Jet Skis

Jet ski defects can lead to serious injuries. While these watercraft are recreationally used by many, they can be dangerous in the event they are defective. Certain models of Jet Skis have been recalled for various defects. Other jet ski defects can include a design or manufacturing defect in the product, causing it to be dangerous. In such cases the injuries sustained by the person operating the watercraft can be devastating. Injuries can also be suffered by those in the surrounding area of either the impact or product at the time of its operation. In such cases contact an experienced product liability attorney to determine your rights, you may be entitled to compensation.

DEFECTIVE JET SKI ACCIDENT – WHO IS LIABLE?

In product liability cases, any commercial seller in the chain of distribution or manufacturing is responsible. This refers to any distributor, wholesaler, retailer and manufacturer.
The manufacturer will be liable when they produce a defective product. A product is defective when it fails to perform in the manner it is intended. With regard to jet skis, they are considered defective when they fail to perform in the manner for which they were designed.
Product defects can come in the way of manufacturing defects, design defects or failure to properly warn. Other theories can be failure to anticipate the use of the product. The manufacturer will be liable when they produce a product that fails to meet certain guidelines. In the case of jet skis they are liable when they fail to meet the guidelines or safety standards required in the industry. Other situations of liability exist when they fail to develop a product that is safe and meets the expectations of the consumer.

Common injuries for jet ski accidents include:

• Amputation
• Broken bones
• Burns
• Serious neck and back injuries
• Fractured ankle

JET SKI ACCIDENT CLAIM – RECOVERY FOR YOUR INJURIES

If you have been injured in a jet ski accident, consult a qualified product liability attorney. Determining who to sue and who is responsible is difficult. Additionally, many companies will not negotiate with you unless you have an attorney.

Boating Accidents and the Jones Act

The Jones Act (or maritime law) was passed by the U.S. Congress to protect injured seamen. This law also applies to recreational boaters. If a boating accident occurs, the operator of the vessel is required to file a report when:

• Someone dies
• An injury can’t be treated by first aid
• Damage occurs to the vessel or by the vessel
• Someone disappears

Most often accidents occur on inland waters, such as rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. The most common types of accidents include: collision, explosion, capsizing, falling overboard, flooding or sinking, and fire.

The Jones Act protects injured workers by allowing them the right to file negligence claims against their employers. It protects boaters by allowing them to collect damages from the owners of the at-fault vessel for injuries that occurred because a vessel was not seaworthy.

According to the National Safe Boating Council, most boating accidents are caused by factors that are in the operator’s or passengers’ control. For example, the number one cause of death in boating accidents is drowning. The number one reason: boaters were not wearing life jackets. In fact, less than 23 percent of boaters wear life jackets at all. Additionally, 80 percent of deaths occurred on boats where the operator had not taken a boater education course.