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Columbus Man Is Indicted Of Four Charges For A Boating Death

Joseph Paulozzi
September 8, 2021

Ohio is surrounded by plenty of natural lakes, making summers a great time to go boating or tubing. Unfortunately, with the 110 lakes that Ohio has to offer, there is a higher chance of a boating accident. At Paulozzi LPA, our team of experienced Columbus boat accident attorneys is ready to step in whenever you need us.

Boat Accident Leaves One Dead and Two Injured

George Habib, a man operating a boat At Alum Creek State Park, allegedly killed Joseph Youssef on August 3rd at approximately 7 p.m. A witness stated that there was a group of men tubing at the time Habib was operating the boat. The incident left one dead and two injured.Habib abandoned his boat near the marina after the accident, but the rescue team discovered the boat. He was charged with four types of charges: aggravated vehicular homicide, aggravated vehicular assault, failure to complete a boating course as a requirement of a boating license, and unsafe operation of a vessel. The victims of the accident deserve compensation for the injuries caused by the alleged negligence. Our Columbus boat accident attorneys can help fight justice for the victims of such accidents.

Boating Accident Statistics In Ohio

According to the most recent reporting from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the number of boats registered was a total of 593,685.Watercraft can be classified under three main categories of unpowered or man-powered boats, sailboats, or motorboats. The types of watercraft involved in accidents could include the following:

  • Powerboat
  • Canoe
  • Kayak
  • Pontoon
  • Rowboat
  • Fishing boats
  • Deck boats
  • Houseboats
  • Dinghy boats
  • Bowrider boats
  • Catamaran boats
  • Cuddy cabins boats
  • Centre console boats
  • Trawler boats
  • Cabin cruiser boats
  • Yacht boats
  • Game boats
  • Jet Skis
  • Runabout boats
  • Jet boats
  • Ski boats/ Waterboard

In one calendar year, there were 5,265 boating accidents reported in the U.S., including 567 deaths and 3,191 injuries.Boating accidents can occur for various reasons. For example, being under the influence is a leading factor in boating accidents. In addition, 77% of the boat operators failed to receive a safe boating education. The lack of life jackets on a boat can increase one's chances of drowning. For instance, 75% of boating accident victims drowned, and 86% of those drowned victims were not wearing life jackets. You can diminish the chances of a boating accident happening with the right tools and resources like ensuring that the boat is fully equipped with life-saving measures, such as the following:

  • Life jackets
  • Throwable flotation devices
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Visual signaling devices
  • Sound signaling devices

Our Team Is Prepared To Secure The Compensation You Deserve

Ohio’s natural lakes are meant for a day of fun splashing around, not mourning for a lost loved one. The lakes in Ohio are not meant for accidents to happen, but that does not stop accidents from occurring. When an incident occurs on the water, please consult with our skilled team of Columbus boating accident attorneys at Paulozzi LPA.If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a boat accident due to negligence, reach out to us immediately by calling us at 614-335-3000 or clicking here.

Joseph Paulozzi
September 8, 2021
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