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Boating accidents can cause catastrophic injuries that, in many cases, result in long-term medical challenges. When filing an injury claim, you must include all the damages you sustained due to your injuries, including medical expenses and lost wages. A seasoned boat accident attorney could help you file a comprehensive claim for compensation. Take a look at these common injuries in Chicago boating accidents to understand how the resulting damages can add up.
Broken bones are among the most common injuries from boating accidents in Chicago. Breaks and fractures can result from the force of a collision or flying debris. Riders not wearing seatbelts may get thrown around or out of the vessel during a crash, increasing the risk of a break.
Broken bones may require surgical treatment, casting, and physical therapy to aid in recovery. While some patients with broken bones can return to work quickly, others may need a longer recovery period.
Cuts and lacerations commonly result from Chicago boating accidents. A boat’s sharp edges can injure passengers during a wreck, and objects not latched down to the vessel can quickly become flying debris in a collision, posing a danger to those in surrounding areas.
Severe lacerations may require stitches and cause permanent scarring, resulting in immense emotional trauma.
Boat engines can catch fire in an accident, potentially causing passengers or nearby individuals to suffer severe burns. Burns can be incredibly painful and require substantial medical treatment, including multiple surgeries. Patients with severe burns may have to stay in a hospital burn unit while recovering and could suffer a high risk of infection and complications.
Head trauma can result from a boat passenger’s head banging against the boat itself, other passengers, or even the water if thrown from the boat during an accident. Even a minor blow to the head can cause debilitating symptoms and swelling in the brain.
Severe boat accidents can also result in severe trauma to a passenger’s limb(s), sometimes requiring amputation. Most amputees face lengthy recovery times, the need for occupational therapy, and regular replacements of prosthetic devices.
Drowning does not always result in death. However, it can cause brain damage if oxygen flow to the brain is decreased for a long enough period of time. Traumatic brain injury due to lack of oxygen can cause confusion and disorientation, memory challenges, difficulty concentrating or focusing, and challenges with emotional regulation. Some individuals may not recover their full capability following a brain injury.
In addition, drowning can lead to lung damage. Water in the lungs, especially if accompanied by any type of chemical, can require a long-term hospital stay and cause lasting health complications.
If you have suffered one of these common injuries in Chicago boating accidents, working with a personal injury lawyer could prove essential to recovering compensation. At McCready Law, we understand the challenges that individuals face following a boat wreck, and we strive to help our clients maximize the compensation they could recover. Reach out to us today for a free consultation.