A Diving Accident Turns to Tragedy for College Freshman
A Florida State University freshman is paralyzed after a diving accident in South Florida near Keewaydin Island. The young woman was airlifted to the hospital after diving in headfirst from a boat she was on with friends. According to reports, she is paralyzed from the chest down after suffering a severe spinal cord injury.
Boating excursions and dive injuries can happen suddenly. A fun day on the water can turn to devastation when someone is seriously injured. If you or someone you love has been injured in a boating, diving, or swimming accident, contact Mase Mebane at (844) 627-3529 to discuss your legal options. The trial attorneys at Mase Mebane have helped injury victims recover millions in verdicts and settlements.
Catastrophic Diving Injuries
As reported by NBC 2, a Florida State University student was paralyzed after jumping into the water headfirst near Naples. The 18-year-old college freshman, Eden Schroeder, had been visiting friends and was boating near Keewaydin Island, a primary barrier island separating Naples and Marco Island.
Schroeder was the first to dive in the water from the boat. As soon as she dove in, reports indicate that her friends noticed she was not moving. Her 14-year-old sister, Peyton Schroeder, told NBC that friends immediately pulled her back onto the boat where Eden told them she was “in pain and couldn’t feel anything in her legs.”
Spinal Cord Damage
Ms. Schroeder was airlifted to Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers, where she was recovering in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after surgery. Reporting indicates that she was paralyzed from the chest down after suffering a severe spinal cord injury. According to friends and family, she has regained some feeling in her arms and is speaking.
Spinal cord injuries can be catastrophic, causing paralysis or death. Even in relatively minor cases, damage to the spinal cord can take years to repair and may result in debilitating back pain. Boating accidents can also cause other serious injuries.
Common diving injuries include:
- Head and neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Drowning or near-drowning
- Lung damage
- Lacerations
- Damage to internal organs
How We Can Help
At Mase Mebane, we are trial lawyers who represent individuals and their families who have been injured in boating accidents or diving accidents throughout Southern Florida. Depending on the situation, an injury victim may be able to recover damages against a negligent person or other liable parties.
It is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident to determine whether you have a case and should pursue litigation. Even if you were partially responsible for your injuries, you may still be able to collect compensation against a negligent party. It is essential to act fast, as you only have a limited amount of time to bring a personal injury case.
Contact Mase Mebane for a Free Consultation
If you have been injured in a boating or diving accident, contact Mase Mebane for a free consultation. Our experienced trial attorneys have obtained millions in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients.
Call (844) 627-3529 or fill out our online contact form to speak directly with an attorney.