Watercraft operators and passengers look forward to the hot summer months when they can spend the day out on the lake with their watercraft. Unfortunately, the number of watercraft accidents has increased in the past few decades due to the prevalence of watercraft on state waterways. As a result, the number of colon injuries has increased as well. If you or a loved one have suffered a colon injury after a watercraft accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries.

Personal watercrafts are unfortunately susceptible to accidents and resulting injuries based on the lack of protection and the makeup of the watercraft itself. Personal watercraft are equipped with a jet thrust system which propels the watercraft, but is also the leading cause of personal watercraft injures. During any type of personal watercraft collision or accident, the passengers are often thrown backwards off the watercraft. During this motion, the passenger may be struck by the jet thrust. While a stream of water does not seem like it would lead to extensive injuries, the pressure and intensity with which the jet thrust can impact a personal watercraft passenger can lead to extremely serious injuries.

The popularity of personal watercraft has unfortunately brought with it the propensity for colon injuries. Personal watercraft, such as the Jet Ski and WaveRunner, are propelled by a high-pressured jet stream which shoots out water behind the watercraft at a high rate of speed. Any watercraft accident which knocks a passenger backwards off the personal watercraft could lead to severe colon injuries since the jet stream often hits the victim directly in the anus. The jet thrust to the anus could lead to rectal wall damage or perforation to the colon. Many of these serious colon injuries can only be rectified through surgeries, such as a colostomy. A victim may also be forced to undergo a surgery that redirects the colon so that stool can be removed through a pouch. While this may be a temporary procedure, it often become permanent and will cause the victim’s life to be forever changed.

The party responsible for the watercraft accident may be held liable for any damages caused by the accident, including:

• Medical expenses
• Rehabilitation expenses
• Lost wages
• Future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium (for close family members)

Colon injuries are not simple injuries that can be rectified by a brief hospital visit, but instead take months and potentially years to alleviate if that is an option. Many colon injuries end up as lifelong injuries, which require a completely new structure and outlook for work, activities, and family life.

If you or a loved one have suffered a colon injury based on the negligent actions of a watercraft operator or watercraft manufacturer, do not hesitate to contact the Malley Law Firm. Tony Malley has years of experience in assisting clients to file their watercraft injury claims. Colon injuries have lasting repercussions on victims and often require ongoing medical care. You should not have to bear the burden of covering the cost of medical expenses on your own. Contact our Texas offices today for your initial free consultation.