Family Sues Over 2008 Egypt Lake Watercraft Death
Hillsborough County, Florida. The family a the 14-year old boy who died following a 2008 water scooter accident has sued the owner of the water scooter. The accident occurred on Egypt Lake on May 24, 2008 when James F. Parker crashed the water scooter into a dock. At the time of the accident, Parker's younger brother, Benjamin, was riding on the back of the scooter and suffered injuries. The lawsuit was filed in Hillsborough County, Florida Circuit Court alleging that the owner of the vehicle, Gregory T. Jordan, allowed the boy to ride unsupervised and without proper training.
In the State of Florida, water scooters (jetskis) are dangerous instrumentalities because of their propensity to cause injury or death. Generally speaking, the owner of a dangerous instrumentality is responsible for the negligence of the operator when he lends his vehicle out to the operator. The normally means responsible to third parties and not the operator. This case, however, is unique because it involves a minor. By lending a dangerous instrumentality to a minor, a special relationship (in loco parentis) is created in the eyes of the law. If you or a loved one has been injured in Central Florida, including Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Haines City, Davenport, or Polk County, Florida, please contact a personal injury lawyer with Moody Law to discuss your rights. A consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers is free.
