Planning A Boat Ride? Be Aware Of These Unique Injuries
When people talk about boating accidents, they mostly focus on the common ones; such as drowning or getting stranded at sea. However, these aren't the only causes of injuries for boaters. Here are three other injuries that may befall you when you go for a boat ride:
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Gasoline-powered boats produce carbon monoxide gas, which is poisonous and can lead to a fatal injury. According to the CDC, some large boats have exhaust gases coming out of their rears, which may endanger your health if you are on the rear swim deck. Even those in the cabin aren't safe, especially if the boat is traveling at slow speeds. Carbon monoxide buildup can occur in the cabin, especially if there is wind directing it there.
There are different ways of preventing carbon monoxide poisoning; some of them are up to you while others are the responsibility of the owner. For example, you shouldn't swim or be near the engine exhausts. At the same time, the person in charge of the boat should ensure that the exhaust outlets aren't blocked. You have a strong claim for damages if you are injured as a result of the controller's or boat owner's negligence.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke (also called sunstroke) is a condition of abnormally elevated body temperatures. It's a medical emergency, and should be treated as such by calling for emergency responders since it can be fatal without timely intervention. Young or elderly people are especially susceptible to heatstroke.
Heatstroke can easily strike you once you go out on a boat because, unlike land, shade is harder to come by when on water. The precautions include drinking plenty of water and avoiding strenuous activities in the sun. A boater's negligence can expose you to heatstroke, for example, if they don't carry adequate fuel or fail to maintain the boat properly, and you end up stranded. However, your contribution to the injury, for example, by drinking alcohol (alcohol increases the risk of heatstroke since it speeds up dehydration), may invalidate or reduce your damages.
Electrocution
Electrocution is also a real danger when on a boat ride. The danger comes from different sources within the boat, such as frayed electrical wiring and malfunctioning radios. Don't forget that water conducts electricity, and you don't have to touch the live wires directly to be electrocuted if the boat is wet. You aren't safe either if you are in the water next to the boat. Damaged electrical wiring that touches the water may also introduce high voltage electricity to the water next to the boat, which can easily electrocute you. This is not a far-fetched idea; it has actually happened to some people.
As a passenger, the best you can do is to avoid touching electrical appliances once you are in the boat. It also helps to stick to properly maintained boats since they are less likely to have damaged or exposed electrical wiring.
If you have been injured in a boat accident, you will probably be interested in compensation for your damages. Getting compensated is only possible if your injuries were caused by another party. An injury lawyer may help to evaluate your case and determine whether another party is liable for your accident. For more information, talk to various lawyers in your area.
