Missouri Injury Lawyers Blog

The Missouri State Water Patrol released a statement regarding the new safety law regarding dock address identification which takes effect on January 1, 2010. Dock owners on Missouri lakes, specifically the Lake of the Ozarks and any other lake managed by the US Army Corp of Engineers, will be required to post the nearest land address on the dock itself to aid emergency workers in locating accident scenes. The hope is that response times will be that must faster with water-related accidents.

For more information you can visit the Water Patrol press release page or the Ameren UE press release page regarding the new law's specifications. You can also call the Missouri State Water Patrol with any questions regarding the new law at 573-751-3333.

KY3 news in Springfield, Missourireported on a boating accident that left one man dead as a result. At Pomme De Terre lake in southern Missouri, at approximately the 16MM, Albert Warner and John Smith, both of Springfield, Missouri were in a 1983 Richline 12' utility boat and had stopped to eat lunch near the Highway PP access. Smith stood up in the boat and it capsized, throwing both men into the water. They were trying to put on life jackets when Smith's floated away. Warner and Smith clung to the boat for about 40 minutes until two gentlemen came by in another boat and towed them to shore.

Warner was transported to Citizens Memorial Hospital for treatment of hypothermia. Smith was declared dead at the scene. The Missouri State Water Patrol investigated the accident.

The Missouri State Water Patrol investigated a crash where two boats collided on the lake yesterday. Around 3:37 p.m. a 1999 Skeeter Bass Boat, operated by Michael Eubanks of Bourbonnais, Illinois was idling on the lake when a 2002 Triton Bass Boat, operated by Jeff Frederici plowed up the lake and crashed into him. Further investigation is still pending.

Missouri is known for its beautiful lakes and scenic waterways and water recreation is a popular way to cool off on those hot and sultry Missouri afternoons. However, summer fun can quickly turn to tragedy for the unwary.

Drowning accidents claim the lives of thousands of people each year. The Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) reports that in 2005 alone, there were 3582 fatal unintentional drownings in the United States, and an additional 710 people died in boating related incidents. In 2006, the U.S. Coast Guard received reports for 4967 boating incidents. Among those who drowned, 9 out of 10 were not wearing life jackets. More than one in four fatal drowning victims are children 14 and younger. Most drownings in those over 15 years of age occur in natural water settings such as lakes, rivers or the ocean.

Some of the major risk factors in drowning accidents are (1) lack of appropriate barriers and supervision; (2) age and recreation in natural water settings such a lakes, rivers or the ocean; (3) lack of appropriate choices in recreational boating; and (4) alcohol use.

What can you do to prevent water related injuries:

Designate a responsible adult to supervise young children while in or around water.

Always swim (or boat) with a buddy

Learn to swim. Be aware that the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend swimming classes as the primary means of drowning prevention for children younger than four.

Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

If you have a pool at home, install a fence that completely separates the house and play area of the yard from the pool area. Also consider additional barriers such as automatic door locks or alarms to prevent access or to notify you if someone enters the pool area.

If you are in or around natural bodies of water, always use U.S.Coast Guard approved life jackets when boating, regardless of distance to be traveled, size of boat or swimming ability of boaters.

Watch for dangerous waves and signs of currents.

Don't use alcohol. Alcohol influences balance, coordination, and judgment, and its effects are heightened by sun exposure and heat.




Continue reading "Summer Fun Turns Tragic in Missouri Drowning Accidents" »

It is estimated that well over 300,000 boating accidents occur each year resulting in some sort of personal injury. The exact figure is difficult because many times no report is filed. The United States Coast Guard keeps statistics on fatalities and injuries and such incidents should be reported if there is a death, disappearance, and property damage in excess of $500.00 or medical attention beyond first aid.

Coast Guard statistics show that the major contributing factors to serious injuries and fatalities are alcohol use, reckless operation, and inexperience. In fact less than 10% of all reported death and Injury cases happened on vessels operated by persons who had boater safety training. Other common factors include:
• Driver error
• Drugs
• Excessive Speed
• Equipment failure
• Adverse weather and/or water conditions

As a general rule of law, a boat operator and its owner must exercise the highest degree of care to prevent injuries to those passengers in the boat or swimmers or others in the waters or boats around them.

Continue reading "Boating Accidents Take Heavy Toll" »