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As a boat operator or passenger, you may be entitled to financial compensation not just for injuries that you suffered in a collision. A California passenger vessel accidents attorney at The Law Offices of Preston Easley, APC can help determine whether you may be eligible for money for your boating-related injuries.
Carbon monoxide is not just a risk that people face when they are inside a residence. Because a boat relies on an engine, the hazard is very real on a vessel. Boaters and their passengers may suffer serious injuries, and even death, from carbon monoxide poisoning on boats. There are numerous parties who may be responsible for a carbon monoxide injury, and you can hold them legally accountable in a lawsuit.
In light of the injuries that you or a loved one may have suffered, you should not attempt to deal with any potential legal case on your own. Let the experienced California passenger vessel accidents lawyers at The Law Offices of Preston Easley, APC fight for you. Schedule an initial consultation today at (310) 773-5207.
Causes of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning on Boats
The exhaust from a boat is the primary cause of carbon monoxide. If a boat idles for too long, or if the driver is traveling at a slow speed, carbon monoxide can build up quickly. Since carbon monoxide is odorless, one may not even realize that they are inhaling a potentially lethal substance. It may be too late to do anything about it by the time that a boat occupant realizes that something is wrong.
Other causes of carbon monoxide poisoning on a boat may include:
- Generators that remain in operation when a boat is not running
- Defective carbon monoxide detectors on the boat
- Staying overnight on a vessel in poorly ventilated areas
- Exhaust that is circulated towards the stern of the boat
Even if the carbon monoxide did not cause outright poisoning, it could still be responsible for a boating accident. Dizziness and lightheadedness are two of the initial effects of carbon monoxide inhalation. A driver can become disoriented and collide with another vessel, or a fixed object in the water, when they lose control of the boat.
Regulations That Address Carbon Monoxide Risks
There are numerous regulations that are intended to protect voters and the occupants of their vehicles from carbon monoxide poisoning. These rules include:
- U.S. Coast Guard safety requirements for ventilation and exhaust systems
- Certain types of vessels must have carbon monoxide detectors
- EPA and manufacturer standards for engine emissions
- State-specific rules relating to carbon monoxide poisoning
Who Is at Risk for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning on Boats?
Anyone who is on a boat is at risk of suffering carbon monoxide poisoning, including the operator and the passengers. Since numerous boaters may congregate in a certain area, those who are in the vicinity of the vessel could also be in danger. For example, a jet ski or personal watercraft operator could be traveling in close proximity to the boat, and they may breathe in carbon monoxide fumes. It does not take long to become sickened, and you could even be harmed if you are only in the vicinity of a vessel for a short amount of time.
Who Can Be Sued for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
If you are a passenger on a boat, you may be able to sue the driver for carbon monoxide poisoning (if they are not your spouse) if their conduct caused the dangerous buildup. For example, if you were riding on a tour boat, you can hold the operator legally responsible. You can also sue the company that rented the boat if they failed to maintain it in proper seaworthy condition, and it caused the carbon monoxide buildup.
The driver is not the only cause of carbon monoxide poisoning on a boat. In these cases, even the boat operator may have a potential lawsuit for carbon monoxide poisoning. You may have purchased a boat, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the boat or a defective part liable in a product liability lawsuit. Here, you would generally need to prove that there was a design or manufacturing defect that caused the carbon monoxide to build up and injure you. These defects can fall into three categories:
- Design
- Manufacturing
- Marketing
Product liability lawsuits can be difficult because you must prove the existence of a defect using scientific and technical evidence.
Contact a California Passenger Vessel Accidents Law Firm
If you or a loved one has suffered carbon monoxide poisoning on a boat, get legal help from a California passenger vessel accidents attorney at The Law Offices of Preston Easley, APC. We can investigate the cause of the accident and work for you to receive full Financial compensation. You can schedule a free initial consultation by messaging us online or by calling us today at (310) 773-5207.
Preston Easley is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. He served five years of active duty as a Naval officer — three years as a deck officer on a fast frigate and two years as a patrol boat skipper. Mr. Easley also served aboard a tank landing ship in the reserves. Learn more here.
