Mother Seeks to Hold Parents Liable for Fatal Teen Boating Accident

The mother of a 15-year-old killed in a boating accident has filed a lawsuit against the parents of the teen who was operating the boat. While traveling at a high rate of speed, the boys’ boat struck the dock, throwing them both from the vessel. 

Florida is a haven for boating enthusiasts of all ages. However, the thrill of the open water can quickly turn dangerous, especially for inexperienced teenage boaters. The U.S. Coast Guard reported 310 boating accidents involving operators between the ages of 13-years-old and 18-years-old in 2023, resulting in 30 deaths and 158 injuries. 

Boating accidents in the Clearwater area, and throughout Florida, may result in serious injuries or death. At Magazine & Light Law Group, our personal injury and wrongful death lawyers have more than 30 years helping those injured due to the negligence of others recover the compensation they deserve. To discuss your options in a FREE initial consultation, contact us today at 727-499-9900.

Risks of Teenage Boating in Florida

Boating can be a fun and exciting activity and, like driving, offers teens a sense of freedom. Like driving, however, there are inherent risks for young, inexperienced boaters. 

Common risks teens face while boating include:

Lack of Experience and Training

Teens may lack the necessary skills and judgment to handle a boat safely. Consequently, they may have an increased danger of accidents such as collisions or capsizing. 

The lawsuit filed in the case of the teen killed while boating with a friend in St. Pete claims the teen boat operator lacked adequate experience. It alleges that the parents of the boat operator, who was also 15-years-old at the time of the wrongful death accident, purchased the 18-foot Key West 188 BR watercraft for the teen.

Distractions

Perhaps more than any other age group, teenagers may be subject to a range of distractions. Some of the most common of these include using cell phones or other electronic devices, eating or drinking, or talking to passengers. Distractions such as these can create serious hazards when operating water vessels, however. They may take teen boaters’ eyes off the water and attention off the task of safely operating their vessels. 

After the recent fatal boating accident in St. Pete, the teen operating the boat allegedly told witnesses he had been changing the music on his phone when the crash happened. 

Alcohol and Drug Use

Although not legally permitted, boating under the influence is a common factor in teenage boating accidents in Florida and elsewhere. Drugs and alcohol can cause impairments, such as slowed reaction times, decreased coordination, and visual disturbances. These, and other such impairments, may increase the likelihood of accidents and injuries. 

Alcohol seems to have been a contributing factor in the fatal teen boating accident in St. Pete. The lawsuit filed by the deceased teen’s mother claims the parents of the young man who was operating the boat allowed the underage boys to take alcohol out on the watercraft. 

Understanding Parental Liability in Teenage Boating Accidents

In Florida, parents or guardians may be held liable for the negligent acts of their minor children, including boating accidents. Through vicarious liability, they can be responsible, even if they were not directly involved in the incident themselves. Such liability can arise from various factors, including:

• Negligent Supervision: Parents have a responsibility to supervise their teen’s boating activities, which includes monitoring their child’s behavior on the water and providing proper training. As such, they may be held accountable for any resulting injuries or damages if they fail to provide adequate supervision. 
• Providing Access to a Boat: Parents who knowingly let their underage children operate boats without proper training or supervision may face legal consequences.
• Failure to Enforce Boating Safety Rules: If parents neglect to make sure their teens follow safety rules while boating, such as wearing life jackets or avoiding alcohol consumption, they may be held partially responsible for accidents. 

Liability in teenage boating accidents depends on the circumstances of the wreck. An experienced Clearwater personal injury lawyer can help families understand liability and their options.

Filing a Lawsuit for a Teenage Boating Accident in Florida

Filing a lawsuit for a teenage boating accident in Florida can be challenging. Issues, such as dram shop laws in Florida, parental responsibility, and other factors may come into effect. An experienced boating accident lawyer can help identify liable parties, and aid with proving negligence. 

Allegations of Negligence

To successfully file a lawsuit for a boating accident, those seeking to recover compensation must prove the defendants acted negligently. To this end, they must show the defendants’ actions fall into one of the four types of negligence, and that they owed them a duty of care, breached that duty, and that the breach directly caused their injuries. 

The recently filed lawsuit claims the parents of the teen operating the boat at the time of the fatal accident were negligent in their responsibilities. Court documents claim the parents engaged in a pattern of making such purchases for their son, and failing to provide adequate training or supervision. 

Damages and Compensation

Those injured in boating accidents, or the families of those killed in watercraft collisions, may be entitled to compensation for various damages. An experienced attorney may walk them through the personal injury claims process in Florida for recovering allowable damages. These include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

The wrongful death lawsuit filed in the case of the fatal teen boating accident in St. Pete seeks $50,000 in damages, as well as interest and attorneys’ fees.

Boating accidents in Florida can leave victims and their families struggling. If you were injured in a boat accident, or lost a loved one in a watercraft crash, you have options. Contact our team at Magazine & Light Law Group today to discuss your case. Call 727-499-9900 for a FREE initial consultation.

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association