During these warmer summer months, everyone is heading outdoors to cool off. While some people prefer to spend their days by the pool, others have been enjoying the warmer weather by spending a day on a lake or the ocean. Although these trips are usually filled with fond memories and valuable time spent with friends and family, many of the recreational activities that take place at the lake or beach can be dangerous and lead to accidents. When such accidents occur, those who are responsible may be held accountable through a Maine boat accident lawsuit.
In a recent news report, a tragic boat collision on Toddy Pond left a local man dead. During a gathering of friends and family, a boat was struck from behind by a a teenage girl operating a jet ski who was also part of the group. The jet ski accelerated suddenly and collided with the boat’s stern as the two boats were traveling through a headway speed portion of Toddy Pond.
The victim was with several others dangling their feet in the water sitting on the back of the boat when struck by the jet ski and thrown into the water. The victim was not wearing a life jacket. In addition, a thirteen year-old boy who had been wearing a life jacket was also injured by the jet ski and was brought to a local hospital with head, leg, and potential internal injuries. According to the authorities, on board the boat were thirteen people, and a driver and passenger on the jet ski. Local officials and a dive team found the victim’s body in Toddy Pond, and the collision remains under investigation.
Following an accident of this nature, filing a claim may be the furthest thing from a family’s mind. However, in Maine, a wrongful death claim can be brought when someone’s death is caused by a “wrongful act, neglect, or default” that would have allowed the deceased to pursue a personal injury lawsuit had their death not occurred. Maine law requires a showing that there was a connection between the defendant’s negligence and the individual’s death.
In Maine, there are a variety of types of damages that can be claimed following a wrongful death suit. These damages include non-pecuniary damages, otherwise known as damages that cover emotional injuries and distress, pecuniary damages, which can include medical bills, loss of wages, or other lost costs, and punitive damages, which are meant to punish and deter the defendant from engaging in similar conduct in the future.
Have You Lost a Loved One in a Maine Personal Injury Accident?
If you or someone you love has recently lost a loved one or family member because of a Maine boat accident, or any other type of preventable accident, contact the attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates. At our personal injury law firm, we represent clients in all types of wrongful death claims and have years of experience advocating on their behalf. To schedule a free consultation and discuss the details of your claim with an attorney today, call 800-804-2004.