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Did you know there are close to 7,000 lakes in Texas? And, with the intense summer heat, many families flock to popular lakes such as Lake Austin, Caddo Lake, Cedar Creek Lake, Lake Conroe, Lake Lewisville, and Lake Ray Hubbard. Sadly, these family-friendly outings can turn dangerous or deadly when recreational watercrafts, such as a Jet Ski or WaveRunner, are involved. For example, a teen on a kayak was killed when someone on a Jet Ski struck him on Lake Grapevine earlier this summer, as reported by the What Are the Common Ways Kids Can Get Hurt in Jet Ski Incidents?
Jet Skis are one of many powerful types of personal watercraft that can travel up to 60 mph and require specific rules of operation, per Texas Parks and Wildlife. In fact, children under 13 are not allowed to operate one unless someone over the age of 18 is on the vessel with them.
When you combine that power with crowded bodies of water, inexperienced operators, or a lack of supervision, it can be very dangerous, especially when children are involved. Here are some of the most common scenarios our child injury lawyers have seen firsthand how kids can get severely injured:
- Child on a Jet Ski Gets Hit by Another Jet Ski: If someone riding a Jet Ski crashes into your child’s Jet Ski, your child can be thrown from the watercraft and suffer broken bones, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and organ damage.
- Jet Ski Driver Hits Your Child While They’re Swimming: Little ones tubing, floating, or swimming in open water are especially vulnerable to Jet Skis since many riders do not look out for smaller swimmers. These incidents involving children can include serious trauma to their bodies, such as spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries that could potentially result in tragic consequences.
- Malfunctioning Jet Ski: If the watercraft is not properly maintained, mechanical issues such as steering failures, sudden engine shutdowns, or throttle problems can happen. These malfunctions can cause your child to be thrown from the Jet Ski into the water, resulting in broken bones or a drowning incident.
- Reckless Jet Ski Operators: Irresponsible behavior is the most common cause of PWC accidents involving children. This includes speeding in no-wake zones, weaving between boats, or making sharp, unexpected turns close to others. Because of reckless operators, kids can be seriously injured or even killed in these situations.
Recovering from most of these injuries caused by Jet Skis can require months—or even years—of costly treatments.
Who Can You Sue After Your Child Was Injured by a Jet Ski?
Depending on what caused the incident involving your child and a Jet Ski, a few different parties could be held responsible for your child’s injuries. Frequently, they include:
- Group Organizers or Sponsors: If incidents involving a Jet Ski happen during a daycare or school-sponsored outing or at a summer camp, the sponsoring organization can be held liable for failing to keep your child safe.
- Jet Ski Owner and Operator: Like a car crash, the person who caused the wreck on the water can be held liable. In addition, the owner of the Jet Ski can also be sued if the watercraft was borrowed by or loaned to someone inexperienced at operating such a powerful vessel.
- Rental Companies: Jet Ski rental businesses are required to follow state safety regulations. If the watercraft was not properly maintained, or the business failed to provide safety instructions and best practices to the operator, they can be sued for your child’s injuries.
What Do I Need to Know About Filing a Lawsuit After a Jet Ski Hurt My Child?
In Texas, parents have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party (or parties) with ties to the Jet Ski that caused their child’s injuries. Legal action must be taken within two years of the incident involving the watercraft. This is known as the statute of limitations.
In a lawsuit involving your child’s injuries from the Jet Ski, your family may be entitled to compensation, also called damages, that cover:
- Your child’s medical bills to treat their injuries
- Mental anguish from experiencing the traumatic incident
- Long-term resources and care to help them recover from the incident
- Replacement costs for any property that was damaged by the Jet Ski, such as a kayak or other watercraft being used by the child
In the tragic event that your child passed away because of injuries they sustained from a Jet Ski incident, you may be able to file a wrongful death of a child lawsuit. While this action won’t bring your child back, it can give you solace in knowing that the responsible party or parties were held accountable for their negligence.
Reach out to our compassionate and experienced team of child injury lawyers by calling 214-699-4409 or emailing us at intake@buttonlawfirm.com. With more than a decade of experience helping Texas families, we are ready to listen and help you determine the best path forward for your family after a Jet Ski incident involving your child.
Was Your Child Seriously Injured on a Jet Ski? Contact The Button Law Firm.
If your child was seriously injured by a Jet Ski anywhere in Texas, contact our experienced Texas child injury lawyers at The Button Law Firm. With lawyers in Dallas, Houston, and Midland, we are ready to listen, fight for your family, and help your family move forward. Our lawyers at The Button Law Firm are recognized on the prestigious Texas Super Lawyers list, and we can help guide you after a traumatizing incident involving your child. We work on contingency, meaning we don’t charge you or collect any upfront fees to get started on your case. Call us at 214-699-4409, email us at intake@buttonlawfirm.com, or fill out a contact form for a free case evaluation.
