This page within Virginia Tort Case Law is a compilation of cases reported by the Virginia Supreme Court and summarized by Brien Roche dealing with the topic of Boats and the related topic of vehicle accidents. For more information on boating see the page on Wikipedia.
Boats-Statutes
See Va. Code § 54.1-900 et seq. as to licensing of pilots.
See Va. Code § 29.1-700 as to definition of motorboats.
See Va. Code § 29.1-738 as to operation of boat and use of water skis.
See Va. Code § 29.1-742 as to towing water skis.
See Va. Code § 29.1-739 as to duty of operator involved in accident and as to immunity from liability for rendering assistance.
Boats-Cases
2005 Garlock Sealing Techs., LLC v. Little, 270 Va. 381, 620 S.E.2d 773.In this wrongful death action arising from exposure to asbestos, court determined that federal maritime principles applied to the plaintiff’s claim.
1996 David A. Parker Enters, v. Templeton, 251 Va. 235, 467 S.E.2d 488.Plaintiff allegedly struck by propeller blade on boat. A factual dispute exists as to whether or not engine was in gear or not in gear at time of injury. Medical doctors testified that injury was slicing type injury and that propeller was rotating at time of injury. Opinion as to type of injury was admissible, but opinion as to whether or not propeller was rotating is beyond the scope of expert testimony because jury was equally capable of making that determination.
1953 Glen Falls Ins. Co. v. Long, 195 Va. 117, 77 S.E.2d 457.Boat seaworthy prior to trip. It sank due to entry of water through hull. Presumption that loss due to peril of sea or latent defect.
