In the past ten (10) years, Richard McCune and other McCuneWright attorneys have become acutely aware of a national problem: the needless, ongoing carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning deaths of boaters, often children, at the rear of and in the water immediately behind rear-exhaust vented ski or family recreational boats.
In addition to pursuing just and full compensation for our carbon monoxide boat clients, whose losses are often catastrophic, with the loss of a loved one's life, McCuneWright dedicates its efforts in the area of practice to:
Tell A Friend
If you are aware of anyone who owns a pleasure boat with rear exhaust vents, please share with them the often unknown danger they are putting themselves, their friends or family in by occupying the rear swim platform or waters immediately behind the boat. Safety experts have urged boating and water enthusiasts not to occupy the swim platform or water within 20 feet directly behind the boat while the engine is on.
Millions have seen the stories involving our clients and attorneys on news programs such as ABC World News Tonight, Good Morning America and countless local network affiliates in major markets across the country. But, million of boaters and their guests have never even heard of this danger and every year there are carbon monoxide deaths on these boats. Clearly, much more must be done if these deaths are to stop.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) deaths behind these boats have taken place for over 20 years and the recreational boat industry continues to be largely unresponsive and seemingly unconcerned with the mounting deaths and injuries occurring behind their boats.
McCuneWright has represented several families who each tragically lost a child from carbon monoxide poisoning behind a family ski or recreational boat. These tragic and senseless deaths are continuing. All boaters and potential boaters must understand the ongoing fatal CO danger that exists at the back of these boats.
CO is deadly, known for years as the "silent killer." Most people, however, think of this odorless, colorless and tasteless exhaust byproduct as only rendering its effect indoors or in enclosed, confined spaces. But, that is misinformation, deadly misinformation. Carbon monoxide enters the bloodstream through the lungs, blocking oxygen the body needs. Extended exposure to low concentrations or very brief exposure to high concentrations can kill. Early symptoms of CO poisoning include irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness and dizziness. While boating these symptoms are often confused with seasickness or intoxication.
On ski boats the highest concentrations of CO are found around the swim deck or swim step at the rear of these boats. Boaters, often children, frequent this area while the boat idles or is moving at low speed. Just inches underneath this swim platform are the exhaust ports that emit these deadly fumes.
Richard McCune with several of his CO clients including, Mike and Amy Farr of El Dorado Hills, California, Marble and Doni Jones of Walla Walla, Washington and Max and Susan Reece of Salt Lake City, Utah, along with their families have worked tirelessly in their respective states in working their state legislatures to pass boat carbon monoxide legislation. As a result of their efforts registered boat owners in California, Washington and Utah are now receiving important life-saving information through the yearly boat registration process about the CO dangers that exist on their boats through the exhaust being emitted.
It is a major goal at McCuneWright that current and future education and legislation of all boaters and future boaters will greatly reduce the tragic, senseless deaths occurring across our country.