty Equipment

A common cause of accidents while parasailing is faulty equipment. Despite this, routine equipment inspections are not required. Post-accident inspections have revealed that in many cases the equipment was unsafe or unserviceable.

Strong Winds

Responsible and safety-conscious parasailing operations should not permit guests to go up during windy conditions that could present a danger to users. Despite this, there are still cases where people parasail with strong winds over ten or fifteen miles per hour.

Old and Worn-out Safety Harnesses

An old safety harness that does not perform properly can result in the user falling to his or her death. This is one of the leading causes of parasailing accidents. Ensure that the equipment used to secure you appears to be well maintained and looks new and in working order.

Towline Failure

According to parasailing accident statistics the number one reason for parasailing deaths is a towline that fails.

The NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) has discovered that the towline knot frequently used by parasail operators reduces the strength of a brand-new rope by as much as 70%. When the wear and tear caused by the sun, salt water, wind, and daily use add up, the percentage of that reduction goes up.

Before starting out on a parasail trip, always ask questions before starting out about the towline. Find out how often the operators use and change it, how they store it, and if the crew is well-trained. Trust your instincts, if they are telling you that towline might not be strong and safe.

Inexperienced Crew

An inexperienced crew also adds to the possible danger of parasailing. A crew that has not been well trained in the proper safety procedures poses a danger by putting the lives of users and others in jeopardy.

Parasailing Injuries

The coastal towns in Florida attract the adventurous to the appeal of flying high above the open water to enjoy the breathtaking views. To be sure, parasailing can be enormously fun and utterly exhilarating! As much as we wish it were otherwise, the reality is that not all parasailing operators provide a safe experience and operate by high standards. This can result in an accident that leads to catastrophic injuries.

The injuries a parasailer can suffer from include:

  • Broken bones
  • Cardiac arrest
  • Head trauma

Too often, these injuries can and do, lead to death.

Compensation

There are two common misconceptions that prevent the injured from seeking compensation from those responsible for parasailing accidents.

Many people assume they cannot take legal action because they have signed the cruise operator’s waiver or release of liability. This is not always a bar to legal action. Also, some believe they cannot obtain damages relative to a shore excursion, if those activities were separate from the cruise ship line.

There are exceptions that may apply in these cases, and seeking help from a Tampa Bay personal injury attorney is advisable to obtain the damages you deserve. Our experienced attorneys will thoroughly analyze your case to evaluate the viability and value of your claim. The following factors will be analyzed in evaluating your case:

  • Loss of potential earnings
  • Medical expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Punitive damages
  • Funeral expenses
  • Loss of familial support and relationship

Determining fault and negligence can often be a challenge in boating or parasailing accidents. Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore investigates boating accident cases thoroughly to ensure that their clients receive the most compensation possible for any financial or personal damages resulting from the accident.

If you or someone you love was involved in a parasailing accident, do not hesitate to contact our personal injury lawyers in Tampa. We would be pleased to discuss your case and help you pursue an action for recovery.