$3.8 Mil Awarded in Boating Case

Austin, TX - This week a federal jury awarded more than $3.8 million to a man who lost his leg in a 2005 boating accident on Lake Austin.

According to a news release, Mercury Marine and Sea Ray were accused of producing a defective propeller, resulting in the leg amputation of Jacob Brochtrub.

Jurors also found Brochtrup and a friend partially responsible in the incident.

In July of 2005, the victim and three friends were wakeboarding in a Sea Ray boat equipped with a MerCruiser engine when the accident happened.

Reports show the driver put the boat in gear to begin pulling the wakeboarders when a rope slipped into the water. The driver put the boat in reverse while Brochtrup jumped in the water to get the rope.

Immediately after jumping in the water, the victim's right leg was caught up in the boat's spinning propeller. Brochtrup had to have the limb amputated up to his hip.

He sued Mercury Marine, who made the engine, and Sea Ray, who manufactured the boat,alleging that the boat's propeller was dangerous and defective for lacking a propeller guard and shield.

According to the release, the guard and shield offer protection from the spinning propeller when swimmers are getting back in the boats or are on the ladder, which drops down inches away from the propeller. Boat and motor owner manuals warn to stay away from the spinning propeller, but it's not uncommon for swimmers to be struck by a spinning propeller.

Mercury Marine plans to appeal the verdict.