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A Dive Boat Captain in Santa Barbara Charged With 34 Counts of Manslaughter

Posted by Denis Zilberberg
Date
Filed in Premises Liability

If a safety violation occurs on a property owners’ or operators’ premises, it is usually due to failure of inspection and maintaining their property. The property owner or operator may be held liable for any injuries and damages on their property. Guests and visitors should not have to deal with someone else’s mistakes. A Santa Barbara personal injury attorney can help victims injured by a property owners’ negligent actions.

Details Of The Case

In Santa Barbara, California, a dive boat captain faced 34 counts of manslaughter on account of negligence. 67-year-old Jerry Nehl Boylan faced allegations of failing to adhere to the Code of Federal Regulations. The dive boat captain should have conducted fire drills, completed proper crew training, and had a night watch patrol ready before the boat trip. Implementing the necessary safety precautions could have helped avoid the tragedy that unfolded before them.

A fire broke out on the dive boat that consumed it entirely, causing the boat to sink. Unfortunately, 34 victims were sleeping below deck at the time of the fire. The victims woke up to find themselves trapped in a fire-filled bunkroom. Five crew members were lucky enough to escape in time and avoid a horrible death.

The grand jury indicted Boylan on 34 counts of seaman’s manslaughter, 33 of which were passengers and one who was a crew member.

The Impact That Comes With The Negligent Actions Of A Property Owner

Premise liability injuries can occur for various reasons, such as the following:

  • Dog bites
  • Exposed to toxic fumes and chemicals
  • Elevator injuries
  • Swimming pool injuries
  • Inadequate security
  • Slip and fall accidents
  • Physical assaults
  • Explosion incidents
  • Improperly maintained premise
  • Amusement park accidents
  • Ceiling collapse
  • Electrocution
  • Violation of building codes

Various types of accidents can happen if a property owner does not make safety their top priority. The common leading injuries consist of the following:

  • Traumatic head injuries
  • Burn injuries
  • Broken or fractured bones
  • Dislocated bones
  • Internal bleeding
  • Amputated limbs
  • Puncture and lacerations wounds
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Concussions
  • Internal organ damage
  • Respiratory tract injuries
  • Illnesses due to exposure to toxic fumes, chemicals, and molds
  • Open head wounds

Property owners need to follow safety guidelines to protect their guests, visitors, and customers from any possible harm. It is their responsibility to warn their guests of any potential hazards, risks, or faulty conditions.

What A Personal Injury Attorney Can Do For You?

If you or someone you care about has suffered any injuries resulting from a property owner failing to ensure safety on their premise, contact a Santa Barbara personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Our Santa Barbara personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of John B. Richards are committed to using our resources and exercising our skills to make sure we get you the compensation you deserve. The compensation you receive could cover:

Our mission is to investigate your claim thoroughly to prove you are entitled to compensation. If you or a loved one needs an experienced personal injury attorney in Santa Barbara, California, reach out to us to schedule a free consultation by calling us at 805-683-2736 or clicking here.

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