A case in Florida is making California residents sit up and take notice. While this may have happened in a different state, it could happen anywhere with oceans or lakes. Read on to learn more about the case. If you’ve been involved in any type of boat accident, including a drowning accident, please reach out to Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 to get a free legal consultation.
One woman died in the accident
The accident in question involved a fire on a casino boat. A 42-year-old woman was one of the 50 people on board who made it back to the shore. She along with 14 other people sought medical treatment for burns and other injuries after the fire. She was at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Park when she passed away.
Passengers on the boat had to jump into water to get to shore
According to those involved, those who were on the boat and had to evacuate were forced to jump into waist-deep water. This may not have been a huge issue during some times of the year, but this was a chilly day and the cold water is reported to have both cause medical problems and exacerbated some medical conditions that already existed.
The casino says they don’t know what caused the fire
The Tropical Breeze Casino, on which the fire took place, say they don’t know what caused the fire. The company issued a statement that further stated that there has never before been an issue with this boat. The Coast Guard is investigating the accident and hopes to find answers but as of today says that the cause is unclear. Police have added that the boat appears to have been having engine problems immediately after it left its port.
Is the casino responsible for damages?
The question remains as to how much responsibility – if any – the casino bears in the situation. What is known is that if the owner of a property doesn’t repair dangerous conditions on that property, then they may be responsible for damages that occur to victims. If a person dies as a result of their injuries, then the family of the deceased may have grounds to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
A wrongful death lawsuit could help the family through this terrible experience
Funerals are expensive. Many families in these types of situations are relieved to learn that their wrongful death case may allow them to recoup the cost of final expenses, including the funeral, as well as other punitive damages. In order to prove the case, a personal injury attorney will look at previous accidents, repair records, and additional evidence to show that the owner either did know about the hazard or should have known.
If the evidence shows that the owner didn’t take steps to fix the problem or alert people that it was there, then they may have a case. If you’ve lost a loved one, or have been injured yourself, on property owned by another person then you may have a premises liability case on your hands. Call Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal evaluation.
