Overview
A high school student suffered a below-the-knee amputation of his left leg after being pulled into a powerboat’s propeller while preparing to wakeboard. Despite numerous surgeries, doctors could not save his leg. A lawsuit was brought against the boat driver and resolved before trial for $1,115,000.
Key Takeaways
- Settlement Amount: $1,115,000
- Accident Type: Boating accident involving a powerboat
- Primary Injury: Left leg amputation below the knee
- Additional Injuries: Left foot drawn into the boat’s propeller
- Resolution Method: Settlement prior to trial
- Notable Legal Issues: The boat driver knew the teen was in the water behind the boat before reversing and accelerating
- Medical Treatment: Numerous surgeries
- Long-Term Impact: Loss of the left leg below the knee
The Case
Our client was a young high school student spending a day boating with family and friends. He intended to go wakeboarding and was in the water holding onto a swim platform at the rear of a powerboat.
The driver knew the teen was in the water behind the boat. Nevertheless, the driver put the boat into reverse and accelerated at a high rate of speed. The teen was dragged underneath the boat, and his left foot was drawn into the propeller.
The teen underwent numerous surgeries, but doctors were unable to save his leg. His left leg was ultimately amputated below the knee.
A lawsuit was brought against the driver of the boat. The case was resolved before trial through a settlement totalling $1,115,000.
Why It Matters
This case involved a young person who sustained a life-changing injury during a recreational boating outing. What began as a day of boating and wakeboarding resulted in the loss of his left leg below the knee.
The $1,115,000 settlement resolved the lawsuit against the boat driver without the case proceeding to trial.