This is a list of our firm's case results in Virginia (VA) and beyond. We can't guarantee you'll receive the same results, but we can guarantee we'll work tirelessly on your behalf and try to obtain the jury verdict or settlement you deserve.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that every case is different and these verdicts and settlements, while accurate, do not represent what we may obtain for you in your case.

Custom Ski Boat Manufactuer Builds Defective Product

SCLA Staff:  Richard N. Shapiro, Attorney; Kevin M. Duffan, Attorney; Roz Hughes, Paralegal
Court Date:  Settled prior to trial

Case Description:  Virginia (VA) Ski Boat owner injures leg when falling through swim deck due to negligent design.

Type of Injury:  Foot and ankle injury; nerve damage.

What Happened:   Lake Gaston is a popular vacation spot for residents of Virginia (VA), North Carolina (NC) and other nearby locations, as well as a major source of water for Virginia Beach residents.  Our client was enjoying his new ski boat on Lake Gaston in Virginia (VA) with his family when the day took an unfortunate and tragic turn.  After having fun wakeboarding, he stepped onto the inner deck of his boat where the seat cushions were located, and his foot slipped through the cushions and into a crack between the cushions and seat back.  His foot then became trapped in the open slot between the engine cover and deck.  He remained trapped for over 15 minutes, terrifying his family that was with him.  When he finally was able to free himself, his foot and ankle had turned black around the edges and he was bleeding and in considerable pain.   

Outcome:  Confidential Settlement prior to trial.

Key Legal Strategy:  There were two major hurdles that our firm had to overcome in this case.  To prove liability, we hired a mechanical engineer that went to examine the boat in question and develop a report based on his findings.  The engineer's opinion was that the defect in the boat represented a deviation in the industry standard for design and manufacture of small watercraft and was a hazard to personnel.  This report was a critical piece of evidence in proving liability, as was ultimately instrumential in helping us settle the case.  Secondly, even though the client's medical expenses were relatively low, he suffered a nerve injury that will cause him pain and discomfort for the rest of his life.  In order to prove this fact, our client was examined by a physical therapist who prepared an impairment rating based on the AMA guidelines.  This impairment rating showed the extent of the client's disability.  Given the client's profession as a custom carpenter/contractor, this disability affected his ability to work. 

Disclaimer: Please note that every case is different and these verdicts and settlements, while accurate, do not represent what we may obtain in your case.

Awarded: Confidential Settlement

Awarded: Confidential

    

About the Editors: Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia (VA) injury law firm whose attorneys focus exclusively on personal injury and accident law. We have a proven track record in the court room, and you can review our case results to see for yourself. We have offices in Virginia Beach and Hampton, but we're ready to come to you anywhere in VA if you've been seriously hurt by the carelessness of another person or company.

Virginia injury lawyers Rick Shapiro and James Lewis have been recognized as among the Best Lawyers in America since 2008. Shapiro and Lewis have also been selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum since 2009. Rick, Jim and Randy have been named Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law (Jim since '06, Rick since '10, and Randy since '12). This is a prestigious recognition that only 5 percent of lawyers receive.

We were the first injury law firm in Virginia to join Primerus, a select group of highly ethical and respected law firms. Our Virginia Beach accident injury firm has the highest rating of AV from Martindale-Hubbell, a national lawyer ranking organization, which means we have a reputation for preeminent legal skill. 

We also offer free special reports and edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard blog sites as a public information service.

Our attorneys have deep roots in Virginia and handle cases throughout the commonwealth including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton and Suffolk, VA. 

While not every injury case meets our criteria, we offer free initial confidential consultations, so call us toll free at (800) 752-0042. If you cannot get through due to the high call volume, please leave a voicemail and we will get back to you shortly.