According to recent news reports from West Palm Beach Florida 14-year-old Gabby DeSouza suffered serious injury after a boating accident at the Juno Pier on Tuesday Feb. 8. DeSouza and her friends were in the water when another boat operated by a teenager and carrying other friends approached the swimmers despite repeated warnings from lifeguards that the boat should not have been in a designated swimming area. The boat operator revved the engine as DeSouza was attempting to get into the boat. The boat then struck three girls and DeSouzas leg was hit by the boats propeller. She was airlifted to St. Marys Medical Center where her leg had to be amputated below the knee. The Palm Beach Gardens High School student remains in critical condition. An investigation into the boating accident is being conducted in order to see if charges should be filed.
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While its fortunate that loss of life did not occur as a result of this apparent negligent behavior the victim has suffered a major life-altering injury. In such instances a suspected negligent party may be held civilly liable for the consequences of their actions regardless of whether or not criminal charges may be pressed. As the driver of the boat was reportedly a teenager as well the owner of the boat may bear liability for such an accident. Other issues may have also played a contributing role but properly assessing liability for a boating accident cannot be accomplished until a thorough investigation has been made into the accident.
– Texas Boating Accident Attorney Michael Grossman