Ice fishing is a favorite winter pastime for many. However, it can be more dangerous than most people realize.
If you were hurt while ice fishing due to no fault of your own, you may be entitled to compensation. With the help of our skilled injury attorneys, you can hold the responsible party accountable. Let a Fairmont ice fishing accident lawyer evaluate your case and advise you of your legal options today.
Ice fishing presents numerous risks. Dangerous or even deadly accidents can occur suddenly—in seconds, an idyllic day on a frozen lake can become a traumatic event. This is especially true if negligence is involved.
There is always the risk of slipping and falling on ice. While the right equipment can reduce the risks, it does not eliminate them. Arguably, the worst-case scenario is a person falling through the ice while ice fishing. In this case, a person can die from drowning or suffer from hypothermia. If negligence was a factor in your ice fishing accident, a Fairmont lawyer can help you understand your legal options.
Some ice fishing accidents are unavoidable, caused by issues beyond anyone’s control. Other injuries, however, could have been avoided completely if it were not for another person’s negligence. If negligence resulted in an ice fishing injury in Fairmont, an attorney may be able to help you.
Financial compensation may be available if another person’s actions are to blame for an accident while ice fishing. For the claim to be successful, all four elements of negligence must be met. First, there must be a duty of care owed to the injured party. For example, this duty may be owed by a fish house owner or a commercial fishing guide who led the victim onto the ice.
Next, there must be proof that the duty of care was violated. For example, a property owner who fails to properly check their carbon monoxide detector may be in violation of this duty.
The final two elements—causation and damages—are intertwined. They require proof of recoverable damages as well as evidence of a link between the injury and the breached duty of care.
If you were hurt in an accident while ice fishing, Maschka Personal Injury may be able to help.
Do not put your recovery at risk by representing yourself in court. Contact an experienced Fairmont ice fishing accident lawyer today and schedule a free meeting to discuss your case.