A 17-year-old girl from Indiana who was injured in a Florida parasailing accident underwent additional surgery on July 17 and was scheduled to begin rehabilitation. Her father reported that the surgery repaired facial injuries and replaced a bone flap; however, he didn’t address the possibility of a permanent disability for his daughter.
Medical personnel indicated that the surgeries went well and she would recover in the ICU where they would continue to observe her progress. The teen sustained the injuries in a July 1 parasailing accident when a rope that held her and a friend to the boat broke. They hit a building, an electrical line and a parked vehicle. Her 17-year-old friend also suffered serious injuries, including broken bones, a skull fracture and trauma to her brain.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission continued to investigate the incident and think that there could have been a problem with the equipment. Bystanders reported that strong winds thrust the pair into the objects after the line snapped. Two witnesses reported that the girls were limp for several seconds after they hit the building.
Both girls have since been transported back to their home state of Indiana. The family expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the support and prayers that many people from around the world have offered to them.
After a serious accident that results in injury, family members could struggle as they try to cope with the ensuing rehabilitation, surgeries and related medical expenses. A personal injury attorney might be able to file a civil lawsuit to hold the party responsible for the equipment financially accountable for their actions.
Source: NBC Chicago, ‘Two Indiana Teens Injured in Florida Parasailing Accident,” July 5, 2013.
Source: News-Sentinel, “Roanoke teen hurt in Florida parasailing crash has more surgery”, July 18, 2013