A 21-year old man was seriously injured in a boating accident in the waters off Compo Beach near Westport recently. Police say that the driver of the boat, who was friends with the victim of the accident, allegedly put the 26-foot Sea Ray Sun Deck into reverse and cut the victim's legs with the propeller of the boat when the boat ran over him. The boat operator was charged with reckless operation of a vessel while under the influence.

Alcohol-related boating deaths have been rising in Connecticut to 22 between 2006 and 2012, from only 6 between 2001 and 2005. Nearly one third of all boating deaths in Connecticut are alcohol related, greatly exceeding the national average of one in five.

Connecticut has worked to reduced alcohol-related boating deaths, including passing a law that mandated tougher penalties in 2009; however, boaters continue to engage in unsafe boating practices. A Coast Guard review found that of the 34 people who passed away from alcohol related accidents from 1998 to 2012, none wore life jackets. Surprisingly, one third of all alcohol-related boating deaths in Connecticut occur in non-motorized watercraft.

Connecticut has many programs in place to encourage safe boating. In addition to requiring a Safe Boating Certificate to operate recreational vessels excluding personal watercraft such a Jet skis, Connecticut offers Personal Watercraft certifications for Jet skis and similar watercraft, as well as canoe and kayak safety classes.

Recreational boat operators often do not realize that they have the same obligations when operating their boats that they do when behind the wheel of an automobile. Boat operators must follow all laws, including not operating the vessel under the influence of alcohol and otherwise operating the vessel safely. If a recreational boat operator injures another person while operating their vessel dangerously or recklessly, they may be liable for damages they cause to other boats and for the injuries they cause to other people. Compensation for injuries can include compensation for medical expenses, payment for pain and suffering caused by the injuries, compensation for time away from work, and payment for expenses needed to fully recover from the injury or future medical expenses.

The following case is successfully handled in Connecticut courts by Attorney Levin.

Ane v Hammer et al

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