Boat Explosion Lawyer Straight Talk: Proving Causation When a Boat Explodes - By: William Turley

If you or a family member is seriously injured or killed in a boat explosion, you will need to prove legal causation in order to prevail in a boat explosion lawsuit. In this article we discuss potential causes of boat explosions.

Boat Explosion Statistics

Boating is an enjoyable activity. Unfortunately, the dangers associated with this pass time are oftentimes misunderstood, ignored or neglected. According to the USCG there were approximately 2,600 vessel explosions in America in 2009. These resulted in approximately 1,300 injuries and 5 reported deaths.

Boats Present Unique Hazards Of Fire And Explosions

The hazard exists due to the presence of gas within confined, poorly ventilated spaces. Oftentimes gasoline is released into boat spaces due to improper storage, equipment failure, gas lines leaking and/or spills. Gas vapors are heavier than air and gasoline vapors "float" into the boat hatches, ports, and bilges. The vapors migrate downward. The vapors act very much as a spilled liquid. The gasoline fumes will run to the lowest point of the vessel.

Potential Causes of Boat Explosions/ Boat Explosion Injuries

- Improper ventilation
- Not using blowers or not using blowers long enough before starting the engine
- Improper refueling methods
- Gasoline spillage and overflow
- Lack of periodic inspection of fuel systems
- Use of flammable materials of construction
- Lack of fire suppression equipment
- Filling portable fuel containers on board vessel
- Leaving hatches and doors open during refueling
- Not grounding the fuel nozzle to the fuel pipe during fueling
- Not smelling closely for fuel before starting engines
- Not making sure all passengers are off the vessel during refueling

Explosion Due to Improper Design

Many times explosions and fires aboard recreational boats are caused and/or contributed by defective designs. Shoddy boat design and use of flammable materials can cause or contribute to boat explosions, fires and injuries. Boat electrical systems must be properly designed. The boat electrical systems must be properly maintained to reduce electrical ignition sources. Bonding ground systems should be used for all boats with fixed electrical systems. Exhaust motors should be installed by boat manufacturers.

Conclusion:

All boat explosions are preventable. Simply stated, boats don't explode unless someone did something wrong. If you or a family member is involved with a boat explosion, then you will need to prove legal responsibility in order to recover damages for your injuries.

You Must Present Your Case Honestly

If you are asking for money damages in a court case your credibility is always at issue. Never misrepresent and/or fudge your case or your injuries. Tell the truth. At the end of the day, if the jury thinks you have deceived them - you will lose.

Disclaimer:

The foregoing is a boat explosion legal causation discussion. This discussion is not legal advice. Any resemblance to actual events, persons and/or boats is coincidental. The discussion is simplistic in order to achieve clarity. Each boat explosion case is different and has separate challenges.

About the Author

William Turley is a California Maritime Lawyer and a San Diego boat explosion lawyer. Bill has a national practice: he represents people injured in boat accidents which occur across America and the World. He was elected President of Consumer Attorneys of San Diego and was named a 2010 Top 10 San Diego Personal Injury Lawyer. He has the most comprehensive boat accident website in America.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/William-Turley/63381

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