The Lombardi Law Firm Blog

Boating News from Iowa and the Midwest - A Sioux City Councilman was injured in a boating accident on Oak Lake

I’m a bit behind on boating posts. I’ve collected some boating news so let us examine how people are injured while boating or on or near the water’s edge.

A Sioux City Councilman was injured in a boating accident on Oak Lake

Nebraska – Two people were killed in Lancaster County on Oak Lake. The mishap occurred on a Sunday morning around 8:20 a.m. Cousins, Eric Jarecki (32) and Jason Hafsaas (25) were driving a speed boat, turned sharply, were thrown from the boat and the boat ran over and killed them. Speed appears to be the main factor involved. Reckless driving and perhaps not using some sort of seatbelt harness might also have contributed.

Iowa – Nebraska – Two men were thrown from the boat they were riding in on the Missouri River. Bruce Wright (31) or South Sioux City, Nebraska was missing. This accident occurred at around 8 p.m. one mile north of Salix. Oscar Gomez (33) was injured and flown by helicopter to a local hospital. Gomez was charged with operating a boat while intoxicated.  The news description is that Oscar Gomez and Bruce Wright were thrown from the boat as the driver Samuel Gomez (32) suddenly slowed down.   Cause is likely a sudden deceleration, failing to give a proper warning to the passengers, perhaps failure to wear life vests, drinking and driving along with the possibility of reckless driving or fooling around. Just don’t know because there is nothing further in the news report. The Iowa DNR by Kevin Baskins provided the report along with the Des Moines Register and the Sioux City Journal.  Oscar Gomez is a South Sioux councilman. Injuries were cuts on the right leg likely from the propeller and a left hip injury.

Naples, Florida – In this trial being held in June 2009 the plaintiff’s case hinges on how the jury views prevention as applied to propeller accidents maiming a person in the water. A woman was permanently disfigured when struck by the boat engine’s propeller. A U.S. Coast Guard expert testified that all propeller accidents could be prevented if a propeller guard was used or incorporated into the design. The trial testimony with the plaintiff calling the defense expert on direct, but hostile examination is rather interesting for the admissions given by the defense expert on how industry uses testing to not set standards.

Wisconsin – The sheriff’s in Wisconsin will be out looking for drunken boat operators. The federal or national initiative is called “Operation Dry Water” and is a program to keep drunken boat operators off the waters.  Simply someone on board, the operator has to have nothing to drink of an alcoholic nature. What you could do is make everyone pay $5 or $10 into a kitty and whoever is the designated driver gets to keep the money.  The Minnesota DNR offers a couple of safety tips including wearing a safety vest.  And Minnesota DNR offers a free boating guide.  The boating guide is an electronic version of the printed materials you can pick up at any boat shop.

Welcome to the Lombardi Law Firm website. We try to make our website an interesting source of information for all people who may have suffered an injury or whose relatives have been injured or killed. We attempt to provide information that makes you more aware of how to avoid injury and death.  We are here to assist you to stay safe and with your legal problems. Call us if you have legal questions or if you have safety concerns. (515-222-1110) We are willing to assist you in finding answers to your questions and regularly write about safety measures that readers bring to our attention. Good luck on the job and be safe. Steve Lombardi is a personal injury lawyer in Iowa, but prides himself on doing more than just practicing law.  Email: sdlombardi@aol.com

If you, your spouse or a member of your family or friends are involved in any kind of accident contact the Lombardi Law Firm. We can assist you with your claim. Steve Lombardi has more than 30 years of experience in civil litigation including death and injury cases for workers and their spouses from car, semi-truck, motorcycle, pedestrian and construction accidents and injuries. We don't charge you to talk with Mr. Lombardi to find out if you have a case. Don't delay, call him today. (515-222-1110 or sdlombardi@aol.com)

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