Important Information Regarding Whitewater Rafting Injuries and Liability
Whitewater rafting has grown to be a big business in many states and can provide you with a few hours of heart-stopping excitement. Although whitewater rafting companies may try to take every precaution to prevent injury, they still occur. There are estimates that as many as 50 people per year die in whitewater rafting accidents. This indicates that fatalities are relatively rare, but injuries are not, even on guided whitewater rafting trips.
Types of Whitewater Rafting Injuries
Some of the most common injuries that occur during whitewater rafting trips occur when someone strikes an object on the boat or in a river. This can happen during sudden stops due to rocks, rushing water or an oar placed in the wrong location that twists a boat. Also, rafters may suffer traumatic stress injuries due to the way they are positioned on the raft and the strong force of rushing water, or you may strain a body part because you didn’t get enough breaks while paddling.
Liability for Injury
Whitewater rafting companies require that participants sign waivers releasing them from liability should there be an injury. In some cases, courts will uphold those waivers as long as they are valid. A personal injury law firm Las Vegas can review the waiver you signed to confirm that it is valid. A waiver might be invalid if you were not given enough time to read it before signing it, if you were threatened in some way if you did not sign it or if the language of the waiver is not written clearly.
Proving Negligence
If the whitewater rafting company failed to use reasonable care to prevent your injury, you might have a claim. In other words, the company must provide a level of care that a sensible person would have used under the same circumstances. You will need to prove that the company did something that was not covered by the waiver. Failing to provide you with safety equipment or traveling into an area that was known to be above the rafter’s ability could be considered negligence. Failing to provide proper safety equipment may be regarded as gross negligence, conscious and voluntary disregard of the duty of care, according to Las Vegas personal injury lawyers.
If you have been injured in a whitewater rafting accident, contact the Schnitzer Law Firm, a personal injury law firm Las Vegas residents trust. You can reach us via email at contact@theschnitzerlawfirm.com, by phone at 702-960-4050, or by completing the simple form online. Hiring an attorney does not mean you are filing a lawsuit but that you want to protect your rights under the law.