Fire Injuries on a Boat: Legal Considerations
Few experiences are as frightening as being far from shore on a boat which catches fire. Passengers can suffer direct smoke or fire injuries, while others might drown when they jump into the water to escape the flames. Accident victims and their families should contact an experienced law firm to uncover what caused the fire and determine if they have a right to compensation.
Legal Liability for a Boat Fire
Fires are often the result of:
- Wiring issues. Some aging boats have poor wiring, which can lead to power surges or fires, which then spread.
- The voltage regulator on an older boat can fail, leading to a fire.
- Defective products. Certain products brought onto the boat could cause a fire, such as electronic devices that use lithium batteries.
- Cooking on the boat. Cooking on a grill can get out of hand, resulting in the spread of fire. A boat might lack a fire extinguisher to put out a small fire, allowing it to grow.
- Fuel leak. A fuel leak could result in ignition of the fuel and possibly even an explosion on the boat.
Fires can directly injure passengers by causing burns or smoke inhalation injuries. A second- or third-degree burn typically requires hospitalization, skin grafts, and regular monitoring to prevent the spread of infection. A fourth-degree burn can lead to amputation of the affected limb.
We also must mention the risk of death when a boat catches on fire. Someone who is knocked unconscious by smoke inhalation might fall overboard and drown. Other people will jump off the boat simply to get away from the flames but drown before they can be rescued.
To obtain compensation, we need to pinpoint the reason for the fire. When a defective product causes the initial spark, then you might have a product liability claim against the manufacturer for selling defective products.
However, if mechanical issues with the vessel cause the fire, then you might sue the boat owner. They should have the craft regularly serviced and address any problems promptly. They should also have a fire extinguisher and lifeboats in the event of an emergency. Failure to have these safety items might itself be an example of negligence.
Contact a law firm quickly. Some important evidence is on the vessel. Even after it has suffered fire damage, an expert can investigate to determine where the fire started and the cause. This evidence is the foundation of a personal injury claim against the boat owner or a different defendant.
Speak with a Miami Boat Accident Lawyer
Boating is an enjoyable hobby, but when tragedy strikes, you need to hire an experienced law firm to protect your interests. Reach out Pita Weber Del Prado to speak with a Miami boat accident lawyer about your injuries. Our legal team has experience with reconstructing boat accidents, and we can speak to witnesses about what they observed. When we identify the cause of the fire, we can discuss whether to seek a settlement from the at-fault defendant.
Source:
boatingcompass.org/six-causes-of-boat-fires/
