A fun day parasailing can be a thrilling experience, and Myrtle Beach offers an ideal setting for this recreational activity. Unfortunately, an enjoyable parasailing outing carries risks, and accidents can happen due to negligence. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), serious parasailing accidents occur every year that cause severe injuries and fatalities to parasailers. Often, equipment failure is the primary cause of these devastating accidents.
If you’ve been hurt in a parasailing accident in Myrtle Beach, you might be dealing with severe pain, overwhelming medical bills, and uncertainty about your future. It’s crucial to act quickly after a parasailing accident to protect your rights and give yourself the best chance of recovering fair compensation.
At Jebaily Law Firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and legal challenges you face after a parasailing accident. Our dedicated parasail accident lawyers are here to manage the legal process and seek maximum compensation for your personal injuries. Our Myrtle Beach parasailing accident lawyers will stand by your side every step of the way, fighting for your rights and handling all the legal details.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you.
What Makes Parasailing a Dangerous Recreational Activity?
Several factors can make parasailing rides a dangerous activity on the Grand Strand. Equipment failures, such as broken harnesses or a weak towline, can lead to serious accidents. Additionally, sudden weather changes can create hazardous conditions like high winds, making it difficult for operators to control the parasail.
Inexperienced or negligent parasail operators can also increase the risk of accidents. Furthermore, collisions with other boaters, buildings, or other obstacles can break bones, lead to blunt trauma, and cause other serious injuries. Sadly, the parasailing industry does not always fully explain these dangers to customers, potentially putting them in dangerous situations they don’t fully understand.
What Are the Safety Risks Associated with Parasailing?
Parasailing is an exhilarating activity, but participants can suffer catastrophic injuries when things go wrong. Here are some of the most common hazards associated with parasailing:
- Equipment failure – Parasailing relies on specialized equipment, like harnesses, towlines, and parachutes. If any of these components fail, it can lead to severe accidents.
- Weather conditions – Sudden changes in weather, such as strong winds or storms, can make parasailing extremely dangerous. These conditions can cause the parasail to become uncontrollable, leading to crashes or falls.
- Operator error – The experience and skill of the parasailing company and its operators play a significant role in safety. Inexperienced or negligent operators may not follow proper safety protocols, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Water landings – Landing in the ocean might seem safe, but it can be hazardous. High-speed impacts with the water can cause injuries, and there is a risk of drowning if the participant becomes entangled in the harness or towline.
- Collisions – Parasailers can collide with other boats, buildings, or power lines. These collisions can result in severe injuries or fatalities.
- Improper takeoff and landing – Taking off and landing are critical moments in parasailing. If not done correctly, they can lead to accidents.
What Are Your Rights If You Get Hurt While Parasailing in Myrtle Beach?
If you get hurt while parasailing in Myrtle Beach and someone else caused the accident, you have the right to take legal action against them. Usually, that means filing a claim against the liable party’s insurance company.
If you have compelling evidence to support your claim and a skilled parasail accident attorney on your side, the insurance company might offer you a fair settlement without a prolonged legal battle. Unfortunately, insurance companies make money by minimizing the amount they pay in claims. There’s a good chance the liable party’s insurer will dispute your claim, potentially leading to several rounds of settlement negotiations.
If the insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement offer, you can file a civil lawsuit against the liable party and take them to court. However, remember that South Carolina law gives you just three years from the date of an accident to file a lawsuit, so don’t wait too long to speak to our parasailing accident lawyers in Myrtle Beach.
Who’s Liable for a Parasailing Accident in South Carolina?
Determining liability for a parasailing accident can be complex, as several parties might be responsible for your injuries. Here are some examples of the potentially liable parties in a Myrtle Beach parasailing accident claim:
- Parasailing operators – Operators are often the primary liable parties for parasailing accidents. If they fail to follow safety protocols, properly maintain equipment, or adequately train their staff, they may be liable for any resulting injuries.
- Equipment manufacturer – Defective equipment is one of the most common causes of parasailing accidents. The equipment manufacturer might be responsible if a harness, towline, or parachute malfunctions due to a design or manufacturing flaw.
- Boat owner and boat operator – Sometimes, someone other than the parasail operator owns the boat used for parasailing excursions. If the boat owner fails to maintain the vessel properly or the boat has safety issues that contribute to the accident, they could be legally responsible.
- Crew members – The crew assisting the parasailing operator must follow safety guidelines. Negligent behavior, such as improper equipment handling or failure to follow protocols, can make them liable for accidents.
- Government or regulatory bodies – If the accident occurred due to inadequate oversight or failure to enforce safety regulations, local or national regulatory bodies might bear some responsibility. This is less common but can be relevant in some instances.
What Damages Can I Collect If I’m Injured While Parasailing in Myrtle Beach?
One vital reason to hire a Myrtle Beach personal injury lawyer is to give yourself the best possible chance of maximizing your compensation. You usually have one opportunity to recover compensation for your injuries, and our attorneys can help you seek repayment for:
- Past and future medical costs
- Lost income
- Reduced future earnings due to an injury or disability
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Emotional distress
Why Should You Choose a Parasailing Injury Lawyer from Jebaily Law Firm?
In your search for a parasailing accident lawyer near me, you deserve to find skilled, experienced legal representation to handle your claim. The South Carolina parasailing accident attorneys at Jebaily Law Firm have over 100 years of combined experience and a history of recovering substantial compensation for our clients, including many settlements and jury awards of over $1 million. We provide clear, consistent communication with clients at every step of the legal process. Our job is to make this process as easy as possible for you as we protect your rights.
Don’t wait to act if you sustained injuries on a Myrtle Beach parasailing trip. Call Jebaily Law Firm today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
