Lightning-Strike-Related Boating Accident Leads To Lawsuit In Florida
Boating is one of the most popular pastimes in Florida. Not only that, but it is a massive industry, generating billions of dollars each year. Whether it’s a small dinghy, a historic schooner, a kayak, or a mega-yacht, many Orlando residents own boats and enjoy their time on the water. But boating is also a dangerous pastime. There’s a lot that can go wrong on the water, and sometimes accidents can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities. Recently, these safety hazards were highlighted by a notable personal injury lawsuit filed against a well-known rowing club in the Orlando area.
Mother Sues Rowing Club for Lighting Strike: “It Was Totally Preventable”
At first, it might seem ridiculous to claim that a lightning strike was “preventable.” After all, a lightning strike is the epitome of an “act of nature” in a legal context. In fact, the Cornell Law School specifically mentions lightning strikes in its definition of an act of nature. But when you look closer at this particular lawsuit, the plaintiffs might actually have a point.
The lawsuit revolves around a 2022 disaster. A middle school rowing team was practicing on Lake Fairview when lightning struck near several boats. One rowboat was capsized due to the lightning, causing all four occupants to be thrown into the water. Four out of five made it to the shore, with the body of the last child being discovered 24 hours later. One was then transported to a hospital, where he later died of his wounds.
The mother of the hospitalized child later sued the rowing club, claiming that the accident was preventable because the boys should have never been out on the lake during bad weather. The plaintiff also claims that the bad weather was predicted ahead of time, and the rowing club was or should have been aware of the danger.
What Is An “Act of Nature?”
The fact that this accident was caused by a lightning strike is notable because this is a textbook example of an “act of nature.” This is important because acts of nature are typically seen as unavoidable and unpreventable. Therefore, it can be very difficult to hold defendants liable for damages caused by acts of nature. That being said, many defendants have been sued successfully for failing to warn or take precautionary steps for storms that were clearly approaching. One of the most famous examples involves a lawsuit against a golf course that failed to provide sirens that warned golfers of thunderstorms.
Where Can I Find a Qualified, Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in Orlando?
If you’ve suffered an injury on the water due to someone else’s negligence, get in touch with the Orlando personal injury lawyers at Payer Law at your earliest convenience. With our assistance, you can hold negligent parties accountable and pursue fair compensation for your injuries. These injuries might require costly medical attention. You might also be suffering weeks, months, or even years of missed wages. Book your consultation today to pursue justice and fair compensation for all of your damages.
Sources:
rbs2.com/ltgwarn.pdf
insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2023/02/02/705709.html
