Maritime Accident News

Man’s Leg Amputated by Fishing Boat Propeller in Florida

On February 26, 2011, 69-year-old Naples Park resident Rosario Pucciarelli entered the water at Vanderbilt Beach in Naples, FL thinking he was going for just another refreshing swim. He had no idea that a horrific Florida boat accident would result in an amputation and send him airlifted to Lee Memorial Hospital in critical condition.

Pucciarelli frequently swam at Vanderbilt Beach, but February 26th was different. Apparently, 34-year-old Brandon Ruganis drove his 2004 Pathfinder fishing boat into the swimming area near the Ritz-Carlton Naples Beach Resort and ran into Pucciarelli in the water, amputating one of his legs right below the knee.

Five months later, Pucciarelli has opted to sue Ruganis for reckless and careless operation of his fishing boat. Ruganis was not arrested after the accident, but a Florida law enforcement agency ultimately charged him with two misdemeanors:

1. One misdemeanor for reckless operation of his fishing boat;
2. One misdemeanor for failing to maintain a safe speed.

Whether the 69-year-old will or will not win compensation for disability, disfigurement, pain, suffering, anguish, hospital and medical bills, and other costs obviously remains to be seen.

But this news story does illustrate that injured victims may have more resources at their disposal than they realize. If someone else's negligence, carelessness, or intentional malevolent act played a role in your injury, the experienced team at Vujasinovic & Beckcom, P.L.L.C. would like to educate you about your rights and provide a free consultation about how you might proceed. Learn more by downloading our three consumer reports for free or by calling us for help at (877) 724-7800.

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