Facts

In early September, 2007, the plaintiff, a woman in her thirties, suffered a boating injury while riding a Sunseeker SX Sport motorboat in the San Diego bay. Her injuries were the result of the defendant, the boat owner and captain, failing to properly negotiate the boat in choppy waters, control the speed of the boat, and ensure his passengers were safely seated while the vessel was moving. The plaintiff was thrown several feet in the air and landed on her back a number of times as the boat hit rough waters.

Injury

The plaintiff sustained severe injuries, including compression fractures to the T12-L1 discs in her spine that required a four day hospitalization. Therapy for her injuries including a thorocolumbar brace for approximately four months, bed rest for approximately three and half months, formal physical therapy, epidural injections, narcotic pain medications and muscle relaxants.  As a result of the accident, she was unable to work for several months. She continues to suffer from chronic low back pain and arthritis in the thorocolumbar area of her spine.

Settlement Information

The parties settled the case for $175,000.

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