Des Moines Lack of Life Jackets Lawyers
The lakes and rivers of Iowa are a great place for families to escape from the summer heat. Recreational boating can give children and adults both a chance to swim, fish, or just relax out on the water. Too often, though, summer fun can quickly turn dangerous as a sudden change in the weather or costly mistake in the operation of the boat can cast those aboard into the surrounding waters. Even the best swimmers may struggle out in open water, and a panicked response can heighten the risk of drowning.
If you have lost a loved one or suffered serious injury because a boat was not properly equipped with safety equipment, then you may be able to pursue a legal action.
Contact the Des Moines lack of life jackets lawyers of LaMarca Law Group, P.C. at (515) 705-0233 to find out how we can help you to protect your legal rights.
Life Jackets and the Law
Although it seems like every boat owner and commercial boating operator would be compelled by common sense to do everything within their power to maximize the safety of those on board, many fail to do so. For some, it is a misguided attempt to save money by skimping on the purchase of life jackets and other devices. For others, poor planning or a well-intentioned effort to offer an extra friend a chance to ride may be at fault. But the failure to comply with the following legal requirements can put anyone on or near a boat in harm’s way:
- One US Coast Guard authorized life jacket must be onboard for each person on the craft
- All children under 13 must wear a life jacket unless in an enclosed cabin or below deck
- Everyone on a personal watercraft, like a jet ski, and anyone wake surfing or water skiing must wear a life jacket
Regardless of a boat owner or operator’s excuse for not having appropriate safety gear on board, this type of negligence is not only incredibly irresponsible, it can be deadly. If you have been injured because of a lack of life jackets, you deserve to claim damages from the responsible party and see that they are brought to justice for their carelessness.
Contact Us
Contact the Des Moines lack of life jackets lawyers of LaMarca Law Group, P.C. at (515) 705-0233 if you or someone you know has been the victim of an irresponsibly supplied boat.
