Latest News 2009 October Boating Accident Victim Awarded $1.1 Million

Boating Accident Victim Awarded $1.1 Million

A California man has been ordered by a judge to pay $1.1 million in restitution to the family of an 11-year-old boy he ran over with his boat.

Dallen McEntire was being towed on a kneeboard by his father when Roger Guzman hit him with his boat.  McEntire suffered a fractured skill and other injuries in the accident.

$1 million of the restitution will be used towards McEntire's medical expenses and ongoing care, while $101,841 will go to the family for out-of-pocket expenses relating to the accident.

Despite this large ruling, Guzman's attorney, Scott Baly, does not think his client will be able to pay the restitution for quite some time.

"In the immediate future, there is no likelihood that there will be payments made toward that amount. [Guzman] is in prison, and he's got quite a bit of time to serve before he'll be released," said Baly.

However, Baly did say that the restitution will follow Guzman for the rest of his life, and that it is not something Guzman will be able to get rid of through bankruptcy or by some other means.

Guzman was sentenced to two years in prison for the incident.

Thomas Kirby, a co-defendant in the case, was ordered to pay $80,000 in restitution for his involvement in the accident. Both Kirby and Guzman will be held responsible for the total amount, however, Kirby's responsibility is capped at $80,000.

To learn more about boating accident laws in your area, please click here to find a personal injury lawyer near you!

Categories: Boating Accidents

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