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Negligent Security Seminar | March 2015

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    Yet Another Parasailing Tragedy in Florida Keys Kills Tourist

    The Memorial Day weekend parasailing tragedy involving the death of Supraja Alaparthi, 33, and serious injuries to her nephew Vishant Sadat, 7, bring to light the hazards from negligent operation of this activity.  Ms. Alaparthi and her son and nephew were parasailing in the Florida Keys over the holiday weekend.  When winds picked up, the parasailing boat captain apparently cut the tow line, catapulting the woman and children into the Seven Mile Bridge.  Ms. Alparthi was killed and the 7 year-old child was airlifted to Nicklaus Miami Children’s Hospital.

    Parasailing, which is a popular vacation activity, belies hidden dangers which have killed many tourists in Florida and elsewhere.  It requires skill and attention to weather.  All boat captains know that in Florida in the summer the winds can increase quickly and storms roll in.  Parasailing should never take place anywhere near a fixed object like a bridge or other structure.

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    In 2014 Florida enacted a statewide parasailing safety law in response to high-profile parasailing tragedies. Florida Statutes Section 327.02, which represents the first law regulating the parasailing industry in the country, was passed and signed after years of work by victims and their advocates.  This law is was the first attempt to reign in the industry and requires minimum standards and liability insurance. Leighton Panoff Law’s John Leighton fiercely advocated for passage of what is now known as the Miskell-White Act after representing the family of Amber May White, who was killed in a parasailing accident off Pompano Beach in 2007. Her sister was also seriously injured in that tragedy.

    Since then Mr. Leighton, Max Panoff and the lawyers at Leighton Panoff Law have been widely recognized for representing victims of parasailing accidents in Florida and elsewhere, and continue to fight for improved standards and laws.  Despite the laws, failures by the parasailing operators continue to plague this sport, leaving vacationers injured and dead.

    What happened in the recent Florida Keys parasailing tragedy?

    On Memorial Day weekend, Supraja Alaparthi, 33, was tragically killed, and her 7-year-old nephew, Vishant Sadat, was seriously injured in a parasailing accident near the Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys. When winds unexpectedly picked up, the boat captain reportedly cut the tow line, causing the parasail to collide with the bridge. The incident underscores the dangers of negligent parasailing operations and poor weather judgment, especially near fixed structures.

    Why is parasailing considered dangerous in Florida?

    Parasailing is inherently risky and requires careful attention to weather and surroundings. Florida’s summer conditions can cause winds to change rapidly, creating hazardous conditions. Accidents often occur when parasailing operators fail to heed these changes or operate too close to fixed objects like bridges. Despite legal safety requirements, failures in judgment and training continue to make parasailing a dangerous recreational activity, especially when negligence is involved.

    What is the Miskell-White Act and how does it regulate parasailing?

    The Miskell-White Act, codified in Florida Statutes Section 327.02, was enacted in 2014 as the nation’s first comprehensive parasailing safety law. The legislation mandates that parasailing operators carry liability insurance, maintain equipment, and monitor weather conditions. This law was passed following advocacy by victims’ families, including those represented by Leighton Panoff Law, and aims to enforce minimum safety standards in an industry long criticized for its lack of regulation.

    Can parasailing operators be held liable for accidents?

    Yes, parasailing operators can be held liable if their negligence results in injury or death. Liability may stem from poor weather decisions, proximity to hazardous structures, faulty equipment, or a failure to follow state safety regulations. Victims or their families may file personal injury or wrongful death claims to seek compensation for losses. Legal counsel experienced in parasailing litigation, such as Leighton Panoff Law, can help navigate these complex cases.

    What legal action can victims of parasailing accidents take?

    Victims of parasailing accidents may pursue personal injury claims for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, or file wrongful death lawsuits in fatal cases. These claims often target parasailing operators, boat captains, or companies that fail to follow legal safety standards. Working with attorneys familiar with the Miskell-White Act and parasailing litigation ensures thorough investigation and accountability for negligent conduct.

    Why do parasailing tragedies continue despite safety laws?

    Despite Florida’s parasailing safety laws, tragedies persist due to lax enforcement, inadequate training, and reckless decision-making by operators. Many incidents occur when operators disregard weather warnings or engage in unsafe practices near structures like bridges. Legal standards are only as effective as their implementation, which is why continued advocacy and litigation are necessary to drive industry accountability and reform.

    How can Leighton Panoff Law help victims of parasailing accidents?

    Leighton Panoff Law has a nationally recognized track record in parasailing litigation. Founding attorney John Leighton helped pass Florida’s parasailing safety law after representing victims in high-profile cases like the Amber May White tragedy. The firm continues to represent clients harmed in parasailing accidents, fighting for justice and higher safety standards. Call 888.988.1774 for a free consultation if you or a loved one has been affected by a parasailing incident.

    Article by:

    John Leighton

    A nationally-recognized trial lawyer who handles catastrophic injury and death cases. He manages Leighton Law, P.A. trial lawyers, with offices in Miami and Orlando, Florida. He is President of The National Crime Victim Bar Association, author of the 2-volume textbook,Litigating Premises Security Cases, and past Chairman of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America’s Motor Vehicle, Highway & Premises Liability Section. Having won some of the largest verdicts in Florida history, Mr. Leighton is listed inThe Best Lawyers in America (14 years), “Top Lawyers” in the South Florida Legal Guide (15 years), Top 100 Florida SuperLawyer™ and Florida SuperLawyers (14 years), “Orlando Legal Elite” by Orlando Style magazine, and FloridaTrend magazine “Florida Legal Elite

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