Ride the Ducks Boat Crash Deaths Settled for $17M
Just days after opening arguments, the families of two tourists killed in the 2010 Philadelphia Ride the Ducks boat crash have agreed to settle their wrongful death suit for $15 million. The Ride the Ducks settlement also includes $2 million to be split between 18 other people who were injured.
The monies will be paid by Ride the Ducks and K-Sea Transportation Partners, which is responsible for the barge that struck the tourist boat. K-Sea's first mate had been on his cell phone and laptop during the crash and was unable to see the duck boat, which had been improperly stopped in the middle of the river.
Counsel has not disclosed how much each company will contribute to the Ride the Ducks settlement, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. Though Ride the Ducks failed to implement a number of recommended safety changes, the first mate ignored his responsibilities.
He had turned down his emergency radio, which caused him to miss crash warnings, reports the Inquirer. He also moved to the lower wheelhouse, impeding his vision. These facts suggest that K-Sea will pay the majority of the settlement.
As for how the additional $2 million will be split, it is also unknown. It's possible that it will be split between the 18 plaintiffs in accordance with the extent of their injuries. For instance, a person who only had a few scrapes and bruises may get less than someone who was hospitalized for a few days.
Unfortunately, the parties don't have to disclose the particulars of the Ride the Ducks settlement. The above details may be all we ever know.
Related Resources:
- Victims of Philly duck boat crash settle suit for $17M (USA Today)
- Wrongful Death Overview (FindLaw)
- Wrongful Death Suit Filed in Duck Boat Incident (FindLaw's Injured)