Maritime News

An appellate court has upheld a $3.2 million maritime law judgment awarded to an Omaha man who suffered severe brain injury after going overboard in a Cayman Island boating accident in 2003. The award covers the man’s medical bills, lost income, and on-going care.

 
The man, Daniel Doyle, who was 49-years-old at the time, was thrown off a 70-horsepower, 14-foot long inflatable boat when it suddenly veered as the driver powered it up to speed in the Caribbean Sea. The boat circled, and then it hit Doyle on the head and fractured 11 ribs on his right side.

 
The brain injury did not occur from the hit to the head, but rather from the broken ribs. The fractured ribs caused a caved-in chest which cut off the oxygen supply to Doyle’s brain.

 
Because of the brain injury, Doyle, a former mechanical engineer, is no longer able to work. He is coherent and aware of what is going on around him, but now requires extensive, constant care.

 
Leland Graske, a friend of Doyle’s, was the driver of the boat. He is currently seeking damages from the mechanic who did work on the steering wheel of the boat only days before the accident. The veer that caused the accident came after a nut and bolt in the steering linkage came loose.

 
Doyle’s wife, Anne, was awarded $750,000 for the loss of her husband’s comfort and companionship.

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