Parasailing is an exciting way to take in Florida’s beautiful coastline. Participants who partake in the activity are treated to breathtaking views not offered to those on the ground. As with many activities that provide a thrill, it is however, not without risk. A parasailing accident can result in serious injuries and in some cases, even death.
Two men parasailing last month were injured when they ran into each other while both were airborne. According to officials, the collision, which occurred in Martin County, caused one of the men to fall close to 60 feet from the air. He landed in brush and was airlifted to the hospital.
A witness to the accident indicated that the man who landed in the brush “came down pretty hard.” Though the extent of the man’s injuries are currently unknown , the witness thought the man was seriously injured in the fall and likely sustained broken bones and possibly an injury to the spine. The other man involved in the collision reportedly sustained bruises and cuts.
Injuries to the spine can be devastating. After a spinal injury many of life’s seemingly little tasks can be difficult to accomplish. Depending on the severity, a spinal injury may even result in paraplegia or quadriplegia, requiring the use of multiple expensive assistive devices for the rest of the injured person’s life.
When such catastrophic injuries are due to the negligence of another individual or business, it is important to hold that party financially responsible. While financial compensation will never erase the injury causing accident, it may assist in improving one’s quality of life.
WSVN: “2 injured in parasailing accident,” July 25, 2011