Significant Seven-Figure Settlement in Cheat Lake Boat Explosion
Heavens Law Firm helped obtain a significant seven-figure settlement for a family injured in a boat explosion and flash fire on Cheat Lake in Monongalia County, West Virginia. The case involved claims against multiple parties, including the boat manufacturer, marina, boat owner and insurance interests.
What began as a family outing on Cheat Lake ended in a devastating explosion after the boat stopped at a marina to refuel.
On August 16, 2020, several members of two related families were aboard a 2000 Crownline CR 242. At approximately 6:40 p.m., the boat stopped at Edgewater Marina and took on approximately 38 gallons of gasoline. When an attempt was made to restart the engine, accumulated gasoline vapors ignited, causing an explosion and flash fire. The explosion was captured on the marina’s surveillance cameras.
Several family members, including children, suffered burn injuries.
Investigation of the Explosion
The case required an extensive investigation into how gasoline vapors were able to accumulate inside the boat and what caused those vapors to ignite.
The boat and its components were inspected and subjected to laboratory testing. The investigation identified fuel leakage in the area where the fuel sending unit connected to the fuel tank. Testing showed that the replacement fuel sending unit had not been properly installed: the attaching screws were loose and the gasket had been improperly installed.
The investigation also examined the source of ignition. Laboratory testing identified the battery switch and associated electrical conductors as the most probable ignition source. Investigators found smoke staining inside the switch and a conductor that had not been fully tightened.
The boat’s ventilation system was also examined. Both blower fans were tested and found to be operational. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources concluded that the blowers had not been properly used to evacuate gasoline vapors before an attempt was made to start the engine.
The investigation ultimately required consideration of the conduct and responsibility of multiple parties associated with the manufacture, ownership, maintenance, fueling and operation of the boat.
Serious Burn Injuries
The most severely injured passenger was only 16 years old.
She suffered extensive third-degree burns to both legs and her left arm and underwent multiple debridement procedures and skin grafts. Her treatment included inpatient rehabilitation with around-the-clock nursing care followed by outpatient physical and occupational therapy.
Her injuries resulted in permanent scarring and continued treatment. By the time the claim was being evaluated, her medical expenses alone exceeded $900,000, with substantial future medical care anticipated.
Other family members, including children, also suffered burns to their arms, legs, hands, feet and face. The family members experienced not only physical injuries but significant emotional effects from experiencing the explosion and witnessing their relatives being burned.
Multiple Liability and Insurance Issues
The case was complicated by the number of parties and legal issues involved.
In addition to determining why the boat exploded, the litigation required investigation of the responsibilities of the boat manufacturer, marina, boat owner and operator, as well as significant insurance-coverage issues.
The insurance issues were particularly complicated. Records showed that the boat had been purchased by a limited liability company, while questions subsequently arose concerning how the boat had been insured and who was identified as the named insured. The case therefore required pursuing not only the underlying liability claims but also the insurance coverage potentially available to compensate the injured family members.
Significant Seven-Figure Settlement
After extensive investigation and litigation, Heavens Law Firm and co-counsel obtained a significant seven-figure settlement for the injured family members.
The settlement included contributions associated with multiple parties, including the boat manufacturer, marina and insurance coverage applicable to the boat.
The case illustrates why serious boating accidents and explosions should be investigated immediately and independently. Determining responsibility can require preservation and inspection of the vessel, laboratory examination of fuel and electrical components, review of maintenance and repair records, marina records, surveillance video, insurance policies and testimony from multiple witnesses and experts.
An accident that initially appears to have a single cause can ultimately involve several responsible parties and multiple sources of insurance coverage.
West Virginia Boat Explosion and Maritime Injury Lawyers
Heavens Law Firm represents individuals and families who have suffered serious injuries in boating accidents, fires, explosions and defective-product cases.
When a serious boating accident occurs, important physical evidence can be altered, repaired or lost if the vessel and its components are not promptly preserved. An early investigation can also identify potential claims against parties beyond the boat operator, including manufacturers, repair facilities, marinas and others whose conduct may have contributed to the accident.
If you or a family member has suffered a serious injury in a boating accident, fire or explosion, contact Heavens Law Firm to discuss your case.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its particular facts.
