Piccuta Takes Sworn Statements in Case Where Arizona Client Lost Eyesight
On June 26th and 27th, Scottsdale injury lawyer, Tony Piccuta traveled to Ventura, California to take the sworn statements of Defendants in a maritime lawsuit. Piccuta filed the case in Federal Court on behalf of his client, who resides in Phoenix, Arizona. The case is entitled Bakkila v. CISCO’S Sportfishing, Inc., Et Al. and designated case # 5:17-CV-02438.
In the summer of 2016, the client traveled to California and boarded a deep-sea fishing charter with his son. The client selected the charter company, in part, because it advertised that it was suitable for beginners or others with no experience. The charter company did not warn of the potential for serious injury or advise that safety equipment, such as protective eyewear, should be worn. The crew on the fishing charter did not provide any instruction on safe fishing practices to any of the 21 customers who were aboard the boat that day.
While the client was fishing, the line of another customer became entangled in seaweed. The other customer attempted to free his line by pulling it back repeatedly. This resulted in great tension on the line. The line snapped, and a sinker struck the client, who was standing nearby, in the right eye. The client’s eye exploded, resulting in a permanent loss of vision in that eye. As a result, the client is no longer able to work in his previous position as a construction foreman or drive a vehicle.
Piccuta took the depositions of the boat captain, the boat owner, and the owners of the charter company. Piccuta focused his questioning on safety practices, past accidents, the advertising of the fishing charter company, the lack of notice to customers regarding the risks associated with sport fishing, and lack of safety precautions. Piccuta is claiming lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical expenses on behalf of his client.
Piccuta is also representing the client’s wife for her claim for the loss of services of her husband due to his disability. Piccuta is seeking a seven-figure recovery for his Phoenix-based clients. The parties will participate in mediation before taking the case to trial.
If you or a loved one was injured due to the negligence of another in either Arizona or California, contact Scottsdale Injury Lawyers today. One of our experienced attorneys will review your case and provide a free consultation.
