Maryland Boy Killed in Jet Ski Accident
By injuheis on July 20, 2010
An 11-year-old boy from Springettsbury Township recently died as a result of his injuries from a jet ski accident earlier this month, according to the York Daily Record.
The boy was jet skiing in the Irish Creek and stopped on his jet ski. While he was stopped, he was struck by a 12-year-old boy who was with him at the time. He was airlifted to the hospital with brain injuries and tragically died later. The 12-year-old was not injured.
Jet skis can be much more dangerous than other types of watercraft, primarily because the rider is exposed. Some typical injuries to jet ski riders include chest or head trauma, drowning, spinal cord damage, carbon monoxide poisoning, and broken bones.
One major problem with jet skis is that they lack braking ability, and while jet ski drivers are coasting to a stop, they tend to lose the ability to steer. Some of the primary causes of Maryland jet ski accidents include operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, steering loss and speeding.
Jet skis can be especially dangerous for children. In Maryland, it is illegal for anyone under age 16 to operate a personal watercraft. According to the Coalition of Parents and Families for Personal Watercraft Safety, 50 percent of all jet ski injuries involving children are moderate to severe. In the year 2000, jet skis represented 19 percent of registered boats but 45 percent of boating injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a jet ski or boating accident, you may have claims against not only another person involved in the accident, but also against the jet ski or boat manufacturer. With the help of an experienced Maryland boating accident attorney, you may receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. To learn more about your legal rights regarding boating accidents in Maryland, contact Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” for a free consultation by calling 877-228-4878 today.
