Missouri Fishing Boat Accidents: Who’s Responsible?
Request Free Consultation
Missouri is a fisherman’s state. From the busy coves of the Lake of the Ozarks to the wide stretches of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, millions of anglers hit the water every year. Most trips end with a cooler full of fish and a few good stories. But when something goes wrong on the water, the injuries can be serious. Figuring out who’s responsible isn’t always straightforward.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a fishing boat accident, here’s what you need to understand about liability and what a claim might look like.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
The boat operator. The person behind the wheel is the first place liability tends to land. If they were speeding, distracted, drinking, or simply not watching where they were going, they can be held responsible for what happened. This applies whether you were a passenger on their boat or another vessel they collided with.
The boat owner. If the owner and operator are two different people, then the owner may share liability. This owner/operator relationship is common on fishing trips with borrowed or rented boats. If the owner allowed an inexperienced or impaired person to operate their vessel, then they could also be at fault.
A manufacturer. Sometimes the accident isn’t caused by human error at all. Defective motors, faulty fuel systems, and poorly designed equipment have all been the basis for product liability claims in boating cases. If the boat or its components failed, the manufacturer may be on the hook.
A rental company. Boat rental operations have a duty to maintain their boat fleet and ensure vessels are in safe working condition. If a rented fishing boat was poorly maintained or had a known defect, the rental company could share responsibility for what happened.
Multiple parties. In many fishing boat accidents, more than one party contributes to what went wrong. An impaired operator on a poorly maintained rental boat, for example, could create shared liability across multiple defendants. An experienced attorney at The Floyd Law Firm can help untangle who owes what.
Common Injuries in Fishing Boat Accidents
Fishing boat accidents don’t always look like dramatic collisions. Many happen in a matter of seconds — an unexpected wake, a sudden turn, or a capsizing that gives passengers no time to react. The injuries that result, however, can be anything but minor.
Traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries are among the most devastating outcomes of a boating accident. A single impact against the hull, deck, or water surface can result in anything from a concussion to permanent cognitive damage.
Spinal cord injuries. The spine takes a significant impact in many boating accidents. Falls on a rocking or fast-moving boat can compress or damage it. In the most serious cases, the result is partial or full paralysis.
Drowning and near-drowning. Even experienced swimmers can be incapacitated by a blow to the head before entering the water. Near-drowning survivors often face lasting neurological effects and catastrophic injuries that extend beyond the initial medical bills.
Lacerations and crush injuries. Propeller injuries are among the most severe in boating accidents. Tragically, many are preventable. Fishing gear, anchors, and equipment stored on deck can also cause serious cuts or crush injuries during a sudden stop or collision.
Broken bones and soft tissue injuries. Falls on wet decks or against hard surfaces frequently result in fractures, torn ligaments, and joint damage that require surgery and extended recovery time.
What Happens After a Fishing Boat Accident?
Evidence on the water disappears fast. Witnesses scatter, boats get repaired, and memories fade. The parties responsible, and their insurance companies, begin protecting their interests immediately. The sooner you have legal representation, the better positioned you are to preserve the evidence that supports your claim and recover the compensation you deserve.
If you were injured in a fishing boat accident on a Missouri lake or river — including the Lake of the Ozarks, The Mississippi River, Meramec River, or anywhere in the greater St. Louis area — the attorneys at The Floyd Law Firm are ready to help. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you understand your options.
Call The Floyd Law Firm at 314-863-4114.